Systems of land measures: (1) computation by area

For land measures there were two systems in use, one purely areal, the other with a reference to the average yield. In the former case the scale of measures was discovered and formulated by Dr. G. Reisner, in the Sitzungsberichte Berliner Akademie, 1897, p. 417 f., and is completely known. In this scale 1 GAN = 1,800 SAR, 1 SAR = 60 GIN, 1 GIN = 180 ŠE. We do not know how these words GAN, SAR, GIN, ŠE were read; they may be ideograms or Sumerian words. There was also a very large measure of area, 3,600 GAN, perhaps called a karu. Mr. Thureau-Dangin has further shown that the SAR was the square of the measure GAR-DU, which seems at one time to have measured 12 U. The U is often taken to be a cubit, but seems at this time to have been nine hundred and ninety millimetres, which is sometimes called “a double cubit.” On these suppositions [pg 190] the SAR would be a square, each side measuring about twenty-two yards, about one-tenth of an acre, or four ares on the metrical system. But it is certain that both in early times and during the First Dynasty of Babylon the GAR was only 12 U, and the U, if a cubit, would not be much over eighteen inches. This would make the SAR a square of about eighteen feet on each side. The fact that a SAR was a fairly common size for a house seems rather against the smaller area. What is yet wanted is some cuneiform statement of the size or area of something which can be exactly identified and measured. With further exploration this is almost sure to be found.[469]

(2) Computation by an average yield

The other system applied to land the names of measures of capacity used for measuring crops. We read of so many GUR and ḲA of land, where 1 GUR = 300 ḲA, as shown by Dr. Reisner. We may guess that a GUR of land was so called because it took a GUR of corn to sow it, or because it yielded a GUR of corn as an average harvest. These are mere guesses and we must remain in ignorance until further evidence connects a GUR of land on one side with its length and breadth, or some other relation between the GUR and the GAN can be deduced. Then we shall want to know the size of the GUR of corn, of which at present we have no knowledge. But already in Susa a broken pot has been found with its original contents marked upon it. When others are found, from which an approximate estimate of contents can be made, and an inscription read giving the capacity, we shall be able to make a definite statement. At present the data are insufficient and what the metrologists write is only ingenious speculation.

Descriptions and plans of plots of land

A piece of land had, so to speak, an individuality of its own. Once marked out, and that probably from time immemorial, it was rarely divided. It seems probable that [pg 191] corn-land at any rate was divided into long, narrow strips. But the plots became gradually of all sizes and shapes, as the many plans of estates show. The lengths of the sides are usually given on such plans, and much labor has been expended with small result on reconciling the given dimensions with the area ascribed to the plot. But it is certain that these were often recorded merely for purposes of identification. The area of the field was well known, and its average crop also, without any need of resort to calculations.

Boundary-stones

These plots often bear their owner's name, and that long after he had passed away. The boundary-stones of the field were sacred. Not a few were inscribed with some sort of history of the plot. Especially was this the case when the land was granted to fresh owners, by sale, or charter. No inconsiderable portion of what we know of history is derived from inscribed boundary-stones. They are the oldest monuments and rarely deeply buried. Hence they are easy to find. They have even been brought to London, as ship's ballast, in times before they could be read. They would be invaluable, if found in situ, for a modern survey of the country and a reconstruction of its ancient history. As a rule they are splendidly preserved.

Inviolability of landmarks

Encroaching on the highway