086 Treasures from Ur

Museum Description: Reconstructed Head of a Sumerian Woman

Room: 56/Case: 18/Number: ME 122348A

Scripture: Genesis 11:31

All the artefacts in this area are from Ur, including this beautiful headdress and jewellery.  We can really get an impression of just what an advanced civilisation it was.

We often say that Ur, hometown of Abram and Sarai, was an advanced and prosperous city, so it would have been a real sacrifice for them to leave and live in tents.  How do we know that was the case?  The Bible does not give many details about Ur, but the ancient site has been extensively excavated by archaeologists.  Ruins of what appear to be private houses show that they were constructed of brick, were plastered and whitewashed, and had 13 or 14 rooms surrounding a paved courtyard.  If Abraham and Sarah left such a home to dwell in tents, they indeed made a great sacrifice to be obedient to Jehovah's command.  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.