Sumerians

Definition

The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that emerged in southern Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE, known for developing one of the world's first writing systems and establishing city-states like Ur and Uruk. Their innovations laid the groundwork for future civilizations, including advances in agriculture, trade, and governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sumerians are credited with the invention of cuneiform writing around 3200 BCE, allowing for record-keeping and communication.
2. They developed advanced irrigation techniques that transformed agriculture, enabling them to cultivate surplus crops and support larger populations.
3. Sumerian society was organized into city-states, each with its own ruler, temple, and distinct patron deity.
4. The Sumerians made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy, creating a base-60 number system that influences timekeeping today.
5. Sumerian religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods representing natural forces and aspects of life, influencing their culture and governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Sumerians' agricultural techniques contribute to the rise of their civilization?
  • The Sumerians developed sophisticated irrigation systems that channeled water from rivers to fields, which allowed for consistent crop production in the arid landscape of Mesopotamia. This innovation enabled them to grow surplus food, supporting larger populations and leading to urbanization. The resulting increase in trade and economic activity fostered the growth of city-states and complex societies, laying the foundation for their advanced civilization.
• Evaluate the significance of cuneiform writing in Sumerian society and its impact on later civilizations.
  • Cuneiform writing was a groundbreaking development for the Sumerians as it facilitated record-keeping, administrative tasks, and communication across their city-states. This innovation not only allowed for the documentation of trade transactions but also enabled the preservation of literature, laws, and historical records. The influence of cuneiform extended beyond Sumer to other cultures in Mesopotamia, shaping the evolution of writing systems throughout history.
• Analyze how Sumerian city-states reflected both political organization and religious beliefs in their society.
  • Sumerian city-states were structured around both political governance and religious practices, with each city-state centered on a ziggurat that served as a temple dedicated to its patron deity. This intertwining of politics and religion emphasized the belief that rulers were divinely appointed to govern. Additionally, the political organization of these city-states allowed for competition among them, influencing trade networks and military conflicts, which were often framed within a religious context that justified warfare and conquest.

Related terms

Cuneiform: The writing system developed by the Sumerians using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, which was one of the earliest forms of writing in human history.

Ziggurat: A massive terraced structure that served as a temple and administrative center in Sumerian city-states, symbolizing their religious and political significance.

City-State: A self-governing urban center that included its surrounding territory, characteristic of Sumerian civilization and often involved in trade and military conflict.