Sumer

Sumer

Satellite map of Sumer

Sumer was an ancient civilization and historical region in southern Mesopotamia, modern-day southern Iraq, during the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age. Although the earliest historical records in the region do not go back much further than c. 2900 BC, modern historians have suggested that Sumer was first permanently settled between c. 5500 and 4000 BC by a non-Semitic people who may or may not have spoken the Sumerian language.

Geography

Sumer was located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in what is now southern Iraq, from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. The region was known for its fertile soil and was often referred to as the "cradle of civilization" due to its early development of urban societies.

History

Early Dynastic Period

The Early Dynastic Period of Sumer is characterized by the emergence of city-states such as Uruk, Ur, Lagash, and Eridu. These city-states were often in conflict with each other, vying for control over resources and trade routes.

Akkadian Empire

In the 24th century BC, Sumer came under the control of the Akkadian Empire, founded by Sargon of Akkad. This period saw the fusion of Sumerian and Akkadian cultures, with Akkadian becoming the lingua franca of the region.

Third Dynasty of Ur

After the fall of the Akkadian Empire, the Third Dynasty of Ur, also known as the Ur III period, marked a renaissance of Sumerian culture. This period is noted for its advances in literature, architecture, and governance.

Culture

Language and Writing

Cuneiform script for Saĝ-gíg

The Sumerians are credited with the invention of cuneiform, one of the earliest known forms of writing. Cuneiform was initially used for record-keeping and later adapted for writing literature, including the famous Epic of Gilgamesh.

Religion

Sumerian religion was polytheistic, with gods representing natural forces and aspects of life. Major deities included Anu, Enlil, Inanna, and Enki. Temples, known as ziggurats, were built as places of worship and were central to Sumerian city life.

Art and Architecture

Head of Gudea

Sumerian art is renowned for its intricate sculptures and cylinder seals. The "Head of Gudea" is a notable example of Sumerian sculpture, depicting the ruler of the city-state of Lagash.

Economy

The economy of Sumer was based on agriculture, facilitated by the region's fertile soil and irrigation systems. Sumerians grew crops such as barley, wheat, and dates, and they raised livestock including sheep and cattle. Trade was also significant, with Sumerians exchanging goods with neighboring regions.

Legacy

Sumer's contributions to civilization include the development of writing, the wheel, and the concept of the city-state. These innovations laid the foundation for future civilizations in the region and beyond.

Related pages

• Mesopotamia
• Akkadian Empire
• Uruk
• Ziggurat