28th century BC

The 28th century BC is a period of 100 years that began in 2800 BC and ended in 2701 BC. It falls within the Early Bronze Age, a time marked by the emergence of large cities with defensive walls, religious institutions, and administrative writing systems.

The sources available for this century are of two kinds: early written records inscribed on clay or stone, and archaeological remains excavated from sites. Dating of events in this period is largely approximate; different chronological systems differ by periods of up to ten years.

Mesopotamia

In the region between the two rivers (the Tigris and Euphrates), this period corresponds to the Early Dynastic phase of Sumerian civilization. City-states such as Uruk, Ur, Kish, Lagash, and Nippur each had their own ruler or administrator, a large temple, and agricultural land fed by irrigation canals. Cuneiform writing evolved from a record-keeping tool for commerce alone; it began to record personal names and state accounts.

Egypt

In Lower Egypt, this century marks the transition from the Early Dynastic Period to the beginning of the Old Kingdom. It is associated with the reign of Djoser and the construction of the Step Pyramids at Saqqara, attributed to the architect Imhotep. These structures demonstrate the capacity of a centralized state to mobilize large numbers of workers and vast quantities of stone.

Other regions

The Indus Valley was in the early stages of the Harappan civilization, with large settlements and the beginnings of urban planning. In China, Longshan cultures were producing thin-walled black pottery and walled settlements. In Europe, stone monuments (megaliths) were being constructed in numerous locations in the west.