The Sumerians and the Great Death Pits of Ur
Past Event: 7 June 2012
Dr Colin Hope
Join Dr Colin Hope to hear about the amazing finds of archaeologist Leonard Woolley.
The Sumerians developed a distinctive culture in the southernmost part of Iraq and during the Early Dynastic Period (circa 3000-2300 bce) their influence extended into Syria and Iran.
During the Early Dynastic III period high-ranking members of the society were buried in elaborate tombs with an astonishing array of highly-crafted and valuable goods. Their discovery by Leonard Woolley during the 1920s and 1930s was one of the most controversial of the time because of the practice of sacrificing retainers to accompany these people into the next world.
This talk will describe the finds and attempt to explain the burial practices.
Speaker Biography
Colin Hope is an Associate Professor at Monash University and Director of its Centre for Archaeology & Ancient History. He has participated extensively in archaeological fieldwork around the Middle East, in Jordan, Syria and the Sinai, as well as throughout Egypt and has for many years lectured on the cultural evolution of ancient Iraq and her impact upon the region.
Proudly supported by the University of Melbourne, University Partner
Speaker/s
Dr Colin Hope