Sumerians

Definition

The Sumerians were one of the earliest known civilizations, emerging in ancient Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE. They are credited with developing one of the first writing systems, cuneiform, and establishing city-states characterized by advanced agricultural practices, complex social structures, and significant contributions to art, science, and religion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sumerians are known for creating one of the world's first known civilizations around 4500 BCE in the southern part of Mesopotamia, which is present-day Iraq.
2. They invented cuneiform writing, which enabled them to document trade transactions, legal codes, and literature like the Epic of Gilgamesh.
3. Sumerian society was organized into city-states such as Uruk, Ur, and Lagash, each governed by a king and featuring a distinct patron deity.
4. Agriculture flourished due to their innovative irrigation techniques, allowing them to support large populations and engage in trade with neighboring cultures.
5. Sumerians made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy, including a base-60 number system still used for measuring time today.

Review Questions

• How did the Sumerians contribute to the development of writing and record-keeping?
  • The Sumerians developed cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems in human history. This innovation allowed them to keep accurate records of trade transactions, laws, and literature. Writing facilitated communication within their city-states and helped preserve their cultural achievements for future generations.
• In what ways did the social structure of Sumerian city-states reflect their religious beliefs?
  • Sumerian city-states were structured around a theocratic model where priests held significant power alongside kings. Each city-state was dedicated to a specific patron deity, influencing governance and daily life. Temples, or ziggurats, served as both religious centers and administrative hubs, demonstrating the integration of religion and politics in Sumerian society.
• Evaluate the impact of Sumerian agricultural innovations on their civilization's growth and influence on neighboring cultures.
  • Sumerian agricultural innovations, particularly their advanced irrigation systems, had a profound impact on their civilization's growth. By efficiently managing water resources from rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates, they could sustain large populations and produce surplus crops. This agricultural success not only supported urbanization but also established trade networks with neighboring cultures, allowing for cultural exchange and influencing regional development throughout Mesopotamia.

Related terms

Cuneiform: The writing system developed by the Sumerians that used wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, allowing for record-keeping and communication.

Ziggurat: A massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as a temple and administrative center, reflecting the Sumerians' religious beliefs and social hierarchy.

City-State: An independent political entity consisting of a city and its surrounding territory, characteristic of Sumerian civilization, where each city-state had its own government and deities.