11: The early Ubaid period in the southern delta, 6500-5300 BCE (Bird vs Fish)

Guest: Annika

First, we visit the chronological beginning of Sumerian cosmology again. As soon as Enki transforms the Tigris-Euphrates alluvial plain into marshland, our two combatants make themselves at home and immediately start insulting each other.

Then, an introduction to the Ubaid period in southern Mesopotamia (ca 6500-4200 BCE), specifically its climate and wetland ecosystem.

Then, we visit Tell el-Awayli (or Oueili, or Uwaili), the oldest known settlement in southern Mesopotamia, and explore its connections to the earlier Pottery Neolithic cultures in the north.

Then, we finish up by introducing Eridu, the first and oldest city in the Sumerian legendary tradition, and what may be the city's first temple to its patron god Enki.

Finally, Bird and Fish each engage in some light infanticide before they decide to take their case to the proper authority. 

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Works cited