Mesopotamian Women in the Third Millennium BCE: Queens and Palace Workers
Shara-igizi-Abzu depicted on the Stele of Ushumgal and Shara-igizi-Abzu (detail). Sumerian, 2900-2700 BC. Gypsum alabaster, H 22.4 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 58.29
Jump to
In the third millennium BCE, royal women held positions of considerable authority in Mesopotamia. Among the many people who worked for them were teams of women, often employed in textile manufacture. Presented by Dr. Amanda Podany, professor emeritus of history at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, this lecture reconstructs the details of these women’s lives and professions through this era’s extensive cuneiform records.
A book signing will follow the lecture. Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East is available for sale in the Legion of Honor Museum Store.
Ticket info
This lecture is free and open to the public. It is also a hybrid event.
- In person: Seating is limited and unassigned. Doors to the Gunn Theater open at 1:30 pm.
- Online: register to watch.
