Clay Tablet with Property Survey

2100 BC - 2000 BC
Clay
Tell Asmar
9.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 1.5 cm

Look Closely!

What do you see?

What makes you think that?

What else do you see?

Discussion Questions

Use the questions provided to guide your examination of the artifact.




Whom do you think was responsible for determining the boundaries of pieces of property in ancient Mesopotamia?

Why might the owner of a piece of property want to keep a record of the boundary lines?

Whom do you think was responsible for settling disputes over rights to property in ancient Mesopotamia?