Sumerian civilisation

Main

The Sumerian civilization, one of the earliest civilizations in the world, emerged in the region of southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 4500 BCE. The Sumerians were known for their innovations in various fields such as writing, law, and architecture. They created the first known form of writing, called cuneiform, which was a system of pictograms inscribed on clay tablets. This was a significant event as it marked the transition from prehistoric times to recorded history.

In addition to writing, the Sumerians created one of the earliest legal codes. This was a set of rules that regulated societal life and helped maintain order. Moreover, the Sumerians were skilled architects and built impressive structures such as ziggurats. These were massive stepped towers that often formed part of temple complexes and served both religious and practical purposes.

The Sumerian civilization disappeared around 1900 BCE, marking the end of an era. However, their influence did not end there. The Amorites, who conquered Mesopotamia, inherited and continued Sumerian culture. They adopted many aspects of Sumerian culture, including writing, legal codes, and architectural styles. This indicates that the Sumerians not only shaped their own society but also had a profound impact on subsequent civilizations.

An example of their influence in real life is the use of the sexagesimal (base 60) numeral system, which is still used today for measuring time and angles. Thanks to this system developed by the Sumerians, we have 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 degrees in a circle. This attests to the enduring legacy of the Sumerian civilization.

Terms

• Sumerian civilization - an ancient civilization that emerged in southern Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE. Example: The Sumerian civilization is known for creating the first known form of writing.

• Cuneiform - the first known form of writing created by the Sumerians. It was a system of pictograms inscribed on clay tablets. Example: Cuneiform inscriptions provide valuable information about the life and culture of the Sumerian civilization.

• Ziggurat - a type of massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia. It has the form of a terraced compound of successively receding levels or stories. Example: The Great Ziggurat of Ur is one of the best-preserved ziggurats of the Sumerian civilization.

Analogy

Imagine the Sumerian civilization as the foundation of a great building. Just as a building needs a strong foundation to support its structure, modern societies are built on the innovations and achievements of early civilizations like the Sumerian.

Common Misconception

A common misconception is that the Sumerians were primitive and uncivilized. However, they had a complex society with a defined legal system, advanced architectural structures, and writing. An example of such a misconception in real life is the underestimation of the contributions of ancient civilizations to the development of modern society.

History

1. The Sumerian civilization emerged around 4500 BCE in southern Mesopotamia.

2. They developed numerous innovations that had a lasting impact on human civilization.

3. The Sumerian civilization declined around 1900 BCE, but its contributions continue to influence modern society. As the renowned historian Samuel Noah Kramer said, "The Sumerians, despite their political inconsistency, were the creators of civilization in the true sense of the word."

Three Ways It Can Be Used Right Now

1. In the field of archaeology, understanding the Sumerian civilization helps archaeologists interpret archaeological finds and gain insights into human history. The main advantages of using this knowledge are that it provides context for archaeological finds, helps us understand human history, and gives insights into early human societies.

2. In the field of linguistics, studying the Sumerian language and cuneiform allows us to understand the development of writing. The main advantages of using this knowledge are that it helps understand the evolution of language and writing, and provides a foundation for studying other ancient languages.

3. In the field of law, studying the legal codes of the Sumerian civilization can provide insights into the development of legal systems. The main advantages of using this knowledge are that it helps understand the evolution of legal systems and provides historical context for modern legal principles.

Interesting Facts

• The Sumerians invented the wheel, which revolutionized transportation and trade.

• The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known literary works, originated in the Sumerian civilization.

• The Sumerians developed a system of canals and irrigation that transformed agriculture in the region.

• The Sumerians were the first to use the sexagesimal (base 60) numeral system, which is still used today for measuring time and angles.

• The Sumerians had a complex social hierarchy and were one of the first civilizations to create a legal code.

• The Sumerians were among the first to use seals to authenticate documents, a practice that continues to this day.

• The Sumerians developed a sophisticated system of medicine that included diagnoses, prescriptions, and prognoses.

• The Sumerians had extensive knowledge of astronomy and used it to create accurate lunar calendars.