Dateline Troy Timeline

Sumer has fully articulated military, including standing army organized along modern lines

First detailed account of a war, between Lagash and Umma (both Sumerian city-states), recorded in pictures on stele erected by victorious Eannatum of Lagash (victors write history)

Stele of Vultures (by Eannatum) shows war with phalanxes 6 deep by 8 wide; armor; helmets; spears; socket axes; sickle swords; and chariots pulled by onagers (wild donkeys)

Battering ram developed to counter fortifications, since armies on the move needed supplies hidden in the cities

Copper helmets with leather liners common in Sumerian army, lessening impact of mace as a weapon

Sargon's army of 5,300 is big for the time

Sargon the Great, of Akkad, launches conquest of all of Mesopotamia, first great military dictator

First evidence of composite bow, during reign of Naram Sin, grandson of Sargon the Great -- able to penetrate leather armor, double range of simple bows

Sumerians divide circle into 360 degrees (a very divisive people, these Sumerians)

Sumerians divide day into 24 hours

Sumerians divide hour into 60 minutes

Sumerians divide minute into 60 seconds