Introduction
The Lament for the Destruction of Ur records a Mesopotamian poem having 438 lines which are divided into 11 sections. Archaeologists found the poem on several tablets discovered at Nippur, Ur, and other ancient cities of Mesopotamia. The most exceptional of these tablets measures 24.5 cm by 13.6 cm. Amazingly, it has been preserved nearly intact over the millennia.
Composed by an unknown author, the document records and laments the destruction of Ur by the Elamites and their allies, describing the events in rather graphic detail. The final destruction occurred during the final year of King Ibbi-Sin of the 3rd Dynasty of Ur around 1950 BC. Ur was probably the largest city in the world at the time, with a population of at least 65,000. The event significantly changed the history and demography of the region.
Although the city was finally overthrown in a violent military siege, it is important to note that the empire had already endured years of economic and political distress.
Abram was probably living in the city in the years leading up to the downfall and ultimate destruction, and the departure of the family of Terah, including Abram and Sarai, very likely coincided with the campaign of the Elamites around 1950 BC.
Summary
Whether it was that the empire was already floundering, or whether it was the impending siege of the city, Terah apparently thought it was high time to leave. Whatever prompted his decision, this recorded lament helps us narrow down the time period in which Terah moved his family north from Ur to Haran, where Abram lived for about 50 years before migrating to Canaan.
