Chariot Model

2600 BC - 2350 BC
Plaster
Original Site Unknown
15.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 11 cm
C878

Oriental Institute Museum
(Original in the National Museum, Baghdad)

Chariot Model

This modern plaster model is based on an ancient copper one (dated between 2600 and 2350 BC) that was excavated by archaeologists from the Oriental Institute at the site of Tell Agrab. The model is of a wooden chariot with a driver drawn by four donkeys. As the model shows, the two wheels of the chariot were made of solid wood with metal studs driven into the edge to minimize wear.

Collected by

Henri Frankfort, Field Director of the Iraq Expedition
Purchased 1937



Suggested Readings

Hodges, Henry. Technology in the Ancient World. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 1992.

Kramer, Samuel Noah. Cradle of Civilization. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1967.

Roaf, Michael. Cultural Atlas of Mesopotamia and the Ancient Near East. New York: Facts on File, 1990.