The Old Elamite period refers to a phase in the history of the ancient civilization of Elam, located in what is now southwestern Iran. This era, which lasted from around 2700 to 1500 BCE, is characterized by the development of early urban centers and the use of the Elamite language in cuneiform writing. During the Old Elamite period, the Elamites engaged in trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions, including Mesopotamia. The period saw the rise of powerful city-states, such as Susa, which became a significant political and economic hub in the region.