Overview
This lecture covers the origins, society, innovations, and legacy of the Sumerians, the world's first civilization in southern Mesopotamia, and traces their influence through later cultures.
The Origins of the Sumerians
- The Sumerians emerged around 6,000 years ago in southern Mesopotamia (Tigris & Euphrates rivers).
- Their origins remain unclear; linguistic and cultural evidence suggests they were newcomers who adopted local traditions.
- Sumerian myths claim they came from Dilmun (modern Bahrain), but archaeological evidence is inconclusive.
Early Sumerian Society and City-States
- Sumerians built advanced irrigation systems to control unpredictable river floods, enabling large-scale agriculture.
- Dozens of city-states like Uruk, Kish, Lagash, and Nippur arose, each with its own patron god and identity.
- Each city was ruled by an 'Ensi' (priest-king) with power checked by councils and assemblies; in wartime, a 'Lugal' (military leader) could take over.
Political Structure and Unification Attempts
- Power eventually shifted from the Ensi to the hereditary Lugal, marking the rise of monarchy.
- The Sumerian King List details both mythological and historical rulers, showing cycles of conflict and temporary dominance by cities like Kish and Uruk.
- No enduring unification occurred during early periods; city-states maintained independence and local customs.
Sumerian Innovations
- Sumerians invented cuneiform, the world’s first writing system, evolving from pictograms to abstract phonetic symbols.
- Other key inventions include the wheel, the plow, arches and columns, soap, beer, and the ziggurat (temple tower).
- Developed the sexagesimal (base-60) number system, leading to 60 seconds/minute, 60 minutes/hour, and 360 degrees in a circle.
- Advanced in mathematics (geometry, quadratic equations) and astronomy (star catalogs, lunar calendar, astrology).
Society, Education, and Law
- Sumerians created some of the earliest law codes, governing trade, property, family, and crime.
- Education focused on literacy, math, law, religion, and astronomy; scribal schools preserved knowledge.
- Society became highly organized with specialized roles beyond agriculture.
Decline and Legacy
- Sumerians coexisted and merged with Semitic Akkadians; Sargon the Great unified Mesopotamia under the Akkadian Empire.
- The Gutian invasions caused economic and social collapse, followed by a Sumerian revival (Third Dynasty of Ur).
- Environmental degradation, internal corruption, and external invasions by Amorites and Elamites led to the final fall of Sumer in 2004 BC.
- Sumerian language and culture persisted only in religious and scholarly contexts, heavily influencing later Mesopotamian civilizations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sumerians — Ancient people who built the first known civilization in southern Mesopotamia.
- City-state — Independent urban center with surrounding farmland, own government, and patron deity.
- Ensi — City governor and high priest in early Sumerian society.
- Lugal — Initially a temporary military leader, later the hereditary king.
- Cuneiform — Sumerian wedge-shaped writing system.
- Ziggurat — Stepped temple tower typical of Sumerian cities.
- Sexagesimal system — Base-60 numerical system for math and timekeeping.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Sumerian King List and key city-states.
- Study the basics of cuneiform writing and the sexagesimal number system.
- Read about the rise and fall of Sumerian civilization for deeper understanding.