Mesopotamia The Development of Written Language

Summary

This script narrates the development of writing in ancient Sumer through the eyes of Nisaba, a student. It explains the evolution from pictographs to cuneiform, the use of styluses and clay tablets, and the vital role of scribes in recording laws, taxes, and myths. The script highlights the significance of writing in preserving stories, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the quest for immortality, emphasizing the enduring impact of recorded history.

Takeaways

• 📝 The script is a journal entry from a student named Nisaba in the ancient city-state of Nippur, part of Sumer in Mesopotamia, describing the development of writing in her homeland.
• 🌾 Writing originated as a way to keep records of agricultural production, such as grain yields, livestock numbers, and shares given to the gods.
• 🎨 Initially, writing was pictorial, with pictures representing words, but over time, these evolved into more abstract symbols to facilitate faster writing.
• 🔡 The Sumerian writing system is known as cuneiform, characterized by wedge-shaped marks made with a stylus cut from reeds along the river.
• 📜 Cuneiform writing was inscribed on clay tablets, which were then sun-dried and hardened for long-term preservation.
• 📈 Writing was crucial for the Sumerian civilization, enabling record-keeping and planning for the future, which was vital for food security and religious offerings.
• 🏛 Nisaba's father worked for the king, advising farmers on crop cultivation, demonstrating the practical application of writing in governance and agriculture.
• 🏫 Nisaba attends an 'aduba', a school for scribes, which is a privilege not many children, especially girls, have access to in Sumer.
• 📚 Scribes, known as 'dubans', kept records of important events, taxes, trade, and divine communications, highlighting the role of writing in documenting history and governance.
• 📜 The script mentions that Sumer was the first civilization to write down laws, which helped maintain consistency and stability in legal systems.
• 🌌 Scribes also worked with priests to record astronomical observations, aiding in predicting natural events like floods and understanding divine intentions.
• 📖 Sumerians were the first to write down their myths and stories, including the Epic of Gilgamesh, thus preserving their cultural heritage and narratives for future generations.

Q & A

What was the initial purpose of developing writing in the ancient land of Sumer?

The initial purpose of developing writing in Sumer was to keep records on what had happened from year to year, such as the amount of grain grown by farmers, shares received by different people, the number of animals, and offerings given to the gods.

How did the writing system in Sumer evolve over time?

The writing system in Sumer evolved from drawing little pictures that represented words to more abstract symbols. Over time, these symbols became wedge-shaped marks, which were easier to write quickly with a stylus on clay tablets.

What is the meaning of the term 'cuneiform'?

Cuneiform means 'wedge-shaped' and refers to the style of writing where symbols are made up of little wedge marks, created using a stylus on clay tablets.

Why was writing on clay tablets an effective method for the Sumerians?

Writing on clay tablets was effective because clay was abundant and easy to work with. Once the writing was done, the tablets could be dried in the sun to harden, making them durable and long-lasting.

How did the development of writing contribute to the power of the Sumerian civilization?

The development of writing contributed to the power of the Sumerian civilization by enabling them to keep records and make plans for the future, which was crucial for managing resources, agriculture, and ensuring food supply for the people and the gods.

What role did Nisaba, the student mentioned in the script, play in learning to write?

Nisaba was a student attending an aduba, or tablet school, training to be a scribe. Learning to write was a privilege, and it took 12 years to master the skill, with Nisaba being one of the few, especially as a girl.

What were the responsibilities of a scribe in Sumer?

Scribes in Sumer were responsible for keeping records of important events, such as tax payments, trade transactions, divine messages, and offerings to the gods. They also documented laws, observations made by priests, and helped in predicting future events based on past patterns.

Why were myths and stories significant in the Sumerian civilization?

Myths and stories were significant in the Sumerian civilization as they were the first to write them down, preserving their culture, beliefs, and history. Many of these stories were about the gods and served to explain the world and the actions of the deities.

What is the story of Zeus sudra in relation to the great flood?

Zeus sudra was a man who was warned by a god about a great flood that the gods intended to use to wipe out humanity. He built a boat to save his family and animals, surviving the flood, which is a story that reflects the Sumerian belief in divine intervention and human survival.

What is the Epic of Gilgamesh and why is it significant?

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a long story about a Sumerian king named Gilgamesh and his adventures with his friend Enidu. It is significant because it is one of the earliest known works of literature and explores themes of friendship, heroism, and the quest for immortality.

What lesson did Gilgamesh learn from his quest for immortality?

Gilgamesh learned that immortality is a gift of the gods and not something that can be achieved through human efforts. He realized that it is better to do good work and enjoy life during the time one has rather than seeking eternal life.