Cover art by Naï Zakharia
Queen Puabi was an enigmatic queen in ancient Sumeria who lived over 4,500 years ago. She was a powerful ruler and priestess who was known for her beauty, intelligence, and influence. Her life and legacy have captured the imaginations of historians, archaeologists, and the public alike, and her story remains as fascinating and intriguing as ever.
Queen Puabi was born into a royal family and was raised to be a leader. She was known for her beauty and her intelligence, and she quickly became a respected figure in Sumerian society. She was also a high priestess, and she used her position to promote religious and cultural practices that were important to her people.
During her reign, Queen Puabi oversaw the construction of many important buildings and monuments, including temples and palaces. She was a skilled administrator and diplomat, and she was respected by her subjects and neighboring kingdoms alike. She was also trained in medicine and was buried with her surgical tools.
But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Queen Puabi's legacy is her tomb, which was discovered by archaeologists in the 1920s. The tomb was filled with treasure, including gold and precious jewels, as well as artifacts that shed light on the culture and customs of ancient Sumeria. The most remarkable discovery was a crown made of gold and lapis lazuli, which was believed to have belonged to Queen Puabi herself. The artifacts were later taken to the British Museum in London, where they are currently on display. Some of the artifacts are also housed in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad.
However, the discovery of the tomb also raised many questions. The circumstances of Queen Puabi's death are unknown, and there are no records of her life beyond the tomb. Some historians speculate that she died in battle, while others believe that she may have been a victim of a political coup. Whatever the truth may be, Queen Puabi's tomb remains a testament to her wealth, power, and influence.
But perhaps the most striking artifact found in Queen Puabi's tomb was the famous "death pit," where the remains of several people, including servants and animals, were found. It is believed that these individuals were sacrificed and buried with the queen, so that they could serve her in the afterlife.
Some have criticized Queen Puabi for her lavish lifestyle and her use of human sacrifice. However, if we view her in the context of her time and culture in ancient Sumeria, luxury goods and human sacrifice were seen as a way of honoring the gods and ensuring a prosperous afterlife. Queen Puabi was following the customs of her time and doing what she believed was necessary to ensure her eternal happiness.
Queen Puabi's legacy is a testament to the intelligence, power, and resilience of women in ancient societies. Her life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world, and her story remains a fascinating mystery that we may never fully unravel.
