Town Planning: The discovery of the Sumerian city of Ur has shed light on the lives of the early Mesopotamians. The Mesopotamian cities fell short in terms of town planning as compared to the Harappan centres but followed a uniform pattern nevertheless. The city was divided into three parts - the sacred area, the walled city on a mound and the outer town. The sacred area consisted of the temple tower or the ziggurat dedicated to the patron god of the city. There were also smaller temples of other gods. This area also had the storehouse as well as the offices. People resided in the walled city and the outer town areas. Houses were constructed along the streets, and each house had a central courtyard with rooms attached around it.

Town Planning of Mesopotamian City

The Mesopotamian civilization, located in the fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in history. The cities of Mesopotamia were well-planned and organized, showcasing the advanced town planning techniques of the time. Here is a detailed explanation of the town planning of a Mesopotamian city:

1. Grid Layout:
- Mesopotamian cities were laid out in a grid-like pattern, with streets and buildings aligned in straight lines.
- The city was divided into square or rectangular blocks, creating a system of city blocks similar to modern urban planning.

2. Defensive Walls:
- Mesopotamian cities were often surrounded by defensive walls made of mud-brick or stone to protect against invasion and ensure the safety of the inhabitants.
- These walls were thick and sturdy, providing a strong defense against external threats.

3. Ziggurats:
- One of the prominent features of Mesopotamian cities was the presence of ziggurats, large stepped pyramid-like structures.
- Ziggurats were multi-tiered and served as religious centers, with temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
- These monumental structures were often located at the center of the cities, acting as a focal point and symbolizing the city's connection with the divine.

4. Main Streets and Canals:
- Mesopotamian cities had main streets that ran longitudinally and latitudinally, intersecting at right angles.
- Along these streets, there were shops, houses, and public buildings, creating a bustling urban environment.
- Canals were also an integral part of city planning, providing the necessary irrigation for agriculture and facilitating transportation and trade.

5. Residential Areas:
- The cities were divided into various residential areas, with different sections designated for different social classes.
- Wealthier individuals lived closer to the city center, while lower-class citizens resided in the outskirts.
- Houses were typically made of mud-brick and had flat roofs, featuring inner courtyards for privacy.

6. Public Buildings:
- Mesopotamian cities had several public buildings, such as palaces, administrative centers, and assembly halls.
- These structures were often grand in scale, reflecting the power and wealth of the ruling elites.
- Public squares and marketplaces were also common, serving as centers of commerce and social interaction.

7. Sanitation Systems:
- Mesopotamian cities had advanced sanitation systems for their time, with well-designed drainage and sewage systems.
- Canals and drains were used to carry wastewater away from residential areas, preventing the spread of diseases.

In conclusion, the town planning of Mesopotamian cities was highly organized and efficient, incorporating grid layouts, defensive walls, ziggurats, main streets, canals, residential areas, public buildings, and sanitation systems. These elements contributed to the development of thriving urban centers that formed the backbone of the Mesopotamian civilization.

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