Sumerian

Definition

The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that emerged in southern Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE, known for their significant contributions to writing, mathematics, and urban development. They are credited with creating one of the first forms of writing, cuneiform, and establishing the sexagesimal system, which is a base-60 number system that laid the groundwork for future mathematical concepts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sumerians are considered one of the first advanced civilizations in history, known for their city-states like Uruk, Ur, and Eridu.
2. Their writing system, cuneiform, was initially used for record-keeping related to trade but evolved to include literature and administrative documents.
3. The sexagesimal system enabled complex calculations and is still reflected in how we measure time (60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour).
4. Sumerian mathematics included the use of place value, making it one of the earliest known mathematical systems to incorporate this concept.
5. Sumerians made advances in various fields such as astronomy, agriculture, and law, significantly influencing subsequent cultures in Mesopotamia and beyond.

Review Questions

• How did the Sumerians contribute to the development of writing and mathematics in ancient civilizations?
  • The Sumerians pioneered the development of cuneiform writing, which allowed for effective communication and record-keeping. Their creation of the sexagesimal system laid a foundational framework for mathematics that influenced many later cultures. These innovations not only facilitated trade and governance but also enabled the documentation of literature and scientific observations.
• Discuss the importance of urban centers like Uruk in Sumerian civilization and how they contributed to advancements in society.
  • Urban centers like Uruk were vital to Sumerian civilization as they acted as hubs for trade, governance, and cultural exchange. The concentration of people in these cities led to specialized labor, which encouraged advancements in technology and writing. Moreover, the city's complex social structure fostered innovations such as ziggurats, which served both religious and administrative purposes.
• Evaluate how the Sumerian achievements in writing and mathematics have had a lasting impact on modern society.
  • The Sumerian achievements in writing with cuneiform established a precedent for written communication that persists today. Their sexagesimal system influences our current methods of measuring time and angles, highlighting its long-term relevance. This legacy demonstrates how foundational ideas from early civilizations can shape contemporary practices in various fields such as science, mathematics, and literature.

Related terms

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

Sexagesimal System: A numeral system based on 60, developed by the Sumerians, which is still used today in measuring time and angles.

Ziggurat: A massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as a temple and a center of worship for the Sumerians and other cultures in the region.