A History of the World in 100 Objects
Standard of Ur
Feb 2, 2010
This podcast explores the ancient artifact called the Standard of Ur and its cultural significance in Iraq. It discusses the development of cities in Mesopotamia and the power dynamics of ancient Mesopotamian society. It also examines the war scenes depicted on the Standard of Ur and the connection between Iraqi national identity and the looting of the Iraq Museum in Baghdad.
14:21
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Quick takeaways
- Cities require defense and war to maintain their wealth and power.
- The excavation of the city of Er revealed the exercise of power in early Mesopotamian cities.
Deep dives
The Power of Cities and the Link to War
Cities serve as the centers of wealth, power, and business, but they also often have monuments that commemorate mass death on a large scale, such as war memorials. This connection between death and cities can be explained by the idea that in order to maintain the wealth and power that cities represent, they require defense against potential threats. The podcast explores the moment around 5,000 years ago when people began living in cities and how the power of cities to generate wealth is closely intertwined with their ability to wage and win wars. The excavation of the ancient city of Er in modern-day Iraq reveals the significance of power and control in early Mesopotamian cities.
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