Tradition Name

Late Chalcolithic Mesopotamia

Tradition Description

The Late Chalcolithic Mesopotamia tradition dates from circa 6000 BP to 5100 BP (beginning at 4000 BC with the Terminal Ubaid through the Uruk and Late Susiana periods, and ending 3100 BC or with the start of the Early Bronze Age). It is found throughout the river basins of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries, in modern Iraq, western Iran, Syria, and southeastern Turkey. The Late Chalcolithic is characterized by the development of higher level administrative systems (states) that controlled decision making, economic specialization, centralization of some key activities related to religious ritual, military action, policing, and the production and distribution of goods. The economy was based on grain agriculture and pastoralism with the beginnings of mass production of goods.

Note

Select the Tradition Summary link above for a longer description of the culture.

Region

Middle East --Middle East

Countries

Iran

Iraq

Syria

Turkey

OWC Code

MH60