Uruk

Uruk was a state in Mesopotamia (Middle East) that lasted from c. 2900 to 2270 BCE, about 630 years. Its people spoke Isolates and ancient languages (Sumerian, Elamite, Hurrian, Urartian, Hattic, Kassite, Etruscan, Basque, Ainu).

Largest Sumerian city, home of the legendary king Gilgamesh, with walls almost 10 km long. Its kings competed with Kish and Ur until the Akkadians took the city.

See Uruk on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 2900 to 2270 BCE
Duration: 630 years
Type: State
Region: Mesopotamia, Middle East
Language family: Isolates and ancient
Capital: Uruk

Events in Middle East during its time

2334 BCE Sargon founds the Akkadian Empire

Neighbours in Middle East

Akkadian Empire c. 2334 to 2154 BCE
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
Kish c. 2900 to 2334 BCE
Lagash c. 2500 to 2110 BCE
Umma c. 2600 to 2334 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Minoan civilization c. 3100 to 1450 BCE, Europe
Old Kingdom of Egypt c. 2686 to 2181 BCE, North and West Africa

Questions

When did Uruk exist?

c. 2900 to 2270 BCE, about 630 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Uruk?

Mesopotamia, in Middle East. Its capital was Uruk.

What language did Uruk speak?

Isolates and ancient. This family includes Sumerian, Elamite, Hurrian, Urartian, Hattic, Kassite, Etruscan, Basque, Ainu.