Third Dynasty of Ur

Third Dynasty of Ur was an empire in Mesopotamia (Middle East) that lasted from 2112 to 2004 BCE, about 108 years. Its people spoke Isolates and ancient languages (Sumerian, Elamite, Hurrian, Urartian, Hattic, Kassite, Etruscan, Basque, Ainu).

Sumerian revival under Ur-Nammu, who built the great ziggurat of Ur and issued the oldest surviving law code. Its bureaucracy left tens of thousands of tablets before Elamites sacked Ur in 2004 BCE.

See Third Dynasty of Ur on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates

2112 to 2004 BCE

Duration

108 years

Type

Empire

Region

Mesopotamia, Middle East

Language family

Isolates and ancient

Capital

Ur

Came from

• Gutian dynasty c. 2154 to 2112 BCE

Became

• Isin c. 2017 to 1794 BCE
• Larsa c. 2025 to 1763 BCE

Events in Middle East during its time

• 2004 BCE Elamites sack Ur

Neighbours in Middle East

• Ebla c. 3000 to 1600 BCE
• Old Elamite period c. 2700 to 1500 BCE
• Mari c. 2900 to 1761 BCE
• Dilmun c. 2800 to 544 BCE
• Troy c. 3000 to 1180 BCE
• Byblos c. 2800 to 1200 BCE
• Old Assyrian city-state c. 2025 to 1365 BCE
• Lagash c. 2500 to 2110 BCE
• Eshnunna c. 2028 to 1762 BCE
• Larsa c. 2025 to 1763 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

• Minoan civilization c. 3100 to 1450 BCE, Europe

Questions