Sumerians

Definition

The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that emerged in Southern Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE, known for creating one of the world’s first urban societies and developing writing, agriculture, and complex governance. Their contributions laid the foundation for subsequent cultures in Mesopotamia and significantly influenced the development of civilization as a whole.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sumerians are credited with inventing writing around 3200 BCE, which allowed for the recording of laws, trade transactions, and literature.
2. They developed advanced agricultural techniques, including irrigation systems, which enabled them to support large urban populations.
3. Sumerians created a pantheon of gods and engaged in elaborate religious practices, with each city-state typically devoted to a specific deity.
4. The Sumerian society was organized into city-states, each with its own ruler, laws, and customs, leading to both collaboration and conflict among them.
5. Their achievements in mathematics and astronomy laid the groundwork for later scientific developments and calendar systems.

Review Questions

• How did the Sumerians influence the development of writing and record-keeping?
  • The Sumerians significantly impacted writing by developing cuneiform around 3200 BCE, which is considered one of the first forms of writing in history. This system allowed them to document various aspects of their society, such as legal codes, economic transactions, and cultural narratives. By creating a means to record information, the Sumerians helped facilitate administration and communication, which were crucial for managing their complex urban environments.
• Discuss the role of religion in Sumerian city-states and how it influenced their governance.
  • Religion played a central role in Sumerian city-states, as each city was typically dedicated to a specific deity. The Sumerians built impressive ziggurats as temples to honor their gods, which also served as administrative centers. The ruling authorities often claimed divine sanction for their power, intertwining governance with religious authority. This led to a society where political decisions were heavily influenced by religious beliefs and practices.
• Evaluate the significance of Sumerian advancements in agriculture and technology on future civilizations.
  • Sumerian advancements in agriculture and technology had profound implications for future civilizations. Their innovations in irrigation allowed for more efficient farming practices, which supported larger populations and led to urbanization. These agricultural techniques became a model for neighboring societies. Additionally, their technological developments in areas like mathematics and astronomy set foundational standards for subsequent cultures. The Sumerian legacy can be seen in many aspects of later civilizations in Mesopotamia and beyond.

Related terms

Cuneiform: The earliest known form of writing developed by the Sumerians, using wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay tablets.

Ziggurat:

A massive terraced structure built by the Sumerians, serving as a temple and administrative center, reflecting their religious beliefs and social hierarchy.

City-state: An independent, self-governing city that also controls surrounding territories, exemplified by Sumerian cities like Ur and Uruk.