Sumerian Influence

Definition

Sumerian influence refers to the cultural, artistic, and architectural impacts that the Sumerian civilization had on subsequent civilizations in Mesopotamia and beyond. This influence is evident in various forms of art, literature, religious practices, and governance that shaped later societies such as the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The legacy of Sumerian innovations can be seen particularly in monumental architecture and legal codes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sumerian influence is most visible in the development of cuneiform writing, which laid the groundwork for future written communication across Mesopotamia.
2. The ziggurat, a key architectural form initiated by the Sumerians, became a model for temple construction in later civilizations like Babylon.
3. Sumerians established one of the first known legal codes, which inspired later codes such as the Code of Hammurabi.
4. Their advancements in irrigation and agricultural techniques set a precedent for farming practices that supported large urban populations.
5. Artistic styles developed by the Sumerians, including intricate relief sculptures and cylinder seals, were adopted and adapted by neighboring cultures.

Review Questions

• How did Sumerian writing influence subsequent cultures in Mesopotamia?
  • Sumerian writing, particularly cuneiform, was revolutionary as it provided a means for record-keeping and communication. This system of writing influenced subsequent cultures by allowing for the documentation of laws, trade transactions, and literature. As other civilizations adopted cuneiform, it evolved to fit their languages while preserving the fundamental principles established by the Sumerians.
• What architectural features of ziggurats exemplify Sumerian influence on Babylonian art and architecture?
  • Ziggurats exemplify Sumerian influence through their towering structures built as religious temples that were characterized by a series of terraces. The design prioritized height to bring the temple closer to the gods. This architectural style was adopted and adapted by later cultures such as the Babylonians, who constructed their own grand ziggurats like the famous Etemenanki dedicated to Marduk.
• Evaluate the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh within the context of Sumerian influence on later literary traditions.
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh holds great significance as it not only reflects Sumerian cultural values but also establishes themes of heroism and mortality that resonate through time. Its narrative influenced later literary traditions by introducing complex characters and moral dilemmas that would be echoed in subsequent epics from Babylon and beyond. The story's exploration of friendship, loss, and human experience set foundational storytelling elements that would shape future literature across various cultures.

Related terms

Cuneiform: The earliest known system of writing developed by the Sumerians, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

Ziggurat: A massive terraced structure built by the Sumerians as a temple to their gods, which influenced later architectural designs in Mesopotamia.

Epic of Gilgamesh: One of the oldest known literary works, originating from Sumer, which tells the story of King Gilgamesh and reflects Sumerian values and beliefs.