c.2000 | OLD BABYLONIAN (Amorite) PERIOD begins until 1595. | 2000 RAI3 1830 FLAP 45 |
AMORITES, in north Mesopotamia from 2100, migrate to central Mesopotamia, some to southern. |
c. 2000 | SUMERIAN LANGUAGE V PERIOD ends. Began 2300. Akkadian language replaces it. |
2000 B76 I-177, 17-797 |
Akkadian cuneiform from 2500, has evolved into Old Assyrian cuneiform , with modifications to Sumerian orthography. Semitic equivalents for many signs are distorted or abbreviated to form new phonetic values, because Sumerian syllabic script is unintuitive to Semitic speakers. Former pictograms are reduced to abstractions. It is soon adopted by Hurrians. | 2000 cnwr, wikCun |
c. 2000 | ![]() |
photo Dror Feitelson 2000 MCAW 23, wikLUr |
c. 2000 | Gilgamesh Epic Sumerian version edited. Makes a consistent whole from 5 independent fragmentary tales of Gil, 1st written c.2150, but about Uruk in 2700. King Gilgamesh of Uruk oppresses his people. The gods create Enkidu, his equal, who fights, then befriends him. They go to Cedar Mountain, kill Humbaba its monster guardian, cut down the sacred cedar forest which he guards. Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish Gil for spurning her advances. Gil & Enkidu kill the Bull of Heaven. Enkidu dies of an illness sent by the gods. Gil seeks immortality, which brings him to Utnapishtim, who was saved from the FLOOD V and given immortality by the gods. Utnapishtim puts Gil to various tests which he fails, then sends him away, assuring him that he cannot escape death. Gil returns to Uruk and orders his story inscribed in stone. (See Akkadian version, Hittite translation 1250, Nineveh Library) |
2150-2000 aeh 2000 ANET 73, PANE 1-40, wlw 2000-1500 wikGFM 1800-1700 wikEG |
c.2000 | BEER V in Gilgamesh Epic: "The whore opened her mouth and spoke to Enkidu: 'Eat the bread now, O Enkidu, as it belongs to life. Drink also beer, as it is the custom of the land'." Enkidu "drank 7 pitchers of beer. His heart grew light; his face glowed; and he sang out with joy." (See Egypt 2000) |
13-1000 hlsb no date: drbr |
c.2000 | MATH V: DECIMAL NOTATION appears in Mesopotamia. (See Egypt, China decimal 1300) | 2000 TTPC-5, bk, ehst |
c.2000 | SPOKED WHEELS V
(4 spokes): appear in north Mesopotamia, Asia, Persia,
Aram, and
Egypt. (See Europe 1500, Crete 1500, China 1300) |
2000 SHT 1-212, TTT late 2nd mil.: PAE 142 |
c.2000 | Two-wheeled CHARIOT invented in Mesopotamia. | 2000 wikDHrs 1800 mxfld |
c.2000 | ![]() |
drawing {{PD-US}} 2000 TTT, wikSdf 1700 rgnms 1500 B76 11-232 |
c.2000 | BALANCE scale used in Egypt and Mesopotamia. | 2000 TTT |
c.2000 | BANKING originates in Mesopotamia. Merchants loan grain to farmers and traders who carry goods between cities. | 2000 wikHB |
c.2000 | LOOM portrayed in Assyrian and Egyptian murals. | 2000 TTT |
c.2000 | MUSIC: Instruments in Mesopotamia become distinguished between those playable by anyone, and those requiring skill. (See written music 1800) | 2000 wikMI |
c.2000 | Small DRUMS are portrayed in the hands of Sumerian women. | 2000 B76 14-65 |
c.2000 | PERFUME developed in Mesopotamia. (See Egypt 1400) | 2000 TTT |
c.2000 | LOCKS having pin tumblers developed in Assyria. | 2000 TTT |
c.2000 | OXEN and ONAGERS are the only draught animals attested anywhere from their original domestication down to 2000. | 2000 SHT 1-721 |
c.2000 | CAMELS V: Dromedaries, already domesticated in Arabia, now domesticated in Mesopotamia. | 2000 blgspt just before 1000 wikMHNAE |
c.2000 | POTTER'S WHEEL: fragment at Uruk. (See Greece, Crete, Egypt all in 1950) |
2000 SHT 1-199 |
c.2000 | 1st known PHARMACOPEIA (list of drugs with effects and directions) compiled at Ur. Contains recognizable substances of a carminative, astringent, and emollient nature. | 2000 CWH, ISBE 3-865 |
c.1998 | LARSA, independent from 2025, under ensi Emisum 2004-1977, comes under Isin until 1924. | 1998 hifi |
c.1998 | URUK, independent under Amorite rulers from ?, comes under Isin until 1865. | 1998 hifi |
c.1998 | ISHBE-ERRA, ensi of Isin & Nippur 2017-1985, drives Elamites out of Ur. | 8 yrs after Ur destroyed Sag1 62 |
c.1998 | UR, independent under Elamite rulers from 2004, comes under Isin until 1920. | 1998 hifi |
c.1998 | LAGASH, under either Amorites or Elamites from 2023, comes under Isin until 1920. | 1998 hifi |
c.1985 | KIKKIA, king of Ashur from 2000, ends. AKIYA succeeds to 1970. | 1985 hifi |
c.1985 | ISHBE-ERRA, ensi of Isin from 2017, ends. Son SHU-ILISHU succeeds 1984-75. | 1985 CAH I-2, Sag 62, 502, frM 1984 hifi |
c.1977 | EMISUM, 2nd ensi of Larsa from 2004, under Isin from 1998, ends. SAMIUM succeeds 1976-42. | 1977 CAH I-2, RAI2, Sag, frM 1976 hifi 1040 wikB |
c.1975 | SHU-ILISHU, son of Ishbe-Erra, 2nd ensi of Isin from 1984, ends. IDDIN DAGAN succeeds 1974-54. | 1984 MRDK 1975 CAH I-2, Sag, frM 1974 hifi |
c.1975 | MEDICINE: PHYSICIANS become an important profession in Babylonia and Aram. (See Kahun papyrus 1800) | 2000-1951 TTS |
c.1975 | Primitive PLOW used in Uruk. | 2000-1951 TTS |
c.1970 | AKIYA, king of Ashur from 1985, ends. PUZUR-ASHUR-I succeeds to 1960. | 1970 hifi |
c.1960 | PUZUR-ASHUR-I, king of Ashur from 1970, ends. SHALLIM-AHE succeeds to 1945. | 1960 hifi fl1975 kidA |
c.1954 | IDDIN DAGAN, son of Shu-Ilishu, 3rd ensi of Isin from 1974, ends. Son ISHME DAGAN succeeds 1953-35. | 1954 CAH I-2, Sag, frM 1953 MRDK, hifi |
c.1950 | MEASUREMENT: SUMERIAN CUBIT, a copper bar 110.35cm long weighing 41.5kg is a measurement standard used in Nippur. It is divided into 4 units.. (For copper, see Canaan 2000, Britain 1950, Amenhemhet-III 1842, Asia 1800, Ganges Valley 1800) |
1950 wik20bc 1950-01 TTS |
c.1950 | KAZALLU is a minor city state under Isin 2013-?. | 1950 hifi |
c.1945 | SHALLIM-AHE, king of Ashur from 1960, ends. ILUSHUMA succeeds to 1906. | 1945 hifi |
c.1944 | ISIN EMPIRE invaded by Amorites. NIPPUR revolts and is partly destroyed. ISHME-DAGAN maintains control of Nippur, Uruk, Eridu, Ur, Der. | ± 9 yrs Sag 62-3 |
c.1942 | SAMIUM, 3rd ensi of Larsa (under Isin) from 1976, ends. ZABIA succeeds 1941-33. | 1942 CAH I-2, RAI2, frM 1941 hifi 1877 wikB |
c.1940 | ASSYRIANS begin raiding central and southern Mesopotamia. | 1940 hifi 1800 MCAW |
c.1935 | ISHME-DAGAN, 4th ensi of Isin from 1953, ends. Son LIPIT-ISHTAR succeeds 1934-24 | 1990 bk 1935 B76 11-977, CAH I-2, Sag, frM 1934 MRDK 1933 hifi |
c.1933 | ZABIA 4th ensi of Larsa (under Isin) from 1941, ends. GUNGUNUM succeeds 1932-06 | 1933 CAH I-2, Sag 64, frM, hifi 1932 B76 11-976 1868 wikB |
c.1930 | GUNGUNUM, 5th ensi of Larsa 1932-06 (under Isin until 1924), campaigns in Zagros Mtns. | no date: RAI2 153 |
c. 1930 | Laws of Eshnunna 2 tablets written in Akkadian in a mode facilitating memorization.
1. Theft and related offences
2. False distress 3. Sexual offences 4. Bodily injuries 5. Damages caused by a goring ox, & comparable cases
(See
Lipit Ishtar 1870,
Hammurabi 1790,
Hittite 1370,
Middle Assyrian 1100,
Mosaic 1100,
COMPARE) |
1930 wikLE 1900 4nel |
c.1924 | LIPIT-ISHTAR, 5th ensi of Isin from 1934, ends. UR-NINURTA succeeds to 1896. | 1980 bk 1942 Sag 1924 B76 11-976, CAH I-2, frM 1923 MRDK 1922 hifi |
c.1924 | LARSA, under Isin from 1998, becomes independent until 1763. GUNGUNUM, 5th ensi of Larsa from 1932, becomes king of Larsa to 1906, attacks Isin, claims sovereignty over Sumer & Akkad. |
1924 RAI2 153 1920 hifi |
c.1920 | UR, under Isin from 1998, taken by Gungunum, comes under Larsa until 1763. | 1920 hifi |
c.1920 | LAGASH, under Isin from 1998, taken by Gungunum, comes under Larsa until ?. | 1920 hifi |
c.1910 | ILUSHUMA, king of Ashur, invades Babylonia, takes DER, claims to have freed Ur & Nippur (possibly from Amorites). | 1900 Sag1 63, 69 |
c.1910 | GUNGUNUM, king of Larsa 1924-06, takes Lagash, Susa, and possibly Uruk. | no date: RAI2 153 |
c.1906 | ILUSHUMA, king of Ashur from 1945, ends. Son IRISHUM-I succeeds to 1867. | 1939 kidA 1906 RAI3, hifi 1890 RAI2, Sag 63 |
c.1906 | GUNGUNUM, king of Larsa from 1924, ends. Amorite ABI-SARE succeeds 1905-1895. | 1906 B76 11-976, CAH I-2, Sag1 64, frM 1905 hifi 1841 wikB |
c.1900 | BRONZE AGE MESOPOTAMIA 2900-1000 EARLY BRONZE from 2900 ends because of Amorite immigration. MIDDLE BRONZE begins until 1550. Three dynasties coexist: Isin, Larsa, Babylon. |
2200 wikBA 1900 MCAW |
c.1900 | Λ SUMERIAN LANGUAGE, in Mesopotamia from ?, no longer spoken. Continues with Akkadian as liturgical and literary language. | 1900 SAAG 1 1800 SOTS 22 |
c.1900 | SPOKED WHEELS: in north Mesopotamia from 2000, spokes increased from 4 to 8. | 1900 SHT 1-213 1100 increased to 6: TTT |
c.1900 | KAZALLU, under Isin from ?, breaks free. Probably seizes city of Marad. | 1900 hifi |
c.1900 | MARI, under a dynasty of generals from c.2250, and now possibly abandoned, is taken or repopulated by by Simalites, a branch of Amorites living in Terqa. | 1900 hifi |
c.1897 | AKKAD re-emerges as an Amorite city state under Babylon, forming the capital of its northern division. | 1897 hifi |
c.1897 | SUMUDITAMA, king of Kazallu, overlord of Kish, & Babylon, ends. | 1897 hifi |
c.1897 | KISH, under Kazallu from ?, breaks free. IAWIUM rules Kish until 1888. | 1897 hifi |
c.1897 | KAZALLU still controls land from Sippar to Marad, which had been seized from Isin. | 1897 hifi |
c.1896 | UR-NINURTA, 6th ensi of Isin from 1923, ends. Son BUR-SIN succeeds 1895-74. | 1896 CAH I-2, Sag, frM 1895 MRDK 1894 hifi |
c.1895 | ABI-SARE Amorite king of Larsa from 1905, ends. SUMU-ILUM succeeds 1894-66. | 1895 CAH I-2, RAI2, Sag, frM 1894 hifi 1830 wikB |
c. 1894 | Amorite prince Sumu-Abum takes advantage of chaos in Mesopotamia to take Babylon from city state of Kazallu. SUMU-ABUM becomes king of Babylon until 1881. |
1950 bk 1897 hifi 1894 B76 2-554, 11-978, CWH, IDB 1-265, RAI2, Sag1 64, brKB, stmaB 1830 LEWH 31 1800 SOTS 24, wikB |
1st DYNASTY (Amorite) of BABYLON begins until 1595. |
c.1888 | IAWIUM ruler of Kish from 1897, conquered by MANANA who succeeds until 1883. | 1888 hifi |
c.1883 | MANANA ruler of Kish from 1888, overthrown by SUMU-ABUM king of Babylon. Kish is sacked. | 1883 hifi |
c.1881 | SUMU-ABUM ends. 1st king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1894. SUMU-LA-EL succeeds 1880-45. | 1883 hifi 1881 CAH I-2, RAI2, Sag, brKB, stmaB 1817 wikB 1798 frM |
c.1874 | BUR-SIN, son of Ur-Ninurta, 7th ensi of Isin from 1895, ends. LIPIT-ENLIL succeeds to 1869. | 1875 CAH I-2 1874 MRDK, RAI2, frM 1873 hifi |
c. 1870 | Lipit-Ishtar Law Code written in Sumerian and promulgated in Sumeria. 43 articles and parts of the prolog have survived. 7-11: lands, gardens, orchards (See
Eshnunna 1930,
Hammurabi 1790,
Hittite 1370,
Middle Assyrian 1100,
Mosaic 1100,
COMPARE)12-14: slaves 15-16: surfs and peasants 18: transfer of a feif if holder fails to perform duties 21-27: inheritance 28: bigamy 29: A girl may not marry a rejected suitor's best man. 30: marriage of a harlot 31-33: division of a paternal estate among heirs 33-37: fines for damage to a hired ox |
1934-24 4nel 1900-1850 ANET 159 1870 AYGC 78, CWH 1870-60 wikLI 1850 ISBE 3-77, 747 no date: RAI3 182, Sag1 200 |
c.1869 | LIPIT-ENLIL, 8th ensi of Isin from 1874, ends. IRRA-IMITTI succeeds 1868-61. | 1870 CAH I-2 1869 MRDK, RAI2, frM 1868 hifi |
c.1867 | IRISHUM-I, son of Ilushuma, king of Ashur from 1906, ends. Son IKUNUM succeeds to 1860. | 1900 kidA 1867 CAH I-2, RAI3, hifi |
c.1866 | SUMU-ILUM, Amorite king of Larsa from 1894, ends. Followers insignificant until 1834. NUR-ADAD succeeds 1865-50. | 1866 CAH I-2, RAI2, RAI3, Sag, frM, hifi 1801 wikB |
c.1865 | URUK, under Isin from 1998, breaks away under SIN-KASHID, who rules as king until 1833. Uruk is independent until 1816. | 1865 hifi |
c.1862 | IBALPIEL-I ruler of Eshnunna from ?, ends. Son IPIQADAD-II succeeds until 1830. | 1862 hifi |
c.1861 | IRRA-IMITTI, 9th ensi of Isin from 1868, ends. ENLIL-BANI succeeds to 1839. | 1917 bk 1862 CAH I-2 1861 MRDK, RAI3, frM 1860 hifi |
c.1861 | YAKHZIR-ILU, king of Kazallu from ?, expelled by king of Babylon. | 1861 hifi |
c.1860 | IKUNUM, son of Irishum I, king of Ashur from 1867, ends. Son SARGON-I succeeds to 1850. | 1860 hifi 1850 ISBE 4-338 |
c.1850 | SARGON-I, king of Ashur 1860-50, invades AMURRU. | Sargon yr 11 IDB 1-115 |
c.1850 | SARGON-I, son of Ikunum, king of Ashur from 1860, ends. Son PUZUR-ASHUR-II succeeds to 1830. | 1850 hifi no date: RAI3, Sag, kidA |
c.1850 | AMORITES of Arabia begin a new wave of expansion into Fertile Crescent. | 1850 mxfld |
c.1850 | NUR-ADAD, Amorite king of Larsa from 1865, ends. SIN-IDINNAM succeeds 1849-43. | 1850 CAH I-2, RAI2, RAI3, frM, hifi 1785 wikB |
c.1845 | SUMU-LA-EL ends. 2nd king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1880. SABIUM succeeds 1844-31. | 1866 RAI2, RAI3 1847 hifi 1845 CAH I-2, Sag1, brKB, frM, stmaB 1781 wikB |
c.1843 | SIN-IDINNAM, Amorite king of Larsa from 1849, ends. Three less significant followers 1842-35: SINERIBAM, SINIQISHAM, SILLI-ADAD to 1835. |
1843 CAH I-2, RAI2, RAI3, frM, hifi 1778 wikB |
c.1839 | ENLIL-BANI, 10th ensi of Isin from 1861, ends. | 1893 bk 1839 Sag 1838 CAH I-2 1837 MRDK, RAI3, frM 1836 hifi |
Five rulers of little significance follow until 1794. ZAMBIA, succeeds to 1833. |
c.1835 | KUDUR-MARBUK, Amorite sheikh with Elamite affiliations, chases armies of Kazallu & Mutibal out of Larsa. | 1890 bk 1850 wikE no date: Sag 65 |
c.1835 | SILLI-ADAD, Amorite king of Larsa from ?, defeated and killed by armies of Sabium of Babylon, Kazallu & Mutibal. Kudur-Mabug of Elam installs his son WARAD-SIN to 1823. | 1850 wikE 1835 RAI2, RAI3, Sag, frM, hifi 1834 B76 11-977 1770 Sdl 1-162, wikB |
c.1833 | ZAMBIA, ensi of Isin from 1839, ends. ITER-PICA, succeeds to 1829. | 1835 CAH I-2 1834 MRDK 1833 hifi |
c.1833 | SIN-KASHID, king of Uruk from 1865, ends. Son SIN-IRIBAM succeeds to 1827. | 1833 hifi |
c.1831 | SABIUM ends. 3rd king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1844. APIL-SIN succeeds 1830-13. | 1832 hifi 1831 CAH I-2, RAI2, Sag, brKB, frM, stmaB 1767 wikB |
c.1830 | PUZUR-ASHUR-II, son of Sargon, king of Ashur from 1850, ends. NARAM-SIN succeeds to 1815. | 1830 hifi |
c.1830 | IAGGID-LIM, becomes Amorite ruler of MARI until 1820. | 1830 rcS |
c.1830 | IPIQADAD-II ruler of Eshnunna from 1862, overthrown by NARAM-SIN king of Ashur 1830-15, who rules until 1815. | 1830 hifi |
c.1830 | ESHNUNNA, under Naram-Sin, extends into north Babylonia. | 1830 hifi |
c.1829 | ITER-PICA, ensi of Isin from 1833, ends. URDU-KUGA, succeeds to 1825. | 1831 CAH I-2 1830 MRDK 1829 hifi |
c.1827 | SIN-IRIBAM, king of Uruk from 1833, ends. Son SINGAMIL succeeds to 1824. | 1827 hifi |
c.1825 | URDU-KUGA, ensi of Isin from 1829, ends. SIN-MAGIR, succeeds to 1814. | 1828 CAH I-2, frM 1827 MRDK 1825 hifi |
c.1824 | SINGAMIL, king of Uruk from 1827, ends. Bro ILUMGAMIL succeeds to 18??. | 1824 hifi |
c.1823 | WARAD-SIN, son of Kudur-Mabug, Amorite king of Larsa from 1834, ends. Bro RIM-SIN succeeds 1822-1763. | 1823 CAH I-2, RAI2, RAI3, Sag 65, frM, hifi 1769 Sdl 1-162 1758 wikB |
c.1820 | IAGGID-LIM, Amorite ruler of MARI from 1830, ends. IAKHDUN-LIM, succeeds until 1796. | 1830 B76 17-933 1820 RAI3, rcS 1811 hifi |
c.1816 | ANAM, king of Uruk from 18??, ends. Son IRDANENE succeeds to 1810. | 1816 hifi |
c.1815 | NARAM-SIN, king of Ashur from 1830, ends. IRISHUM-II succeeds to 1809. | 1815 hifi |
c.1815 | ESHNUNNA, under Naram-Sin from 1830, goes independent until ?. DANNUM-TAHAZ rules until 1808. | no date: hifi |
c.1814 | SIN-MAGIR, ensi of Isin from 1825, ends. DAMIQ-ILISHU, succeeds to 1794. | 1817 CAH I-2, frM 1816 MRDK 1814 hifi |
c.1813 | APIL-SIN ends. 4th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1830. SIN-MUBALLIT succeeds 1812-1793. | 1813 CAH I-2, RAI2, Sag 66, brKB, frM, stmaB 1812 hifi 1749 wikB |
c.1810 | IRDANENE, king of Uruk from 1816, defeated & captured in battle by RIM-SIN king of Larsa. URUK, independent from 1865, comes under Larsa until 1786. Son RIMANUM succeeds as vassal to Larsa until 18??. |
1810 hifi |
c.1809 | IRISHUM-II ends. King of Ashur from 1815, overthrown by SHAMSHI-ADAD, a west Semite from Terqa. SHAMSHI-ADAD-I succeeds until 1782. |
1869 bk 1820 WPOT 157 1814 RAI2 159, Sag 70 1813 B76 1-815, 11-977, ISBE 4-338, kidA 1812 IDB 1-271, 294 1809 RAI3, hifi 1749 Sdl 1-82 1748 FLAP 47, SOTS 165 |
c.1808 | SHAMSHI-ADAD-I king of Assur, unites cities of Ashur, Nineveh, and Arbel into one cohesive unit, gains control over Arrapkha. Tries to create a territorial state. | 1813 aina |
c.1808 | DANNUM-TAHAZ, ruler of Eshnunna from 1815, ends. DADUSHA succeeds to 1780. | 1808 hifi |
c.1803 | URUK, vassal of Larsa 1810-1763, plundered and burned by RIM-SIN king of Larsa. | 1803/2 hifi |
c. 1800 | Λ MATH V: Plimpton Tablet #322 Has a table of 4 columns and 15 rows of numbers in Babylonian sexagesimal notation. Lists what are now called Pythagorean triples, i.e. integers a, b, c satisfying
a2 + b2 = c2.![]() (See Berlin Pap. 1800) GEOMETRY: Shows knowledge of trigonomrtry: Square of hypotenuse = sum of squares of other 2 sides. (See Rhind Pap. 1650, trig 1200) |
1900-1600 BHM 34 1800 wikPlm |
c.1800 | Descent of Inanna Inanna visits the underworld to attend funeral rites of Ereshkigal's husband Gugalana. | 2000 jnrd, tccc 19-1600 ahe, hlol |
c.1800 | HARAN comes under Mari until 1760. | 1800 rcT |
c.1800 | Λ BEER V: Hymn to Ninkasi (Sumerian goddess of Beer), Sings her praises, and includes a recipe. (See Egypt 2000, 1600) | 1800 brgft, brgne, wikNks |
c.1800 | Earliest written references to HORSE V breeding found at Chagar-Bazar in northeast Mesopotamia. | 1800 SHT 1-721 |
c.1800 | HURRIANS, Aryans originally from Caucasus, enter north Mesopotamia. See 1725 | long before 2000 wikH 1800 TAWH 55 |
c.1800 | HURRIANS at Urkesh (close to or identical to the later city of Washukkanni) adopt Akkadian cuneiform to their own language. | 2000 wikH |
The land we call Syria is abbreviated from Assyria because the name stuck even after Assyria fell in 612. It is arbitrarily called Aram here because the Torah calls it Aram even before the Arameans arrived.
c.1800 | MARI in mid Euphrates, ruled by two rival dynasties until 1760?. | no date: WBANE 56 |
Native language close to patriarchal Hebrew. Mari Texts God MULUK worshipped. |
c.1800 | IAHDUN-LIM, Amorite ruler of Mari 1830-1796, sends troops into Aram to join those of Yamkhad fighting against several previously subject Aramean tribal states, including Haran and Tuttul. Arameans are defeated and their towns attacked. | 1800 hifi |
c.1796 | IAHDUN-LIM, Amorite ruler of Mari from 1830, killed by his servants in palace revolt. Son ZIMRI-LIM flees to Yamhad, in Aram until 1780. SUMU-YAMAM succeeds to 1791. | 1798 rcS 1796 RAI2, RAI3 1795 hifi no date: Sag 70 |
c.1796 | SHAMSHI-ADAD, king of Ashur 1814-1782, takes advantage of strife in Mari. Installs 2nd son IASMAH-ADAD as viceroy of Mari until 1780. | 1796 RAI2, rcS 1793 IDB 3-266 1791 hifi 1776 RAI3 no date: Sag 70 |
c.1794 | DAMIQ-ILISHU, ensi of Isin from 1814, conquered by RIM-SIN of Larsa. ISHBE-ERRA DYNASTY from 2017 ends. ISIN, independent from 2017, under Larsa until 1787. |
1796 hifi 1794 B76 11-975, CAH I-2, CWH, MRDK, RAI2, RAI3, Sag 65, frM 1791 hifi |
c.1793 | SIN-MUBALLIT ends. 5th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1812. Son HAMMURABI succeeds 1792-50. | 1948 BCoC 144 1848 bk 1793 B76 9-831, CAH I-2, CWH, IDB 1-268, RAI2, Sag 66, WPOT 180, brKB, frM, hifi, stmaB 1792 SHWC 9 1729 wikB 1728 FLAP 47, LEWH 31, Sdl 1-162, 2-94 |
c.1790 | HAMMURABI, king of Babylon 1792-50, effects efficient bureaucracy decreasing power of priesthood in favor of civil authorities. Drops pretensions to godhood, but claims to be "favorite of the gods". Preserves Old Sumerian language in rituals & prayers. | 1790 BCAW 75, MCAW 25 |
c.1790 | CALENDAR V REFORM by Hammurabi. (See Egyptian 1500, Olmec 1200, Roman 713) |
1790 BCAW 75, MCAW 25 |
c.1790 | HAMMURABI, in 2nd year, says this is the "year when he established justice". So this is probably when he published his LAW CODE. | 1790 FLAP 47, MCAW 25 law code 1750 mxfld |
![]() |
1760 wikBR 1754 wikCH, left: GNU FLD right: GNU FLD |
c. 1790 | Law Code of Hammurabi 282 laws written in Akkadian with scaled punishments written on a man-sized basalt stele and various clay tablets. Punishments differ depending on social status. Nearly ½ of the Code deals with matters of contract. Covers: religion, military service, trade, slavery, duties of workers, maintaining irrigation canals and ditches, property, laws regarding gardens. (See Eshnunna 1930, Lipit Ishtar 1870, Hittite 1370, Middle Assyrian 1100, Mosaic 1100, COMPARE) | 1790 FLAP 47, MCAW 25 1772 wikCH 1758 4nel 1750 ISBE 1-385, grddst, mxfld 1726 ANET 163 |
c.1790 | LIQUOR mentioned in Code of Hammurabi. Contains regulations on taverns to insure fair commerce, but no penalties for drunkenness, which is not even mentioned. Includes standards for brewing and serving Λ BEER. | 1750 hlsb, wikHAB |
c.1787 | ISIN, under Larsa from 1794, conquered by HAMMURABI, who proceeds down Euphrates. ISIN under Babylon until ?. | 1787 B76 8-599, RAI2 164, frM, hifi |
c.1786 | URUK vassal of Larsa from 1810, taken by HAMMURABI, under Babylon until ?. | 1787 B76 8-599, hifi 1786 RAI2 164 1785 IDB 2-518 |
c.1786 | HAMMURABI, king of Babylon 1792-50, campaigns in EMUTBAL north of Tigris. | 1786 RAI2 164 |
c.1783 | City of MALGUM (on Tigris east of Kish) taken by HAMMURABI. | 1784 hifi 1783 RAI2 164 |
c.1782 | RAPIQUM (on Euphrates west of Babylon) taken by HAMMURABI. | 1782 RAI2 164 |
c.1782 | SHAMSHI-ADAD-I, king of Ashur 1809-1782 turns on recent ally Eshnunna and seizes Nerebtum and Shaduppum, which are taken back upon his death. | 1780 hifi |
c.1782 | SHAMSHI-ADAD-I, king of Ashur 1809-1782 is attacked simultaneously by Yamkhad and Eshnunna. | 1776 hifi |
c.1782 | SHAMSHI-ADAD-I dies. King of Ashur from 1809, Son ISHME-DAGAN succeeds to 1741. | 1837 bk 1782 RAI2, Sag 1781 B76 1-815, 11-977, CAH I-2, ISBE 4-338, kidA 1780 IDB 1-294 1781 or 76 frM 1776 RAI3, hifi 1717 Sdl 1-82 1716 FLAP 47, LEWH 49, MCAW, SOTS 165 |
c.1780 | DADUSHA, ruler of Eshnunna from 1808, ends. IBAL-PI-EL-II "Man of Eshnunna" succeeds to 1761. | 1790 RAI2 1780 hifi |
c.1780 | ZIMRI-LIM, son of IAHDUN-LIM former king of Mari, in Yamhad from 1796 backed by Yamhad, Eshnunna, Babylon, returns to claim inheritance of Mari. | 1782 CAH 2.1-263 1781 rcS 1780 IDB 3-266, RAI2, RAI3, WPOT 222 1776 hifi no date: Sag 71 |
IASMAH-ADAD, Assyrian viceroy of Mari from 1796, overthrown by ZIMRI-LIM, who rules Mari as king 1779-61. |
c.1776 | HAMMURABI, 6th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon 1792-50, uses political stalemate to fortify northern border cities until 1768. | 1776 B76 8-598 |
c.1775 | Λ MATH V: Multiplication tables appear in Mesopotamia. (See Egypt 1700) | 1800-1751 TTS |
c.1775 | PALACE at MARI, largest in Mesopotamia, built by ZIMRI-LIM. | 1775 PW 14 |
Archive contains 17,500 clay tablets. |
c. 1770 | Mari Document: "There is no king who...alone is strongest. 10 to 15 kings follow Hammurabi of Babylon. The same number follow Rim-Sin of Larsa. The same number follow Ibal-Pi-El of Eshnunna. The same number follow Amut-Pi-El of Qatanum. 20 kings follow Yarim-Lim of Yamhad." |
pre-yr 13 Sag1 67 |
c.1764 | ZIMRI-LIM, king of Mari 1789-61, recognizes ally Hammurabi as greatest threat to his independence. Joins Anti-Babylonian Coalition. | Ham yr 29 Sag1 71 |
c.1764 | ANTI-BABYLONIAN COALITION: (Elam, Eshnunna, Guti, Assyria, Mari) attacks Babylonia, and is crushed. | 1764 B76 8-599, RAI2 166, hifi |
c.1764 | ELAM, under king Shirukduk, crushed by Hammurabi. | 1764 hifi Ham yr 30 Sag1 72 1762 frM |
c.1763 | RIM-SIN, son of Kudur-Mabug, Amorite king of Larsa from 1822, who failed to assist Hammurabi in 1764, overthrown by Hammurabi. | 1763 B76 8-599, 11-977, CAH I-2, CWH, RAI2, RAI3, Sag1 72, frM, hifi 1699 wikB 1698 Sdl 1-162 |
LARSA, independent from 1924, conquered by Hammurabi. Under Babylon until 1740. |
c.1763 | UR, under Larsa from 1920, comes under Babylon until ?. | 1763 hifi |
c.1763 | SUMER & AKKAD, disunited from ?, united under HAMMURABI. | 1763 RAI2, Sag1 72, hifi |
c.1761 | ZIMRI-LIM, king of Mari from 1779, conquered by Hammurabi. Becomes his vassal until 1759. MARI under Babylon until 1595. |
1761 RAI2, RAI3, Sag1 72, WPOT 222, hifi 1760 rcS 1700 SOTS 24 1697 FLAP 46 |
c.1761 | ESHNUNNA, under a dynasty from 2050, conquered by Hammurabi. | 1762 hifi 1761 Sag , RAI2 |
IBAL-PI-EL-II, ruler of Eshnunna from 1780, overthrown. |
c.1761 | ZIMRI-LIM, vassal-king of Mari under Hammurabi from 1761, revolts and is defeated. | 1761 B76 8-599, hifi no date: Sag1 72 |
c.1760 | HARAN, under Mari from 1800, comes under various Akkadian peoples until 1600. | 1760 rcT |
c.1760 | ELAMITES in Mesopotamia driven out by Hammurabi. | 1760 wikE |
c.1760 | CANAL on west branch of Euphrates rebuilt by Hammurabi to facilitate resettlement of population that lived there before the war. | 1760 B76 8-599 |
c.1760 | ASHUR captured by Hammurabi. | 1760 frM |
c.1759 | MARI, independent Amorite kingdom from 1780, destroyed by Hammurabi. Area annexed by Babylon until 1730. | 1760 MCAW 24 1759 CAH 2.1-263, RAI2 167, Sag, hifi 1757 Sag1 67, frM |
c.1756 | HAMMURABI, king of Babylon 1792-50, defeats Assyrian army, but doesn't conquer Assyria. | 1756 RAI2 167 Some say he conquered Assyria. |
c.1756 | ESHNUNNA ravaged by flood. Rarely mentioned thereafter. | 1756 hifi |
c.1754 | ISHME-DAGAN, king of Ashur 1782-42, loses control of north Mesopotamia to HAMMURABI. | 1754 RAI2 |
c.1754 | All Mesopotamia except Assyria is now under HAMMURABI. | 1950 TTPC 1806 bk |
c.1750 | Λ CAMELS V: Dromedaries, domesticated in Mesopotamia from 2000, present at Mari, evidenced by bones found. | 18th cen IDB 1-490 |
c.1750 | Λ Gilgamesh Epic V early Akkadian versions. So fragmentary that it is unclear whether they included an expanded account of the Λ FLOOD V myth; but 1 fragment includes Gilgamesh's journey to meet Utnapishtim. |
2000 -1500 wikGFM |
c.1750 | HAMMURABI dies. 6th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1792. Son SAMSU-ILUNA succeeds 1749-12. |
1913 TTPC 1905 BCoC 144 1806 bk 1750 B76 9-831, CAH I-2, CWH, MCAW 24, RAI2, Sag 73, SHWC 9, WPOT 180, brKB, hifi, stmaB 1696 frM 1686 FLAP 47, Sdl 1-162, wikB |
c.1741 | Son of Shamshi-Adad-I, ISHME-DAGAN ends. King of Ashur from 1782. MUT-ASHKUR succeeds to 1730. | 1742 RAI2, Sag 1741 CAH I-2, RAI3, frM, kidA |
c.1741 | RIM-SIN-II of Larsa and ANNI of Eshnunna rebel against Babylonian domination until 1736. | 1741 hifi |
c.1740 | GUNDASH becomes 1st king of Kassites until 1705. | 1746 RAI2 1730 hifi 1720 MRDK |
c.1740 | GUNDASH, 1st king of Kassites, 1740-05,, raids Babylonia, ravages Ur & Uruk. | no date: Sag1 73 Samsu yr 9 Wiki |
Introduces Λ HORSE V & CHARIOT. |
c.1740 | SAMSU-ILUNA, king of Babylon 1749-12, defeats Kassite raiders. | Samsu yr 9 RAI3 243 |
c.1740 | SEALANDS come under Babylonia until 1721. | guess |
c.1737 | UR and its walls destroyed by Babylonians under Samsu-Iluna. | Samsu yr 12 mxfld |
WRITING V: Until now, all tablets and texts of Ur were written in Sumerian, but after destruction the tablets were written in Babylonian. The invaders adopt cuneiform writing, but Sumerian language dies. |
c.1736 | ANNI ruler of Eshnunna, under Babylon, rebelling from 1741, captured by Babylonians under Samsu-Iluna and strangled. Eshnunna is destroyed. | 1736 hifi |
c.1735 | KASSITES under GUNDASH move from Persia into north Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia becomes their center of activity until 1157. | guess |
c.1732 | KISH taken by Sealand kings until 1460. | 1732 hifi |
c.1730 | MUT-ASHKUR ends. King of Ashur from 1741, RIMUSH succeeds to 1727. | 1730 hifi |
c.1730 | ESHNUNNA, conquered by SAMSU-ILUNA, king of Babylon 1749-12.. | 1730 B76 11-978 |
c.1730 | MARI, under Babylon from 1759, taken by GUNDASH, king of Kassites 1740-05. Becomes Kassite capital until ?. Under Kassites until 1595. | 1730 hifi |
c.1727 | RIMUSH ends. King of Ashur from 1730. A brief period of anarchy follows until 1726. | 1727 hifi |
c.1726 | ASINUM becomes king of Ashur and ends the same year. PUZUR-SIN succeeds to 1707. | 1726 hifi |
c.1726 | SAMSU-ILUNA, king of Babylon 1749-12, builds Fort Samsuiluna at confluence of Diyala and Tigris for defense against Kassites. | 1726 B76 11-978 |
c.1725 | HURRIANS, in north Mesopotamia from 1800, are now in north Aram, particularly Alalakh. See 1647. | 1800 TAWH 55 1725 wikH |
c.1725 | BABYLON raided by Kutir-Nahunte-I, king Elam. | 1725 ISBE 2-50 |
c.1722 | SAMSU-ILUNA, king of Babylon 1749-12, defeats 2 otherwise unknown kings, Iadikhabum & Muti-khurshana. | 1722 hifi |
c.1721 | SEALANDS, under Babylonia from 1740, rebel against SAMSU-ILUNA, king of Babylon 1749-12. Go independent until 1460. | yr 28 Sag1 74 |
c.1714 | SAMSU-ILUNA, king of Babylon 1749-12, defeats Amorite army. | 1714 RAI2 199 |
c.1712 | SAMSU-ILUNA ends. 7th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1749. Son ABI-ESHUH succeeds 1711-1684. | 1768 bk 1712 B76 9-831, 11-978, Sag1 73, brKB, frM, hifi, stmaB 1648 wikB |
c.1710 | ABI-ESHUH, king of Babylon 1711-1684, attacks ILUMA-ILU, king of Sealands, who flees to the swamps and continues to rule. | 1715 hifi |
c.1707 | PUZUR-SIN ends. King of Ashur from 1726, ends. ADARI usurps throne as a vassal to Babylon until 1700. | 1707 hifi |
c.1705 | GUNDASH, 1st king of Kassites from 1740, at Mari from 1730, ends. AGUM-I succeeds to 1690. | 1731 RAI2 1705 hifi 1700 MRDK |
c.1700 | ADARI ends. King of Ashur (vassal to Babylon) from 1707. Son BELU-BANI succeeds to 1691. | 1700 RAI3, frM, hifi, kidA |
c.1700 | COMPOUND INTEREST practiced at Babylon. A tablet asks how long it will take a sum of money to double at 20% compounded annually. | 1700 EIHM 45 |
c.1700 | Λ CUNEIFORM WRITING is adopted thruout the Mid East for international communication. Some use the Babylonian language, some adopt cuneiform signs to their own language. Hittites do both. (See Levant) | 1700 MCAW 25 |
c.1700 | Sumerian Λ Flood V Epic A Sumerian text from Nippur names ZIUSUDRA as the flood survivor. | 1700 RAI2 100 |
c.1700 | ARMOR: Bronze body armor used in Near East. | 1700 PW 14 |
c.1700 | ILUMA-ILUM, 1st king of SEALANDS from 1740, ends. ITTI-ILI-NIBI succeeds to 1683. | 1700 hifi no date: brKB, stmaB, wikB |
c. 1700 | ![]() Λ MATH V: Approximates √2 to 5 - 8 decimal places. (Sources disagree.) (See Rhind Pap. 1650, China 950, zero 876) |
photo Bill Casselman 18-1600 mubc, wikBM, wikSR2, wikYbc 1600 aukl |
c.1700 | WINDMILLS used by Babylonians for irrigation. | 1700 TTPC |
c.1691 | Son of Adari, BELU-BANI ends. King of Ashur (vassal to Babylon) from 1700, ends. Son LIBAIA succeeds to 1674. | 1691 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, hifi, kidA |
c.1690 | AGUM-I, 2nd king of Kassites at Mari from 1705, ends. Son KASHTILIASH-I succeeds to 1680. | 1710 RAI2 1690 hifi |
c.1684 | ABI-ESHUH ends. 8th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1711. Son AMMI-DITANNA succeeds 1683-47. | 1684 Sag, brKB, frM, hifi, stmaB 1620 wikB |
c.1683 | ITTI-ILI-NIBI, 2nd king of SEALANDS from 1700, ends. DAMIQ-ILISHU succeeds to 1657. | 1683 hifi no date: brKB, stmaB, wikB |
c.1680 | ASSYRIA, vassal to Babylon from 1707, occupied by HURRIANS until ?. | 1680 frN |
c.1680 | KASHTILIASH-I, son of Agum, 3rd king of Kassites at Mari from 1690, ends. USHI succeeds to 1665. | 1680 RAI2, hifi 1650 MRDK |
c.1674 | Son of Belu-bani, LIBAIA ends. King of Ashur from 1691. Son SHARMA-ADAD-I succeeds to 1662. | 1674 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, kidA 1673 hifi |
c.1665 | USHI, king of Kassites at Mari from 1680, ends. ABIRATASH succeeds to 1650. | 1665 hifi Ushi & Abirtash are same man: RAI2 |
c.1662 | Son of Libaia, SHARMA-ADAD-I ends. King of Ashur from 1674. Son IPTAR-SIN succeeds to 1650. | 1662 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, kidA 1661 hifi |
c.1660 | URUK, ISIN, LAGASH, LARSA, under Sealands from ? lost to Babylon. | reign of Damiqilishu: hifi |
c.1657 | DAMIQ-ILISHU, 3rd king of SEALANDS from 1683, ends. ISHKIBAL succeeds to 1642. | 1657 hifi no date: brKB, stmaB, wikB |
c.1650 | Son of Sharm-Adad-1, IPTAR-SIN ends. King of Ashur from 1662. Son BAZAIRA succeeds to 1622. | 1650 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, kidA 1649 hifi |
c.1650 | ABIRATASH, king of Kassites at Mari from 1665, ends. KASTILIASH-II succeeds to 1640. | 1660 Tashi-Gurmash succeeds: RAI2 1650 hifi |
c. 1650 | Atrahasis Myth - a version of the Λ FLOOD V story: Heaven is ruled by Anu, earth by Enlil, subterranean water by Enki. Minor gods (field workers) rebel. Humans are made from clay, saliva and god blood to work the fields. Human noise disturbs Enlil's sleep. He decides to destroy them with flood. Enki gives Akkadian Atrahasis 7 days warning, so he builds a boat. | 1700 gvsu, ratra
1700-1640 ahe 1700-1600 brtms |
c. 1650 | Eridu Genesis written in Sumerian cuneiform: Contains fragments of the Flood story. The gods have decided not to save mankind from an impending flood. King/priest Zi-ud-sura learns of this. Enki is mentioned. [gap] A storm rocks the boat 7 days and nights. Utu the Sun god appears. Zi-ud-sura creates an opening in the boat, prostrates himself, and sacrifices oxen and sheep. [gap] Animals disembark. Zi-ud-sura prostrates himself before An (sky-god) and Enlil (chief god), who give him eternal life and take him to dwell in Dilmun. | 2150 wikSCM 1700-1600 wikZsd |
c.1647 | HURRIANS, in north Aram from 1725, 1st recorded invasion of Anatolia, capture everything up to Hattusa. HATTUSILI-I counterattacks, and drives them back out of Anatolia. | yr 3 hinf 1635 WPOT 223 |
c.1647 | AMMI-DITANA ends. 9th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1683. Son AMMI-SADUQA succeeds 1646-26. | 1702 bk 1647 Sag 74, WPOT 115, brKB, frM, hifi, stmaB 1583 wikB |
c.1642 | ISHKIBAL, 4th king of SEALANDS from 1657, ends. SHUSHUSHI succeeds to 1618. | 1642 hifi no date: brKB, stmaB, wikB |
c.1640 | KASTILIASH-II, king of Kassites at Mari from 1650, ends. URZIGURUMASH succeeds to 1630. | 1640 hifi 1640 Harba-Shipak succeeds Tashi-Gurmash: RAI2 |
c.1630 | URZIGURUMASH, king of Kassites at Mari from 1640, ends. HARBASHIHU succeeds to 1600. | 1630 hifi 1600 MRDK |
c.1626 | AMMI-SADUQA ends. 10th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1646. SAMSU-DITANNA succeeds to 1595. | 1682 bk 1626 B76 11-979, Sag1 74, WPOT 115, brKB, frM, hifi, stmaB 1625 ISBE 1-630, 1562 wikB |
c.1622 | Son of Iptar-Sin, BAZAIRA ends. King of Ashur from 1650. "Son of a nobody" LULLAIA succeeds to 1618. | 1622 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, kidA 1621 hifi |
c.1618 | "son of a nobody", LULLAIA ends. King of Ashur from 1622. | 1618 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, kidA 1615 hifi |
c.1618 | SHUSHUSHI, 5th king of SEALANDS from 1642, ends. GULKISHAR succeeds to 1592. | 1618 hifi no date: brKB, stmaB, wikB |
c.1615 | Son of Bazaira, KIDIN-NINUA, becomes king of Ashur to 1602. | 1615 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, hifi, kidA |
c.1602 | Son of Bazaira, KIDIN-NINUA, ends. King of Ashur from 1615. Son SHARMA-ADAD-II succeeds to 1601. | 1602 CAH 2.1, RAI3, frN, kidA 1601 hifi |
c.1601 | Son of Kidin-Ninua, SHARMA-ADAD-II ends. King of Ashur from 1602. Son IRISHUM-III succeeds to 1586. | 1601 RAI3, frN, kidA 1599 CAH 2.1 1598 RAI3, hifi, kidA |
c.1600 | Oldest recorded leather SHOE V (other than Λ sandals) is a wraparound strapped to the foot with rawhide laces. | 1600 EOET 295 |
c.1600 | HURRIANS have several kingdoms in northwest Mesopotamia. | 1600 mxfld |
c.1600 | HARAN, under various Akkadian peoples from 1760, comes under Arameans until 900. | 1600 rcT |
c.1600 | MARI, under Kassites 1730-1595, sacked by MURSILI-I, king of Hittites 1620-1590. | no date: Sag 74 |
c.1600 | HARBASHIHU, king of Kassites at Mari from 1630, ends. TIPTAKZI succeeds to 1595. | 1620 RAI2 1600 hifi |
c.1600 | Babylonian Hymn to Ishtar written. Praises her for seductive beauty, terrifying power, wise authority, and beneficence to worshipers. Probably intended to be sung. | 1600 bk, g2b |
c.1595 | MURSILI-I, king of Hittites, plunders and burns BABYLON. Goes home. | 1650 bk 1595 PW 15, Sag1 74, frM, frN, hifi 1590 B76 V-67 1531 vrb |
c. 1595 | SAMSU-DITANNA dies. 11th king of 1st dynasty of Babylon from 1626, killed by Mursilis-I. | 1595 B76 11-978, CWH, ISBE 1-630, Sag1 74, brKB, frM, hifi, stmaB 1550 FLAP 45 1531 wikB |
OLD BABYLONIAN period ends. Began 2000. | ||
1st (Amorite) dynasty of Babylon ends. Began 1894. |
c.1595 | MARI, under Kassites from 1730, comes under Hittites until 1590. | 1595 rcS |
c.1595 | TIPTAKZI, king of Kassites at Mari from 1600, ends. AGUM-II succeeds to 1585. | 1626 bk 1602 RAI2 1595 hifi 1580 MRDK |
Mesopotamia 1595-1001
V