Mesopotamia From Nomads to Farmers

Summary

In ancient Sumer, a student named Nisaba begins a journal about her life in the city-state of Nippur. She explores the history of her people, from their early farming innovations to the creation of the wheel, writing, and a lunar calendar. Nisaba reflects on their religious beliefs, the role of the gods, and the importance of their sacred city and its ziggurat. Her journal also touches on social roles, taxes, and the responsibilities of the king and priests, offering a vivid snapshot of Sumerian life and culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sumerians were pioneers in farming, transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities.
• 😀 Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is particularly fertile due to regular flooding that enriches the soil.
• 😀 The Sumerians invented irrigation systems, including levees and gated ditches, to control floods and manage water for crops.
• 😀 The Sumerians developed the plow, which they pulled with oxen, making farming more efficient.
• 😀 The lunar-based calendar created by the Sumerians helped predict floods and better manage agricultural activities.
• 😀 Sumerians were the first to develop a system of writing called cuneiform, which was pressed into wet clay tablets.
• 😀 The wheel was another key Sumerian invention, revolutionizing transport and work efficiency.
• 😀 With their advances in agriculture, some Sumerians no longer had to farm and could pursue other occupations like pottery, fishing, and trade.
• 😀 City-states in Sumer were governed by kings chosen by the gods and supported by priests who performed rituals and maintained temples.
• 😀 The society had a complex tax system where individuals paid in goods or labor, with taxes funding the king’s army and city improvements.

Q & A

What was the first major development that helped the Sumerians improve their way of life?

The first major development was the ability to farm. Sumerians transitioned from hunting and gathering to cultivating crops, especially wheat, and domesticating goats and sheep, which allowed them to settle in one place and improve food security.

What is the significance of Mesopotamia's geography in terms of agriculture?

Mesopotamia's location between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers was crucial for agriculture. The rivers provided fertile soil through flooding, which allowed for the successful cultivation of crops like barley, wheat, and various fruits and vegetables.

How did Sumerians control the flooding of rivers to protect their crops?

The Sumerians built levees—large earthen barriers to prevent river flooding—and created gated ditches to channel water to crops when needed, effectively managing water resources for irrigation.

What is the significance of the Sumerian calendar, and how was it used?

The Sumerian calendar was based on the cycles of the moon and stars, allowing them to predict the timing of floods and other natural events. It had 12 months, each with 30 days, and was vital for agricultural planning and religious observances.

What writing system did the Sumerians invent, and why was it important?

The Sumerians invented cuneiform, a writing system using a stylus to mark wet clay tablets. This allowed them to keep records, including trade transactions and laws, and to preserve important information.

What is the role of the wheel in Sumerian society?

The wheel was a groundbreaking invention that transformed transportation and labor. Before the wheel, people dragged items by hand; after its invention, they could use carts for more efficient movement of goods.

How did the social structure of Sumer evolve as a result of agricultural advancements?

As agriculture improved, fewer people were needed to farm, allowing some to pursue other professions such as pottery, trading, or becoming scribes. This led to the development of cities and complex social hierarchies.

What was the role of the Ziggurat in Sumerian cities?

The Ziggurat was the central religious and cultural building in Sumerian cities, serving as the temple for the city's patron god. It was the highest structure in the city and symbolized the connection between the gods and the people.

What were the duties and responsibilities of the king in Sumerian society?

The king was responsible for maintaining law and order, overseeing trade, and ensuring the upkeep of temples and irrigation systems. The king was also seen as divinely chosen and acted as an intermediary between the gods and the people.

What types of taxes did the Sumerians pay, and how were they used?

Sumerians paid various taxes, including taxes on livestock, fish, and even funerals. These taxes funded the king's army, city repairs, and improvements, and were collected through labor or goods, such as grain or animals.