23: Unug (Uruk) and Late Uruk Sumer, 3500-3200 BCE (Hymns to Inanna)

Guest: Kirra

First, we sing the praises of Inanna, patron goddess of the city of Unug, whose home temple complex was the epicenter of the Uruk-period world system. Which god compares with her?

Then, we finally visit the namesake of the Uruk period, the city of Unug (or Uruk) itself. We continue our look at urbanization in Sumer with the Late Uruk period, as local networks of small villages arrayed around medium-sized towns give way to many tiny villages and one enormous city, that being Unug itself.

Then, we walk through the archaeology of Unug between the 3400s and 3200s (or so) BCE, including the largest and most impressive buildings yet built in Sumer, all within walking distance of each other at the center of the new metropolis.

Finally, we read some of the milder hymns celebrating the marriage of Inanna and her boytoy Dumuzi. He is well-watered lettuce!

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