Explore the history of an ancient city

Assistant professor of Anthropology and archaeologist Jason Ur talks about the ancient city of Tell Brak in northeastern Syria. He explains how thousands of years of mud architecture can create a mountain, what trash tells us about where people lived, and how even the ugliest pottery can be lovely to the archaeologist. The May-June issue reports on Jason Ur's work in "Outside-In Ur-banism."

Interact with an embedded Google map below. The Jaghjagh river, a tributary of the Euphrates, flows from right to left along the bottom of the map. Tell Brak is located in the upper left-hand corner next to the navigation arrows. Double-click on the mound to zoom in on Tell Brak.

View Interactive  Map

Click here for the May-June 2008 issue table of contents

Sub topics

You might also like

This Astronomer is Sounding a Warning on 'Space Junk'

As debris accumulates in low Earth orbit, the danger of destructive collisions continues to rise.

Understanding AI Vulnerabilities

As artificial intelligence capabilities evolve, so too will the tactics used to exploit them. 

Crypto—To Regulate or Not?

The former director of Harvard’s fintech lab reflects on the future of digital assets.

Most popular

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Intellectual Entrepreneurs

Three Harvard Advocate alumni helped found a highbrow literary periodical.

Is Noncitizens’ Speech Protected?

A federal lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of violating the First Amendment.

Explore More From Current Issue

New Harvard Overseers and HAA Directors

Alumni showed increased interest in this year’s elections.

Harvard Economist Nicole Maestas on Aging and Health Policy

The Harvard health economist not afraid to get in the weeds

How Harvard Students Handle Political Disagreements

The Undergraduate asks if intellectualism is really on life support.