Summary of Elamite Kingdoms
Unveil the mysterious Elamite Kingdoms of ancient Mesopotamia.
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Elamite Kingdoms in 10 Minutes
Introduction
King Untash-Napirisha
Queen Napir-Asu
General Humban-numena
High Priestess Shuttir-Nakhunte
The Rise of the Elamite Kingdoms
The Elamite Language and Writing System
The Elamite Religion and Beliefs
The Elamite Art and Architecture
The Decline of the Elamite Kingdoms
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: Ancient civilization in present-day Iran known for its powerful kingdoms.
- When: 2700 BC – 539 BC
- Who: Elamite people, rulers such as Untash-Napirisha and Kutik-Inshushinak.
- Outcome: Elamite Kingdoms played a significant role in the ancient Near East, influencing trade, politics, and culture.
Famous Figures in the Elamite Kingdoms
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Hammurabi
Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, reigning from 1792 BC to 1750 BC. He is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes.
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Naram-Sin
Naram-Sin was the third ruler of the Akkadian Empire, reigning from 2254 BC to 2218 BC. He is known for his military campaigns and his victory stele, which depicts him as a god-like figure.
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Gudea
Gudea was a ruler of the Sumerian city-state of Lagash, reigning in the 22nd century BC. He is known for his extensive building projects and his dedication to the god Ningirsu.
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Shulgi
Shulgi was the second king of the Third Dynasty of Ur, reigning from 2029 BC to 1982 BC. He is known for his extensive building projects, his military campaigns, and his contributions to Sumerian literature.
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Kutir-Nahhunte
Kutir-Nahhunte was a king of Elam, reigning in the 13th century BC. He is known for his military campaigns against the Babylonians and his efforts to expand the Elamite Kingdom.
Timeline of Elamite Kingdoms
Founding of the Elamite Kingdom
Elamite Empire reaches its peak under King Untash-Napirisha
Elamites sack the city of Ur
Elamite civilization begins to decline
Elamites are conquered by the Assyrians
Elamites revolt against Assyrian rule
Elamites are defeated by the Persians
Elamite culture and language begin to disappear
Elamite territory becomes part of the Persian Empire
Alexander the Great conquers the Persian Empire, including former Elamite lands
Parthians take control of former Elamite territory
Sasanian Empire emerges as a dominant power in the region
Islamic conquest of Persia, marking the end of Elamite influence in the region
Elamite language becomes extinct
Archaeological discoveries shed new light on Elamite civilization
Modern-day Iran contains remnants of Elamite heritage
Elamite artifacts continue to be studied by historians and archaeologists
Elamite Kingdoms are recognized for their contributions to ancient Near Eastern culture
Vocabulary List
- Elam
- An ancient civilization located in present-day southwestern Iran, known for its powerful kingdoms and influence in the region.
- Susiana
- A region in ancient Elam, known for its rich resources and important cities like Susa.
- Susa
- One of the major cities of the Elamite Kingdoms, serving as a political and economic center.
- Awan
- A city-state in ancient Elam that played a significant role in the region's history.
- Shutruk-Nahhunte
- A prominent king of the Elamite Kingdoms who expanded the empire's territory and influence.
- Ziggurat
- A type of terraced pyramid temple common in Mesopotamia, including the Elamite Kingdoms.
- Cuneiform
- A system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, including the Elamite Kingdoms.
- Apadana
- A type of audience hall found in Persian and Elamite palaces, used for official ceremonies and receptions.
- Inshushinak
- The main deity of the Elamite pantheon, associated with the city of Susa.
- Kassite
- A group of people who ruled over parts of Mesopotamia and Elam during the Late Bronze Age.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- The Elamite civilization existed in what is now southwestern Iran from around 2700 BC to 539 BC.
- The Elamite language is considered a language isolate, meaning it is not related to any other known language.
- The Elamite Kingdoms were known for their skill in metallurgy, particularly in the production of bronze objects.
- The Elamites were one of the first ancient civilizations to develop a system of writing, known as cuneiform.
- The Elamites were skilled architects and builders, known for their ziggurats and palaces.
- The Elamites were conquered by the Akkadian Empire in the 24th century BC.
- The Elamites were known for their intricate pottery and ceramics, often decorated with geometric patterns and animal motifs.
- The Elamites had a complex social hierarchy with a ruling class, priests, artisans, and farmers.
- The Elamites were one of the first ancient civilizations to use irrigation to improve agricultural productivity.
- The Elamites were skilled horse breeders and used chariots in warfare.
- The Elamites were known for their use of seals and seal impressions to authenticate documents and goods.
- The Elamites had a complex system of trade and commerce, exchanging goods with neighboring civilizations such as Mesopotamia.
- The Elamites were conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire in the 7th century BC.
- The Elamites practiced a polytheistic religion, with gods and goddesses associated with natural forces and celestial bodies.
- The Elamites were known for their fine textiles, including wool and linen garments decorated with embroidery and beadwork.
- The Elamite Kingdoms were ruled by a series of dynasties, including the Eparti, Igihalkid, and Shutrukid dynasties.
- The Elamites were skilled in the production of jewelry, particularly gold and silver ornaments.
- The Elamites were known for their expertise in astrology and divination, using celestial observations to predict the future.
- The Elamites were conquered by the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BC, leading to the decline of their civilization.
- The Elamite Kingdoms left behind a rich archaeological legacy, including palaces, temples, and tombs that have been excavated by modern archaeologists.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The rise and fall of the Elamite Kingdoms had immediate consequences on the political landscape of the ancient Near East. It led to power struggles and conflicts with neighboring empires, such as the Babylonians and Assyrians, resulting in wars and territorial disputes.
Long-Term Impact
The Elamite Kingdoms left a lasting impact on the history and culture of the region. Their contributions to art, architecture, and language influenced succeeding civilizations, including the Persians. The Elamites also played a significant role in the development of trade routes and diplomatic relations in the ancient world.
Cultural Significance Today
Today, the Elamite Kingdoms are remembered as a key player in the ancient Near Eastern world. Their legacy can be seen in archaeological discoveries, such as the famous city of Susa, which continues to provide insights into the history and culture of the region. The Elamites’ influence can also be seen in modern Iranian culture, as they are considered ancestors of the Iranian people.
Elamite Kingdoms Games
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