Sumerian Civilization

Definition

The Sumerian civilization is recognized as one of the world's earliest known complex societies, emerging in southern Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE. It is characterized by the development of urban centers, advances in writing, mathematics, and law, and significant contributions to art and architecture that laid the groundwork for subsequent civilizations in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sumerian civilization flourished in the fertile region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which facilitated agriculture and trade.
2. Sumerians are credited with the invention of writing around 3200 BCE, which allowed for record-keeping, administration, and the creation of literature.
3. Sumerian art is notable for its use of sculpture, pottery, and cylinder seals, often depicting religious themes and daily life.
4. The Sumerians established a polytheistic religion, worshiping a pantheon of gods associated with natural forces and city-states.
5. Legal codes such as the Code of Ur-Nammu emerged from Sumerian society, influencing later legal systems in Mesopotamia.

Review Questions

• How did the development of cuneiform impact the administration and culture of Sumerian civilization?
  • The development of cuneiform was pivotal for the Sumerians as it facilitated efficient record-keeping and communication. This writing system enabled them to document transactions, laws, and historical events, contributing to more organized governance. Additionally, it played a crucial role in the cultural sphere by allowing the creation of literature, myths, and educational texts that enriched Sumerian society.
• Analyze the significance of ziggurats in Sumerian society and their role in both religious and political life.
  • Ziggurats were central to Sumerian cities, serving as both religious temples and administrative hubs. Their towering structures represented not only the religious devotion to various gods but also the political power of the city-state. By housing both spiritual activities and governmental functions, ziggurats reinforced the connection between religion and politics, reflecting how deeply intertwined these aspects were in Sumerian civilization.
• Evaluate how the advancements in Sumerian civilization influenced later cultures in Mesopotamia and beyond.
  • The advancements made by the Sumerians laid a foundation that profoundly influenced subsequent cultures in Mesopotamia and beyond. Their innovations in writing, governance through legal codes, and urban planning set standards that other civilizations would adopt and adapt. Moreover, their artistic expressions and architectural techniques were echoed in later cultures such as the Akkadians and Babylonians. This legacy demonstrates the Sumerians' critical role in shaping human history through their contributions to civilization.

Related terms

Cuneiform: An ancient writing system developed by the Sumerians, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

Ziggurat: A massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia, resembling a terraced pyramid, that served as a temple complex for worship and administrative activities.

City-States: Independent, self-governing cities that functioned as individual political entities in Sumer, each with its own government and deities.