Final answer:
Ur is distinguished from Eridu and Uruk by its well-preserved Ziggurat to the moon god Nanna, extensive empire, elaborate burial practices such as the Royal Graves, and advanced artisanal craftsmanship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to the earlier periods of Eridu and Uruk, the city of Ur during the Ur III period is distinguished by several features. One such feature is the presence of the well-preserved Ziggurat dedicated to the moon god Nanna, dating from approximately 2100-1800 BCE. Additionally, Ur became the capital of an empire stretching across southern Mesopotamia and was later the site of significant construction by the rulers of Kassite and Neo-Babylonian empires. This indicates Ur's continued political and religious significance well after the pinnacle of Eridu and Uruk.
The Royal Graves at the edge of Ur's sacred area reflect a societal structure that supported elaborate burial practices and clearly delineated social hierarchies. Also, artifacts like the mosaic inlaid wooden box from a royal tomb demonstrate the specialized craftsmanship and artisanal skill that were hallmarks of Ur, signifying an economy that could sustain such high levels of artistry.
While Uruk is recognized for its narrative imagery in art and the iconic Anu Ziggurat, and both Eridu and Uruk were substantial in their formative eras, it is the architectural and artistic developments, along with the political prominence of Ur, that stand out in the later periods of Mesopotamian civilization.