Discovered by chance in the early 1930s, the ancient city of Mari provides insights into Mesopotamian culture and humankind’s first steps toward urbanization. In this program, archaeologists Jean-Claude Margueron and Béatrice Muller-Margueron lead a team in the excavation of Mari’s urban center as they work to uncover the successive layers of the third, second, and first towns. Geographic and historical background on Mesopotamia is provided, archaeological evidence of prolific metalwork and ceramics industries is unearthed, and 3-D animations illustrate aspects of how the city looked and functioned in its prime. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (27 minutes)