Sumerians and their Civilization Explained in 7 Minutes

Summary

The ancient Sumerians, originating around 6500 BC in southern Mesopotamia, were the earliest civilization with significant influence on the ancient Middle East. They pioneered writing, schooling, organized religion, and lawmaking. Their society was highly religious and agricultural, with early forms of democracy. They developed various technologies, including the wheel and cuneiform script, and contributed to mathematics, introducing arithmetic and geometry. Their mythology, with its unique view of the afterlife and gods, influenced many world myths.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Sumerians are recognized as the earliest developed civilization in recorded history.
• 🌟 They are credited with many 'firsts' including the first kingdom, city-states, and writing system.
• 🗓️ The Sumerian civilization existed from around 6500 BC to 4100 BC.
• 🌾 They were a highly religious, agricultural society that valued art, culture, and the written word.
• 🏙️ The Sumerians originated in southern Mesopotamia, in parts of modern-day Iraq and Kuwait.
• 🔍 Their early political structure included a form of democracy with elected officials.
• 👥 Sumerians had a diverse range of professions, from scribes to craftsmen, but some jobs were less desirable.
• 🛠️ They were innovators in technology, inventing the wheel, pickaxe, and early forms of transportation.
• 📚 The Sumerians had a developed education system that included mathematics, with contributions to arithmetic and geometry.
• 🌐 Their foreign policy was complex, involving conflicts and influences with neighboring regions.
• 🌌 Sumerian mythology and religion had a significant impact on world culture, including creation myths and the concept of an afterlife.

Q & A

Who are the Sumerians and what is their significance in history?

The Sumerians were one of the earliest civilizations in recorded history, starting around 6500 BC and ending around 4100 BC. They are known for pioneering many areas of expertise such as the first kingdom, city-states, writing, schooling, organized religion, lawmaking, art, and literature. Their accomplishments and innovations influenced the entirety of the ancient Middle East and beyond.

What geographical region did the Sumerian civilization occupy?

The Sumerians lived in southern Mesopotamia, in parts of modern-day Iraq and Kuwait. Their civilization was situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the Persian Gulf to the southeast.

What was the political structure of the Sumerian city-states?

The Sumerian city-states initially enjoyed a level of democracy with most major government positions being elected. However, as warfare and clashes with neighboring tribes increased, a need for a single ruler arose, leading to the establishment of a king or 'lugal' in Sumerian.

What were the various professions available to an ancient Sumerian?

Ancient Sumerians had a wide array of professions to choose from, including priests, scribes, members of royalty, minor noblemen, sculptors, jewelers, lapidaries, carpenters, smiths, leather workers, Fullers, basket makers, and builders.

What is the significance of the cuneiform script developed by the Sumerians?

The cuneiform script is one of the earliest writing systems and was highly influential, becoming widespread throughout the ancient Middle East. It was in use for over five millennia after its invention.

How did the Sumerians contribute to the field of mathematics?

The Sumerians were instrumental in the development of arithmetic and geometry, primarily for practical uses such as measurement and accountancy.

What was the Sumerians' lunar and solar calendar used for?

The Sumerians were among the first to use a lunar and solar calendar, which was later implemented in cultures both east and west of Mesopotamia.

How did the Sumerians' foreign policy affect their relationships with neighboring nations?

The Sumerians had a complicated relationship with their neighbors, marked by battles, hostile takeovers, and other conflicts. Despite this, nearly all of these groups were significantly influenced by Sumerian civilization.

What were the key aspects of Sumerian religion and mythology?

Sumerian religion and mythology included a pantheon of gods, creation myths, the concept of an afterlife in 'Kur', and the judgment of the dead by the Sun God Utu and the Moon God Nanna. Many elements of Sumerian mythology correspond to myths found in other cultures around the world.

What was the Sumerians' view of the afterlife?

According to Sumerian mythology, after death, a person would go to 'Kur', the underworld. Interestingly, it was not a place of eternal darkness but was illuminated by the moon, providing daylight to the dead.

What is the significance of the Sumerian civilization in the context of world culture?

The Sumerian civilization is significant to world culture as many elements of their myths, religious beliefs, and innovations have influenced and are present in numerous cultures globally.