Sumerian

Definition

The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that emerged in southern Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE, known for creating one of the world’s first writing systems and making significant advancements in various fields including education, governance, and architecture. Their innovations laid the groundwork for subsequent cultures in Mesopotamia and beyond, influencing educational practices through the establishment of formal schools and a curriculum focused on writing and mathematics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sumerians established some of the earliest schools known as 'edubbas' where boys learned to read and write cuneiform, focusing primarily on administrative tasks.
2. The Sumerians made major contributions to mathematics, developing a base-60 number system that is still evident in our timekeeping today.
3. Their mythology and literature, including the Epic of Gilgamesh, not only influenced later cultures but also provided moral and educational lessons.
4. Sumerians utilized clay tablets for record-keeping in various aspects such as trade, legal documents, and educational materials.
5. The Sumerian society was stratified, with education largely accessible only to the elite class, highlighting the role of education in maintaining social hierarchies.

Review Questions

• How did Sumerian educational practices influence other ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia?
  • Sumerian educational practices set a precedent for formal schooling that would influence neighboring cultures in Mesopotamia. The establishment of edubbas allowed for a structured approach to learning that included writing, mathematics, and literature. This educational model was adopted and adapted by later civilizations such as the Akkadians and Babylonians, leading to an emphasis on literacy and record-keeping that became integral to administrative functions across the region.
• What role did cuneiform play in the educational system of the Sumerians, and why was it significant?
  • Cuneiform was central to the Sumerian educational system as it was the primary medium through which knowledge was recorded and transmitted. Learning to read and write cuneiform was essential for students in edubbas, as it enabled them to engage with administrative duties, legal matters, and literature. The significance of cuneiform extended beyond education; it allowed for the preservation of culture, history, and knowledge that would influence future generations.
• Evaluate the impact of Sumerian advancements in education on social structures within their civilization and its legacy on future societies.
  • Sumerian advancements in education significantly impacted their social structure by creating a class of literate elites who held power within society. This separation fostered a hierarchy where access to knowledge became a means of social mobility but predominantly benefitted the ruling class. The legacy of Sumerian education can be seen in later civilizations that adopted similar educational institutions and practices. Their emphasis on writing, record-keeping, and a structured curriculum laid foundational principles for education systems that evolved throughout history.

Related terms

Cuneiform: A system of writing developed by the Sumerians using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, which was used for recording transactions, laws, and literature.

Ziggurat: A massive stepped structure that served as a temple in Sumerian cities, symbolizing both religious devotion and the political authority of city-states.

City-State: An independent, self-governing entity consisting of a city and its surrounding territory, which was the primary political structure of Sumerian civilization.