Third Dynasty of Ur - Height of Sumerian Civilization
The Ur III dynasty stands as the final flowering of native Sumerian political dominance in Mesopotamia. Ur-Nammu reunified much of the region around 2112 BCE, adopted the title King of Sumer and Akkad, and built the massive Ziggurat of Ur, dedicated to the moon god Nanna. Ur-Nammu also composed the earliest known law code, predating Hammurabi's more famous collection by over three centuries. His son Shulgi (reigned c. 2094-2047 BCE) standardized weights and measures across the empire, reformed the calendar, created a network of royal courier stations, and reorganized military service. Shulgi also portrayed himself as a divine king, composing elaborate hymns. The collapse around 2004 BCE was rapid and multi-causal. Amorite tribal groups infiltrating from the west disrupted agriculture. The Elamites from the east attacked and captured the last Ur III king, Ibbi-Sin. A haunting Sumerian lament describes the goddess Ningal unsuccessfully pleading with the divine assembly to spare the city.
- Year: 2112 BCE
- Category: Political
