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Audio Guide
Art of the First Cities: The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus
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"Standard of Ur," ca. 2550–2400 B.C.; Early Dynastic IIIA. Mesopotamia, Ur, PG 779, U.11164. Shell, lapis lazuli, and red limestone; H. 20 cm (7 7/8 in.); L. 47 cm (18 1/2 in.). Trustees of The British Museum, London BM 121201.
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Paul Collins
This is the unique—and famous—"Standard of Ur." It has much to tell us about Sumerian life. On this side, it has three rows of figures, engaged in war. Look at the middle row. On the left are a line of figures marching. Dr. Julian Reade, from the University of Copenhagen explains:
Julian Reade
Well, the soldiers of Ur, the army of Ur, have got their clothes on and they're armed with spears or axes and they've got helmets. And oddly enough, we actually have one or two of these helmets preserved. They are made of copper and then they seem to be wearing leather cloaks. The enemy have been stripped of their clothes and they are naked.
Paul Collins
You can see some naked enemies in the bottom row, trampled under donkeys.
Julian Reade
There we've got the chariots charging ahead. And we know that chariots were used in warfare for a couple of thousand years afterwards. So there seems very little doubt that this is really what did happen. Maybe the introduction of chariots was a bit like the introduction of tanks and caused something of a revolution in warfare at the time.
Paul Collins
The other side of this object shows a peaceful scene of great feasting.
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