The name of ’Ubaid polity’ derives from the archaeological site - Tell al-Ubaid located about six km west of Ur along the Euphrates River in Southern Iraq. This socio-cultural entity is characterized by homogeneous material culture, mainly pottery (’black-on-buff pottery’). However the Ubaid is defined and perceived in various ways, e.gas archaeological culture, chronological period, cultural phenomenon, pottery style, ’oikumene’ or interaction sphere. Among other elements of material culture typical for the Ubaid, the researchers mention usually the usage of flanged disc (’labrets’), clay nails and bent clay mullers, ’ophidian’ figurines, stone mace-heads, tripartite architecture, niches-and-butressed public building as well as communal cemeteries with standardized grave goods. This period is often perceived as a first stage of development through complex urban society and the processes such as gradually urbanization of the settlement, social stratification as well as appearance of simple specialized manufacturing (especially agricultural, pottery making, weaving and wool production). [1] . Nowadays most of the researchers accepted the hypothesis regarding existence of elite class from at least the Late Ubaid period. It is embedded on five main arguments: usage of seals (called sometimes ’administrative tools’), erection of public buildings such as temples, two-tiered settlement pattern, mass production of some type of vessels (e. g. crude bowls), and production of high class of painted pottery used as a luxury goods. They believed that the system of increasing power of some group was intentionally masked by elite, therefore the presence of prestige objects or luxury goods is rather infrequent. There is presumed that the Ubaid depended rather on staple finance instead of wealth finance. Hence, there are very little traces of use of prestige goods or luxury items. [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] However there are also some rare voices opting for egalitarian system of the Ubaid society, e. g. Akkermans, Forest, Hole. [7] , [8] , [9]
[1]: Yamazaki 2010, 326
[2]: Kennedy 2012, 130
[3]: Özbal 2010b, 43-44
[4]: Stein 1994
[5]: Frangipane 2007, 151-176
[6]: Stein 1994, 41
[7]: Akkermans 1989, 339-367
[8]: Hole 1983, 315-334
[9]: Oates et al. 2007, 585-600.
| unknown [---] |
| Uruk culture |
| inferred continuity |
| Succeeding: Uruk (iq_uruk) [unknown] | |
| UNCLEAR: [None] |
| unknown |
| Unknown |
| inferred Absent |
| Absent |
| Absent |
| inferred Absent |
| Unknown |
| Absent |
| inferred Absent |
| Absent |
| inferred Absent |
| Year Range | Ubaid (iq_ubaid) was in: |
|---|---|
| (5500 BCE 4201 BCE) | Southern Mesopotamia |
5500-4000 BCE [1] The chronology of Ubaid period is one of the most problematic issue and there is no agreement between researchers regarding the duration of this polity. However, there is commonly accepted that Ubaid culture appeared much early in the southern Mesopotamia (around 6500 or 6300 BCE) and later spread toward northern regions. The earliest evidences of presence Ubaid culture in the northern Mesopotamia are dated to 5300 or 5200 BCE. The researchers distinguished 5 different phases of Ubaid period: Ubaid 0 (called also Oueili period; c. 6200-5550 BCE), Ubaid 1 (c. 5550- 5250 BCE), Ubaid 2 (c. 5250-5050 BCE), Ubaid 3 (5050- 4550 BCE), Ubaid 4 (4550- 4050 BCE, Late Ubaid) and Ubaid 5 (Terminal Ubaid, 4050-3800 BCE). [2] [3] [4] [5]
[1]: Pers. comm Mark Altaweel, Dec. 2021
[2]: Carter and Phillip 2010, 2
[3]: Carter 2007, 132-133
[4]: Peasnal 2001, 372
[5]: Oates 1987, 473-82
The relationship between the Ubaid and the Halaf and the Samarra is difficult to establish and characterized. There are some conceptions which suggest that the important impact of forming the Ubaid in Mesopotamia had processes of acculturation and peaceful migration of small Ubaid group from north to south Mesopotamia. However, the researchers based mainly on ceramic and architectural evidences trying to reconstruct the origin of the Ubaid. Recently, new type of records have been included - aDNA analysis from site - Tell Kurdu (SE Anatolia) which showed that there is a clear genetic connections of these two Ubaid and Halaf populations (the examined individuals from both communities came from the same matriline). [1] [2]
[1]: Özbal 2010b, 49
[2]: Campbell & Fletcher 2010, 69-84
(Relationship): The relationship between the Ubaid and the Halaf and the Samarra is difficult to establish and characterized. There are some conceptions which suggest that the important impact of forming the Ubaid in Mesopotamia had processes of acculturation and peaceful migration of small Ubaid group from north to south Mesopotamia. However, the researchers based mainly on ceramic and architectural evidences trying to reconstruct the origin of the Ubaid. Recently, new type of records have been included - aDNA analysis from site - Tell Kurdu (SE Anatolia) which showed that there is a clear genetic connections of these two Ubaid and Halaf populations (the examined individuals from both communities came from the same matriline).
[1]
[2]
(Entity): The Halaf and/ or Samarra tradition had significant contribution in foundation new Ubaid identity and culture, especially in northern and central Mesopotamia.
[3]
[4]
[1]
[5]
[1]: Özbal 2010b, 49
[2]: Campbell & Fletcher 2010, 69-84
[3]: Stein 2010, 36-37
[4]: Karsgaard 2010, 51-60
[5]: Roux 1998, 61
Inhabitants. Adams (1981) estimates that the Ubaid populations at Uruk and other large settlements ~1000 in the early Ubaid and ranged from 2000-3000 in the Middle/Late Ubaid. Perhaps 1000-3000 would be a good range to capture the whole period. [1] NOTE: pers. comm. with Selin Nugent, but could not find exact page reference.
[1]: (Adams 1981) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/MAIAZJ3K.
in squared kilometers The Ubaid territory is here understood as area sharing number of cultural, material, economic and social features, which are not only restricted to the presence of particular type of Ubaid pottery. The Ubaid reached its greatest extent probably during Ubaid 3 or Ubaid 4 phase and it encompasses regions as follows: southern Mesopotamia (’heartland’), central Mesopotamia, northern Mesopotamia, northwestern Syria, southeastern Anatolia, western Iran and the western littoral of the Persian Gulf. [1]
[1]: Carter & Phillip 2010, 1-3
People. The researchers deeply believed that the north Ubaid was more populated than southern regions of Ubaid. [1] [2] There are known some calculation regarding the size of populations inhabited some particular sites such as Tell al-Hawa (1500-4000 people, area of the site - 15-20 ha), Site 118 (500-1200 people; area of the site- 5-6 ha) and Khanijdal East (100-200 people, area of the site- 1ha). There are based on a range of on-site population densities of 100 to 200 people per ha. [3]
[1]: Wilkinson 2000, 244.
[2]: Carter & Philip 2010, 8.
[3]: Wilkinson et al. 1996, 21
levels. The analysis of settlement pattern confirmed the existence of two-tiered settlement system, which consist of few smaller hamlets or villages (ar. 1 ha) neighbouring the central bigger village. However there is possible to notice some differences between southern and northern regions of the Ubaid. In the northern regions the central villages were bigger (even 10-12 ha) and probably denser populated comparing to the southern regions such as e. g. the Hamrin. Stein believed that the settlement system in the northern Ubaid was even more complex, but there is impossible to establish the exact levels of complexity. [1] [2]
[1]: Stein 2010, 25
[2]: Stein 1994, 38
levels. There is not any direct evidence concerning the religious complexity. There were found remains of many temples as well as houses which also might have been used in rituals, but there is impossible to establish any hierarchic levels of ritual activity or places and shows religious centre dedicated for few villages or for whole region.
levels.The researchers assumed that the more complex level of social and administrative organization must have existed in the Ubaid. The differences in size and form of houses in the villages as well as their equipment, use of various type of stamp seals and erecting monumental temples suggest the higher level of social organization and system of social and political control and appearance of elite group, probably related at least partially to ceremonial structures and controlling the surplus of food. However, there is almost completely lack of any prestige or luxury or exotic goods which will support the hypothesis of social stratification among the Ubaid community. [1]
[1]: Stein 2010, Sieverstsen 2010, 201-203
There is no information regarding the presence of any army or soldiers, etc. in the Ubaid.
It seems that the beginning of forming the elite dedicated to religious practices has started in the Ubaid period, however there is impossible to say whether they have been already full-time specialists or rather semi-time priest which were also responsible for many other work. Probably, the existence of elite in Ubaid is strongly connected with religious and the temples. However, there are know depictions of ’priests’ (so called ’namash’) on the seals from Tepe Gawra (level XIII and level XII - Late Ubaid) and Susa, but their interpretation is highly subjective. [1]
[1]: Hole 2010,
There is no information regarding the presence of any army or soldiers, etc. in the Ubaid.
"Building A at Abada, located in the center of the settlement (figure 4), is the largest house at the site, more than three times the size of the smallest houses. This house shows evidence for unique burial practices, high concentrations of stone artifacts such as maceheads, carved gypsum vessels, and stone palettes, and most significantly, administrative artifacts such as tokens and clay ’proto-tablets’ which are also only found in this structure (figure 5), (Jasmin 1985: 174)." [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 38) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
Is there a piped network that connects the drinking water to individual settlements?
"By far the most culturally informative site is the small Ubaid village of Tell Abada in the Hamrin, excavated by Sabah Abboud Jasim. The latest level (1) is especially interesting for its evidence of a community water supply. Remains of a lengthy system of terracotta water pipes was traced over half a kilometer to the north, leading apparently from a large wadi to a stone - lined basin (2.5 × 1.5 meters and c.1 meter deep). Further water pipes led from another source to the west." [1]
[1]: (Oates 2012: 478) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/ETRKJE35.
Due the fact of long distance trade practices as well as sea sailing, the presence of harbours cannot be excluded. However the change of water level in Persian Gulf and the modification of littoral zones might have caused that the potential remains of ancient ports have not been discovered yet. [1]
[1]: Carter 2006, 52-63
There are no evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are no evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
Nonwritten records are seen here as a some kind of symbolic language which is also expressed by depictions on stamp seals, decoration pottery etc. Some researchers made an attempt to interpret some particular symbols and suggest the meaning of some motifs or decorative elements, but their conceptions are highly subjective. For example Morgan and Pottier has tried to associate some particular symbols which appear on ceramic vessels with Mesopotamian mythology or cuneiform signs. [1]
[1]: Hole 1983, 319
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are not any evidence suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
There are lack of evidences suggesting that the writing system has been already invented.
Copper as well as obsidian were important and value materials, however there is no proof, that they were used in they same way on the whole Ubaid territory. The most problematic is to establish the significance of copper which is relatively rare in the Ubaid and the richest deposits of cooper artifacts came from cemetery at Susa. [1]
[1]: Hole 1983, 318
Do we even have any evidence for Ubaid armies going on long marches?
Iron was not used during this period, especially for production of armor.
Iron was not used during this period, especially for production of armor.
"A copper spearhead, the oldest yet discovered, was found in Mesopotamia dating to the early fifth millennium". [1]
[1]: (Hamblin 2006: 34) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/4WM3RBTD.
Bronze was not used during this period, especially for production of armor.
There are no archaeological records regarding the invention of this machine before 4th century BC [1] This type of engine is known from ancient time, and the first evidence came from 4th century BC. [2] < The sling siege engine our variable refers to is the gravity powered one probably first used in the Middle Ages so I guess this quote belongs here instead.
[1]: Marsden 1969, 5, 16, 66.
[2]: Campbel 2003,3, 8.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1] There were found arrowheads at many sites, but there is impossible to discern between their military usage and hunting. [2]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
[2]: Healey 2010, 186
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
"The later third-millennium development of the composite bow revolutionized warfare." [1]
[1]: (McIntosh 2005: 188) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/KK2E3KMD.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1] There were discovered some mace-heads and stone axes, but their function is not clear. They could have been used either as a prestige object or symbol of power or as a weapon. There are found both in domestic and ceremonial contexts (temples - e. g. in Telul eth Thalathat. [2] [3]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
[2]: Sievertsen 2010, 206
[3]: Carter and Phillip 2010, 25
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
"It was not until iron came into widespread use in the early first millennium that swords in particular and iron weapons in general began to replace the more expensive bronze spears, arrowheads, axes, and daggers of earlier times." [1]
[1]: (McIntosh 2005: 190) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/KK2E3KMD.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1] There have been already found both daggers and knives in the Ubaid, but they exact purpose is unknown. [2]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
[2]: Heatley 2010, 184-186
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1] There were discovered some mace-heads and stone axes, but their function is not clear. They could have been used either as a prestige object or symbol of power or as a weapon. There are found both in domestic and ceremonial contexts (temples - e. g. in Telul eth Thalathat. [2]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
[2]: Sievertsen 2010, 206
"In Iraq and Syria domesticated donkey appeared during the Late Uruk period (ca. 3600-3100 BCE) at Uruk (Boessneck et al., p. 166), Tell Rubeidheh (Payne, pp. 99-100), and Habuba Kabira (Strommenger and Bollweg, pp. 354-55)". [1]
[1]: (Potts 2012) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/DWHJQHHJ.
"In Iraq and Syria domesticated donkey appeared during the Late Uruk period (ca. 3600-3100 BCE) at Uruk (Boessneck et al., p. 166), Tell Rubeidheh (Payne, pp. 99-100), and Habuba Kabira (Strommenger and Bollweg, pp. 354-55)". [1]
[1]: (Potts 2012) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/DWHJQHHJ.
"In Iraq and Syria domesticated donkey appeared during the Late Uruk period (ca. 3600-3100 BCE) at Uruk (Boessneck et al., p. 166), Tell Rubeidheh (Payne, pp. 99-100), and Habuba Kabira (Strommenger and Bollweg, pp. 354-55)". [1]
[1]: (Potts 2012) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/DWHJQHHJ.
The use of dog in warfare cannot be completely excluded, due the fact of keeping this animal by the Ubaid communities. Two dogs were depicted on one of the seals from Tepe Gawra [1] , but the remains of dog were also found inside children grave at Eridu. [2]
[1]: Hole 2010, 234
[2]: Daems 2010, 154.
"In Iraq and Syria domesticated donkey appeared during the Late Uruk period (ca. 3600-3100 BCE) at Uruk (Boessneck et al., p. 166), Tell Rubeidheh (Payne, pp. 99-100), and Habuba Kabira (Strommenger and Bollweg, pp. 354-55)". [1]
[1]: (Potts 2012) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/DWHJQHHJ.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
"We have no evidence for warfare. In contrast with later periods, ’Ubaid seals show no depictions of weapons, prisoners, or combat scenes". [1]
[1]: (Stein 1994: 39) Seshat URL: https://www.zotero.org/groups/1051264/seshat_databank/items/itemKey/V94SXJRJ.
There are known the model of boats from Eridu, Tell Awayli, H3 as well as fragment of ceramic with painted boat, but there are no information regarding the use of boat in war. [1] [2] Moreover, the remains of boats were discovered as well. [3]
[1]: Chavrat 2008, 86-87
[2]: Carter 2006, 53-54
[3]: Carter 2012, 348-9