Sumerians

Definition

The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that emerged in southern Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE, known for their advancements in writing, architecture, and governance. They played a pivotal role in shaping early urban society and laid the foundation for many cultural and technological achievements that influenced future civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sumerians are credited with inventing one of the first forms of writing, cuneiform, which allowed them to record transactions, literature, and laws.
2. They developed advanced agricultural techniques, including irrigation systems, which supported their city-states and contributed to their economic growth.
3. Sumerians built impressive ziggurats that not only served religious purposes but also symbolized the city's wealth and power.
4. Their pantheon included numerous gods and goddesses, reflecting their polytheistic beliefs and the central role religion played in daily life.
5. The Sumerians' legal codes, such as the Code of Ur-Nammu, laid important groundwork for future legal systems and governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Sumerians' innovations in writing and agriculture impact their society?
  • The Sumerians' development of cuneiform writing revolutionized communication and administration, enabling them to document laws, trade, and literature. This innovation facilitated record-keeping that was crucial for managing complex urban societies. Their advanced agricultural practices, particularly irrigation systems, allowed for increased food production, supporting larger populations and leading to the growth of city-states. These innovations together created a more structured society with greater social organization and cultural development.
• Discuss the significance of ziggurats in Sumerian culture and their influence on subsequent civilizations.
  • Ziggurats were significant in Sumerian culture as they served both religious and civic functions, acting as temples dedicated to the gods while also symbolizing the political power of the city. The architectural style of ziggurats influenced later civilizations in Mesopotamia and beyond, impacting religious architecture throughout history. Their construction reflected the Sumerians' engineering skills and commitment to their beliefs, leaving a lasting legacy on urban design and spirituality in subsequent cultures.
• Evaluate how Sumerian legal codes contributed to societal organization and governance in ancient Mesopotamia.
  • Sumerian legal codes, like the Code of Ur-Nammu, established rules governing behavior and provided guidelines for justice, which were crucial for maintaining order in rapidly growing city-states. These codes addressed various aspects of daily life, including trade practices and family matters, fostering a sense of accountability among citizens. The structured legal framework set by the Sumerians influenced later legal systems in Mesopotamia and beyond, demonstrating the importance of law in shaping organized societies and governance.

Related terms

Cuneiform: The earliest form of writing developed by the Sumerians, characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets.

Ziggurat: A massive terraced structure built by the Sumerians as a temple to their gods, often serving as the center of worship and city life.

City-State: A self-governing urban center that includes its surrounding territory, which was a common political structure among Sumerian cities.