Introduction
Sumerian is the name given by the Semitic speaking Akkadians to non-Semitic speaking people living in Mesopotamia. The major periods in Sumerian history were the Ubaid (6500 – 4100), Vruk (4100-2900),
Early dynastic (2900-2334), Akkadian empire (2234-2218), Sumerian Renaissance, & the decline.
Salient features of Sumerian civilization
Ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day southern Iraq) from approximately 4500 BCE to 1900 BCE, had several salient Features that distinguish it as an important early civilization. Some of the key features of the Sumerian civilization include:
1. Invention of Writing
The Sumerians developed one of the earliest known writing systems, known as cuneiform. This system used wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets and allowed for the recording of various aspects of life, including administrative, economic, and literary texts. The invention of writing had a profound impact on human history, enabling the preservation and transmission of knowledge across generations.
2. City-States
The Sumerians were organized into independent city-states, each with its own government and religious institutions. Prominent city-states included Uruk, Ur, Lagash, and Nippur. These city-states were centers of political, economic, and cultural activity, with their own kings and administrative system.
3. Irrigation and Agriculture
The Sumerians developed advanced irrigation systems to harness the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which allowed for agricultural productivity in an otherwise arid region. They constructed canals, dikes, and reservoirs to control and distribute water for farming, leading to surplus food production.
4. Polytheistic Religion
The Sumerians had a complex polytheistic religious system, with numerous gods and goddesses governing various aspects of life. They believed in the existence of an afterlife and practiced rituals, sacrifices, and offerings to appease their deities. Temples were dedicated to specific gods, and priests played a central role in religious ceremonies.
5. Trade and Commerce
The Sumerians engaged in extensive trade networks, both within Mesopotamia and with neighboring regions. They imported raw materials such as timber, metals, and precious stones and exported agricultural products and manufactured goods. Trade contributed to cultural exchange and the development of a market economy.
6. Scientific and Technological Advances:
The Sumerians made significant advancements in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and medicine. They developed a sexagesimal numeral system, which influenced subsequent civilizations, and made observations of celestial bodies. Sumerian architecture included impressive structures like ziggurats and city walls, showcasing their engineering prowess.
Conclusion
The Sumerian civilization’s legacy extends far beyond its geographical and temporal boundaries. Their innovations in writing, mathematics, astronomy, and architecture laid the groundwork for later civilizations, such as the Babylonian, Assyrian, and Persian empires. Their cultural achievements, including their literature, music, and art, continue to inspire and fascinate us today.