What is Ur?

Definition of the glossary term Ur

Dec 11, 2006 Robin Fowler

Definition of the glossary term Ur

Ur was a major city, and later the capital, of the Ancient Sumerian empire (modern Iraq) in Mesopotamia. It's location near the sea and trade routed made it good for commerce. At one point in its history (2030 - 1980 B.C.), Ur was the world's largest city, boasting about 65,000 people within its walls. The city featured many glorious temples and tombs. Today, the site is recognziable for it's well-preserved remains of the Great Ziggurat.

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