This footprint captures the moment, over four thousand years ago, when someone stepped barefoot on a mud brick left to dry in the sun, 2000 BC, Ur (Iraq).

A recent archaeological discovery at the site of the ancient city of Ur in modern day Iraqh as uncovered a single human footprint preserved for over 4,000 years on a mud brick used in the city’s construction during its golden era.

The print likely belongs to a Sumerian worker involved in building Ur’s monuments and infrastructure in 2100-2000 BCE. The remarkable impression was found among other mud bricks in an ancient wall section the excavation team was uncovering at the location.

The footprint was made by a right foot, probably a man’s based on its size. The H๏τ, dry climate of the region allowed the footprint to remain intact over millennia.

Analysis dated the mud brick with the print and others found alongside it to around 2100 BCE. At this time, Egypt’s Old Kingdom and Stonehenge were also under construction.

The footprint offers a personal connection to an average citizen who lived and worked during Ur’s heyday over 4,000 years ago. While creating mud bricks, he left his mark without realizing it would still exist today. The discovery provides valuable insight into the building of monumental complexes in one of the earliest urban civilizations. Further study of the methods used at Ur will likely reveal more about the first great cities.

Details on the artifact note it was 37.5 cm long by 37.5 cm wide. It was excavated in Iraq at Ur in 1926 from the walls originally built under King Ur-Nammu.