Image of Sumerian trees

The Game of Ur

The Game of Ur

schematic of different trees in ancient mesopotamia

Date Palm

Very important for food and wood. Abundant in southern Mesopotamia

Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date or date palm,is a flowering plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Although its exact place of origin is uncertain because of long cultivation, it probably originated from the Fertile Crescent region straddling between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The species is widely cultivated across Northern Africa, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and South Asia, and is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Tamarisk

It is a small tree that grows in arid, salty ground. It has deep roots to reach down to groundwater. The tamarisk is mentioned in the Genesis in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament, and in the Quran.

Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date or date palm,is a flowering plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Although its exact place of origin is uncertain because of long cultivation, it probably originated from the Fertile Crescent region straddling between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The species is widely cultivated across Northern Africa, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and South Asia, and is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Cedar

Imported from Lebanon. Important for building houses and temples. The epic story of Gilgamesh involves Gilgamesh killing the guardian of the cedar forest to cut down its trees.

Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date or date palm,is a flowering plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Although its exact place of origin is uncertain because of long cultivation, it probably originated from the Fertile Crescent region straddling between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The species is widely cultivated across Northern Africa, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and South Asia, and is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Juniper

Part of the cypress family of trees, this is a tree spread out throughout most of the world now.

Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date or date palm,is a flowering plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Although its exact place of origin is uncertain because of long cultivation, it probably originated from the Fertile Crescent region straddling between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The species is widely cultivated across Northern Africa, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and South Asia, and is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.



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The Lion Hunt

If you have visited the Sumerian section of the British Museum, chances are you have seen the Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal. It is a series of very impressive wall coverings illustrating the King Ashurbanipal's prowess.

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The game of Ur

Possibly the oldest board game in existence, and surely the oldest we have rules for, the Game of Ur is a fascinating predecessor to Backgammon. Watch a video on how to play it, and see the original at British Museum.