Standard of Ur Overview

Overview

This lecture discusses the Standard of Ur, an ancient artifact from Mesopotamia, examining its artistic features, possible functions, and depiction of early civilized society, war, and peace.

The Standard of Ur: Discovery and Context

• The Standard of Ur was found in the royal tombs of the city of Ur, present-day Iraq, by Leonard Woolley in the 1920s–30s.
• The artifact may have been used as a battle flag, soundbox, container, or ritual object, but its true purpose remains unknown.
• The tombs contained many valuable items, reflecting the wealth and complexity of early Mesopotamian society.

Description and Materials

• The Standard is a small, elaborately decorated box with scenes on two main sides: one of peace, one of war.
• Materials include lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, redstone from India, and shells from the Gulf, showing long-distance trade.
• The existence of such an artifact highlights the development of organized society supported by agricultural surplus.

Peace Panel: Social Hierarchy and Ritual

• The "peace" side is divided into three registers (horizontal layers), depicting societal organization.
• Bottom register: laborers or attendants carrying goods and leading animals, likely for sacrifice or taxation.
• Middle register: people handling animals, possibly for ritual or tribute.
• Top register: the king, larger than others and seated, participates in a ceremony, attended by nobles, servants, and entertainers.
• The arrangement demonstrates social hierarchy and the roles within early Mesopotamian culture.

War Panel: Battle and Victory

• The "war" side also has three registers, depicting a narrative of conflict and triumph.
• Bottom register: chariots trampling enemies, with wounded figures and detailed chariot wheels.
• Middle register: disciplined soldiers in armor and helmets (found in tombs), shown in formation and in battle.
• Top register: the king, central and prominent, oversees the presentation of captured, wounded, and humiliated prisoners.

Artistic Conventions and Interpretation

• Figures are shown in profile with square shoulders and outstretched feet, a style similar to Egyptian art.
• Hierarchical scaling is used: the king is larger than other figures, emphasizing importance.
• Both narrative and symbolic elements are present, such as the depiction of only a few enemies to represent many.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Standard of Ur — An artifact from ancient Mesopotamia, possibly a flag, box, or ritual object, depicting scenes of war and peace.
• Register — A horizontal band used to organize scenes in art.
• Hierarchical scale — An artistic convention where more important figures are depicted larger than others.
• Mesopotamia — The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as the "birthplace of civilization."

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the visual details of the Standard of Ur (images or diagrams, if available).
• Study the societal roles and organization in early Mesopotamian cities.
• Prepare to discuss the significance of trade and agriculture in the development of ancient complex societies.