21st century BC Facts for Kids

The 21st century BC was a time period that started in the year 2100 BC and ended in 2001 BC. This century was part of ancient history, long before modern times. Many important events happened in places like Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China during these years.

Millennium:	3rd millennium BC
Centuries:	22nd century BC · 21st century BC · 20th century BC
Decades:	2090s BC 2080s BC 2070s BC 2060s BC 2050s BC 2040s BC 2030s BC 2020s BC 2010s BC 2000s BC
Categories:	Births – Deaths Establishments – Disestablishments

Key Events of the 21st Century BC
Important People of the 21st Century BC
- Rulers of Ur
Legendary Figures
New Ideas and Discoveries
Images for kids
See also

Key Events of the 21st Century BC

Ur-Nammu (seated) gives governorship to Ḫašḫamer

This century saw many important changes and developments across the ancient world.

Building the Great Ziggurat of Ur

Around 2100 BC to 2050 BC, a huge temple called the Ziggurat of Nanna was built in the ancient city of Ur. Today, Ur is in modern Iraq. Ziggurats were large, stepped pyramids built for gods.

The Start of the Patriarchal Age

In 2091 BC, some traditions say the Patriarchal Age began. This period is important in the history of several religions.

Changes in Ancient Egypt

Around 2080 BC, there were wars in Egypt involving the Ninth Dynasty.
The First Intermediate Period of Egypt ended around 2080 BC. This was a time when Egypt was not fully united.
The Middle Kingdom then began in Ancient Egypt. This was a time of strong pharaohs and a united country.
Around 2064 BC to 1986 BC, more wars happened in Egypt, known as the Twin Dynasty wars.
Around 2055 BC, Mentuhotep II from Thebes brought Ancient Egypt back together. He became a powerful ruler.
The Funerary Stele of Amenemhat I was made around 2055 BC to 1985 BC. This was a stone slab used in burials, showing important people. It is now in museums in Cairo and New York City.
In 2040 BC, Pharaoh Merykare died, ending the Tenth dynasty of Egypt.
Pharaoh Mentuhotep II then started to rule, beginning the Eleventh Dynasty.
Around 2004 BC, Pharaoh Mentuhotep II of the Eleventh dynasty of Egypt died.
Around 2009 BC to 1997 BC, the Funerary temple of Mentuhotep III was built. This was another important building for a pharaoh's burial.

The Rise of the Xia Dynasty in China

Around 2070 BC (though some dates vary), Yu the Great is said to have started the Xia Dynasty.
In 2040 BC, the Xia Dynasty began. This was the first dynasty and a very early government system in China.

Conflicts and Endings

From 2034 BC to 2004 BC, there were wars between the city of Ur and the Amorites. The Amorites were a group of people from Mesopotamia.
In 2004 BC, the Elamites destroyed the city of Ur.
Around 2000 BC, the Aegean Bronze Age ended. This was a period when people in the Aegean Sea region used bronze tools and weapons.

Important People of the 21st Century BC

This century was home to several influential leaders.

Rulers of Ur

Ur-Nammu was a king of the 3rd dynasty of Ur. He was known for creating one of the earliest law codes.
Shulgi was another important ruler from Urim (Ur).

Legendary Figures

Some people from this time are known through ancient stories and religious traditions.

According to Abrahamic religious traditions, the Patriarch Abraham lived during this era. However, other traditions suggest different dates for his life.
In Hindu tradition, Rama, the seventh Avatar of Vishnu, lived during this time.

New Ideas and Discoveries

This century also saw important advancements.

Around 2100 BC, the earliest known law code was created in Mesopotamia. This was the Code of Ur-Nammu, which set rules for how people should live.
In 2037 BC, Emperor Shen Nong is said to have made the first tea drink by boiling fresh leaves. This might be a mythical story, but it shows how old the idea of tea is!

Images for kids

Ur-Nammu (seated) bestows governorship on Ḫašḫamer, patesi (high priest) of Iškun-Sin (cylinder seal impression, ca. 2100 BC).

21st century BC facts for kids

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