3rd Dynasty of Ur
Quick Summary
The 3rd Dynasty of Ur, also known as Ur III, was a Sumerian dynasty that ruled Mesopotamia for about a century, from approximately 2112 to 2004 BCE. This period is significant for its legal advancements, most notably the Code of Ur-Nammu, one of the earliest known legal codes.1
Key rulers of this dynasty include Ur-Nammu, who established the dynasty and was the first to bear the title "king of Sumer and Akkad," and his son Shulgi, who expanded the empire and was honored with divine status. The dynasty fostered trade, built impressive ziggurats, and saw a flourishing of intellectual and literary life, though Sumerian began to decline as a spoken language in favor of Akkadian.1
The decline of Ur III was marked by internal strife, famine, and external pressures, particularly from the Amorites and Elamites. The dynasty ultimately fell when Ur was destroyed by the Elamites and their allies, leading to the capture of the last king, Ibbi-Sin.2
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