THE ROYAL STANDARD of Ur

This object was found by Sir Leonard Wooley in one of the largest graves (PG 779) in the Royal Cemetery of Ur.

This object was found by Sir Leonard Wooley in one of the largest graves (PG 779) in the Royal Cemetery of Ur. It was lying in the corner above the right shoulder of a man.

This object was found by Sir Leonard Wooley in one of the largest graves (PG 779) in the Royal Cemetery of Ur. It was lying in the corner above the right shoulder of a man. Woolley imagined that it was carried on a pole as a standard, hence its common name.

This object was found by Sir Leonard Wooley in one of the largest graves (PG 779) in the Royal Cemetery of Ur. It was lying in the corner above the right shoulder of a man. Woolley imagined that it was carried on a pole as a standard, hence its common name. Another theory suggests that it formed the soundbox of a musical instrument.

This object was found by Sir Leonard Wooley in one of the largest graves (PG 779) in the Royal Cemetery of Ur. It was lying in the corner above the right shoulder of a man. Woolley imagined that it was carried on a pole as a standard, hence its common name. Another theory suggests that it formed the soundbox of a musical instrument. It actual real use and purpose is unknown.

The two main panels of the Standards are known as “War” and “Peace”.

The “War” side of the Standard of Ur depicts aspects of a battle and its aftermath.

The most important person

The most important person, probably the ruler,

is at the center of the top row.

The most important person, probably the ruler, is at the center of the top row. His importance is shown by his being taller than the rest of the figures.

Behind the ruler,

Behind the ruler, is his chariot,

drawn by four wild asses (onagers)

Behind the ruler, is his chariot, drawn by four wild asses (onagers)

In front of the ruler,

In front of the ruler, nude and bound prisoners

In front of the ruler, nude and bound prisoners are being presented by some of his soldiers.

In the second row

In the second row is a group of almost identical armed soldiers

In the second row is a group of almost identical armed soldiers and soldiers in a variety of poses dispatching enemies and leading off prisoners.

In the second row is a group of almost identical armed soldiers and soldiers in a variety of poses dispatching enemies and leading off prisoners.

The third row shows the ruler’s chariots.

Each chariot carries a driver and a warrior and is drawn by four wild asses (onagers).

Movement is depicted by the changing gait of the animals.

Those on the left are walking;

Movement is depicted by the changing gait of the animals. Those on the left are walking; the next group is cantering,

Movement is depicted by the changing gait of the animals. Those on the left are walking; the next group is cantering, and the final chariot is at full gallop.

The more rapidly moving chariots all show naked and dead enemy being run over.

The more rapidly moving chariots all show naked and dead enemy being run over.

The more rapidly moving chariots all show naked and dead enemy being run over.

The more rapidly moving chariots all show naked and dead enemy being run over.

The “Peace” side of the Standard of Ur is much more peaceful and serene.

The top row

The top row depicts a banquet.

The main figure of the banquet

The main figure of the banquet is joined by six other participants, each holding a cup in the right hand.

Three standing attendants serve at the banquet.

Three standing attendants serve at the banquet.

There also is music

There also is music from a lyre

There also is music from a lyre and maybe singing from the figure with the long hair.

The other two rows depict a “parade” of the richness of Mesopotamia (the land of the land of Sumer and Akkad), with Sumerians and representatives from other regions leading bulls and other animals and carrying fish and produce.

The Standard today is in the British Museum in London, England.