An important center of trade in the Middle East around 3000 BCE was the ancient city of Ur. Located in present-day Iraq, Ur was a significant urban hub in Sumer, known for its advanced infrastructure, including ziggurats, temples, and a complex administrative system. It thrived due to its strategic location, which facilitated commerce and cultural exchange along trade routes connecting various regions. Ur played a vital role in the development of early writing, governance, and trade practices, contributing significantly to the growth of Mesopotamian civilization and influencing economic and social dynamics in the ancient world.