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The Sumerians: Their History, Religion, and Inventions

Elmer Powell

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The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that flourished in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) from around 4500 to 1900 BCE. They are considered one of the world's first civilizations, and their innovations and achievements had a profound impact on the development of human society.

History

The Sumerians were originally nomadic herders who settled in the fertile plains of Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE. They established city-states, including Ur, Uruk, and Lagash, which grew into thriving centers of trade and culture.

Sumerians: Their History, Religion, and Inventions

by Bruce Nichols

5 out of 5

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The Sumerians developed a complex system of government and law, and they were the first to develop a written language, cuneiform. Cuneiform was a wedge-shaped script that was used to write on clay tablets. The Sumerians used cuneiform to record their history, religion, and laws, and it is thanks to these tablets that we know so much about their civilization.

The Sumerians were a warlike people, and they often fought with their neighbors. However, they were also skilled diplomats, and they were able to maintain peaceful relations with many of the other civilizations in the region.

The Sumerian civilization reached its peak around 2500 BCE. However, it began to decline around 1900 BCE, due to a number of factors, including climate change, invasion, and internal strife.

Religion

The Sumerians were a polytheistic people, and they believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The most important gods were Anu, the god of the sky; Enlil, the god of the air; and Ea, the god of the water. The Sumerians also believed in a number of other gods and goddesses, including Inanna, the goddess of love and war; Utu, the god of the sun; and Sin, the god of the moon.

The Sumerians built elaborate temples to their gods and goddesses. These temples were often decorated with statues and reliefs of the gods and goddesses, and they were used for religious ceremonies and rituals.

The Sumerians also believed in an afterlife. They believed that after death, they would go to the underworld, where they would be judged by the gods and goddesses. The good would be rewarded with eternal happiness, while the wicked would be punished for their sins.

Inventions

The Sumerians were a highly inventive people, and they made many important contributions to human civilization. Some of their most important inventions include:

Writing: The Sumerians developed the first written language, cuneiform. Cuneiform was a wedge-shaped script that was used to write on clay tablets.
Wheel: The Sumerians invented the wheel around 3500 BCE. The wheel was a major technological breakthrough, and it revolutionized transportation and warfare.
Plow: The Sumerians invented the plow around 3000 BCE. The plow was a major agricultural innovation, and it made it possible to cultivate large areas of land.
Irrigation: The Sumerians developed a system of irrigation that allowed them to farm in the arid climate of Mesopotamia.
Mathematics: The Sumerians developed a system of mathematics that was based on the number 60. This system was later adopted by the Babylonians and the Greeks.

The Sumerians were a remarkable civilization that made many important contributions to human history. Their innovations and achievements laid the foundation for the development of later civilizations, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.

The Sumerians were a fascinating and enigmatic civilization. Their history, religion, and inventions have had a profound impact on the development of human society. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of this ancient civilization, and it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in human history.

Sumerians: Their History, Religion, and Inventions

by Bruce Nichols

5 out of 5