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SOC SCI REPORT - SUMERIANS

All: Goodmorning ladies and gentlemen. We welcome you all, to a journey through the annals of
history.

:Today, we delve into the captivating world of the Sumerians, a civilization that emerged like a beacon
in the ancient landscape of Mesopotamia. As we unravel the mysteries of their history, innovations,
and societal marvels, let's embark on a voyage back in time to discover the roots of civilization itself.

•HISTORY

:The Sumerians were the people of southern Mesopotamia whose civilization flourished between c.
4100-1750 BCE. About 6,000 years ago, nomadic herders headed to the southern part of
Mesopotamia and gradually adapted farming as a way of life.

:And into this area came the Sumerians — nomads from the mountains of the northeast, they mingled
with the farming people and later, southern Mesopotamia became known as Sumer.

:Eventually, Sumer developed 12 city-states. Each city-state was independent and had a ruler who
had the combined power of a priest and a king. The people of Akkad from the northern region
ackowledged this and gave Sumer its name, meaning “land of the civilized kings”

:The sumerians, like other ancient people, were polytheists. Meaning they believed in many gods and
doctrines. Each city-state considered itself ruled by one of the gods and each made a large brick
temple called a Ziggurat for their gods.

:But soon after this, the fall of Sumer came.

One of the weaknesses of Sumerians was their lack of unity. They did not have a united government.
There were often disputes over land and water rights among the 12 city-states. This led to the fall of
Sumer. The 12 city-states was later conquered by the great ruler of Akkad: Sargon. Roughly 200 years
after this, Ur—one of Sumerians 12 city-states regained power and ruled both Sumer and Akkad.

:Then, in 1792 B.C, a babylonian ruler named Hammurabi conquered and united Mesopotamia.

:With this, its evident how Sumer became the very foundation of succeeding civilizations in
Mesopotamia. with that, let's move onto our next discussion on the Sumerians. Their—

•IMPACT ON HISTORY

:The impact of the Sumerians on history is significant and far-reaching. They were one of the earliest
civilizations in Mesopotamia after all. As said, they became the foundation of succeeding civilizations
in Mesopotamia.

:Mmh…I want to know more!

:Is that so? well then, You shall!

:Lets delve deeper into the specific parts of the Sumerians impact on history.

:First and foremost,

Development of Writing: The Sumerians are credited with inventing one of the world's first known
writing systems called cuneiform. This invention revolutionized communication and allowed for the
recording of laws, literature, religious texts, and economic transactions. Writing became a crucial tool
for governance and the transmission of knowledge.
:Next up!

Legal Code: The Sumerians created one of the earliest known legal codes, known as the Code of Ur-
Nammu. It established laws and regulations that governed various aspects of society, such as
punishment for crimes, property rights, and inheritance. This concept of a written legal code
influenced later civilizations, including the famous Code of Hammurabi.

:The third one is,

Urbanization and City-States: The Sumerians were among the first to create large, organized cities
known as city-states. These urban centers developed advanced infrastructure, such as temples,
palaces, and irrigation systems. The city-states acted as political and economic hubs, contributing to
the development of complex societies.

:Next up we have,

Technological Innovations: The Sumerians made significant advancements in various fields, including
agriculture, architecture, and mathematics. They invented the wheel, which revolutionized
transportation and trade. Their agricultural techniques, such as irrigation and plowing, improved crop
yields and supported larger populations.

:And thats not all! theres also,

Religion and Mythology: The Sumerians had a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, and their
religious beliefs heavily influenced later civilizations in the region. Many Mesopotamian myths and
stories, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, originated from Sumerian culture and continue to be
foundational in understanding ancient mythologies.

:Last, but not least:

Trade and Cultural Exchange: The Sumerians were active traders, interacting with neighboring regions
such as Egypt, Persia, and the Indus Valley. This facilitated cultural diffusion, leading to the spread of
Sumerian knowledge, practices, and technologies across the ancient world.

:With this information, theres no questioning the Sumerians' crucial role in shaping the history we
know of today. From their advancements in writing and law to their system of religious beliefs.

:Now, that we’ve indulged ourselves in this topic, let's move onto the next one:

The Sumerians—

•CONTRIBUTIONS/DISCOVERIES
Music

:The Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia invented many things that are a part of our daily life today,
from mathematics to weaponry.

:So let’s have a look at the legacy the ancient Sumerians left behind

:Number 1,

Fabrication of Copper

Copper was the earliest non-precious metal first used by the Sumerians, and somewhere around
5000 BC they developed the ability to fabricate it. The discovery of this process is one of the greatest
inventions in Mesopotamia which also helped with the growth of various cities like Uruk, Sumer,
al’Ubaid, and Ur.

At first, copper was used to made arrowheads, razors, harpoons, and other small objects, but as the
years passed, the Sumerians also started making copper jugs, vessels, and chisels. The objects which
they made showcased the excellent craftsmanship of the Sumerians.

:Number 2,

Board Games

The Royal Game of Ur was invented sometime between 2600 and 2400 BC. The remains of the game
were found by Sir Leonard Woolley in the Royal Tombs of Ur, Iraq, during the 1920s. It was also known
as the Game of 20 Squares or the Egyptian game Aseb. One of the two boards that were excavated is
kept in the British Museum in London.

The game used four tetrahedral dice with seven markers and comprised of two sets, one white and the
other black. The original rules are not known, and the game’s format has been reinvented over time, as
seen in a cuneiform tablet dating back to approximately 177 BC. Historians believe that, similar to the
ancient Egyptian game Senet, the Royal Game of Ur was a racing game, and possibly a precursor to
backgammon.

:Number 3

The Wheel

The oldest existing wheel in Mesopotamia can be dated back to 3500 BC. The Sumerians first used
circular sections of logs as wheels to carry heavy objects, joining them together and rolling them
along. Subsequently, they invented the sledge and then combined the two.

Eventually, they decided to drill a hole through the frame of the cart and make a place for the axle.
Now both the wheels and axles could be used separately. The Sumerians realized that logs which had
worn-out centers were more manageable and soon these became wheels which could be connected
to a chariot.

:Number 4,

Number System

Invented by the Sumerians in the third millennium BC, this numbering system is known as the
sexagesimal system. It is named so because it has the number 60 as its base. Mathematics was
developed out of necessity.

The Sumerians needed to trade and create taxation policies, so there was an urgent need to keep
records. Assigning symbols to large numbers was also necessary as they wanted to track the course of
the night sky in order to prepare the lunar calendar.

They started using a small clay cone to denote the number 1, a ball for 10, and a large clay cone for 60.
An elementary abacus was invented by the Sumerians between 2700 and 2300 BC.

:Number 5,

The Sailboat

Sailboats were invented in order to expand Sumerian trade. Wood and papyrus were used to make
lightweight sailboats so that it was easy for them to move on water. The sails were given a square
shape and were made of linen.

For battle, the platforms were raised so that the arrows could be aimed at the enemy with more
accuracy. This invention in 1300 BC changed the face of trading and war, and the Sumerians were able
to both advance their economy and provide protection for their people.

:Number 6

Cuneiform Script

Developed between 3500 and 3000 BC, cuneiform script was the first writing system to be developed
by the Sumerians. This style of writing was wedge-shaped. A stylus was used to produce different
figures and pictorials by making cuts into soft clay.

Descendants of the Sumerians such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Akkadians used the cuneiform
style of writing in order to keep records. They started with a pictorial cuneiform known as proto-
cuneiform which later became much more complex. Symbols for cities, gods, nature, etc. were known
as determinatives, and by 3000 BC, their representations had become much simpler.

The marks now conveyed the idea of words instead of signs. People used the script for more than
three millennia until an alphabetical form replaced it during the Roman era.
:Number 7

The Code Of Ur-Nammu

The Sumerian Code of Ur-Nammu is the oldest surviving law in the world, and a copy of it was
discovered in Nippur. It is the earliest existing legal text and was created three centuries before the
Code of Hammurabi

The laws are listed so that crime is followed by punishment, a way of law-making that became
commonplace as time went on. Moreover, this code gives us a glimpse into the societal structure of
the Sumerian civilization. Here are some of the Code of Ur-Nammu’s laws:

1.
If a man commits murder, that man must be killed.
2. If a man commits robbery, he will be killed.
3. If a man commits a kidnapping, he is to be imprisoned and pay 15 shekels of silver.
4. If a slave marries a slave, and that slave is set free, he does not leave the household.
5. If a slave marries a native (free) person, he/she is to hand the firstborn son over to his/her owner.
6. If a man violates the right of another and deflowers the virgin wife of a young man, they shall kill
that male.
7. If the wife of a man follows after another man and he sleeps with her, they shall slay that woman,
but the male shall be set free.
8. If a man proceeds by force and deflowers a virgin slave woman of another man, that man must
pay five shekels of silver.
9. If a man divorces his first-time wife, he shall pay her one mina of silver.
10. If it is a (former) widow whom he divorces, he shall pay her half a mina of silver.

:Number 8,

Astrology and the Lunar Calendar

The Sumerians were the first astronomers to map the stars into different constellations (these were
later observed by the ancient Greeks). They also identified five planets that were visible to the naked
eye. They documented a rudimentary cluster of constellations and noted the movements of Saturn,
Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. Furthermore, they used astrological symbols to predict future
battles and the fortunes of city-states.

Their month began with the sunset and the first crescent of the new moon. This was seen for 18 hours
after the 36 hours when the old crescent disappeared. The crescent was the thinnest of all its forms.
The day consisted of 12 hours and it started and ended with sunset.

They were also the first to create a lunar calendar. Phases of the moon were used to count the 12
months of the year. The Sumerians had two seasons in their year. The first was the summer which
started with the vernal equinox and the other was winter which began with the autumn equinox.
Sacred marriage rites were performed on the first day of the new year.

By adding an extra month every four years, they were able to define a ‘year of seasons’ which was
different to the other three years.

:And the last one,

Weapons

According to ancient records, it was the Sumerian people who used copper weapons for the first time,
and they invented spears, swords, maces, slings, and clubs. Sickles were commonly used in battle
alongside axes and spears.

The socketed axe was the most influential weapon to be invented by the Sumerians. They even used
chariots for warfare, and putting their invention, the wheel, to use in this way was a huge contribution
to the military world.

:That was definetely a lot! And its even more amazing to think that most of these inventions have
stood the test of time and continued to serve mankind thousands of years later.

:The final topic is something a report about the Sumerians cannot do without,

•Important Individuals

:With all these discoveries, and impacts that the sumerians has contributed to history, we should not
forget the individuals who started, and continued all of this.

Enmebaragesi (c. 26th century BCE), widely regarded as one of the earliest kings of Sumer, is
mentioned in Sumerian texts, though details about his life and reign are scarce and some aspects may
be more mythical than historical.

Lugalzagesi (c. 25th century BCE), a Sumerian king who briefly united various Sumerian city-states
under his rule, is mentioned in historical records, and his conquests are documented in the Sumerian
King List.

Gilgamesh (c. 27th century BCE), the legendary king of Uruk, is a prominent figure in Sumerian
literature. The epic poem "Gilgamesh" is one of the earliest known works of literature and recounts his
adventures and quest for immortality.
 Ur-Nammu (c. 21st century BCE), the founder of the Third Dynasty of Ur, is known for creating one of
the earliest surviving legal codes, the "Code of Ur-Nammu." This legal code predates the more famous
Code of Hammurabi.

Ur-Nammu's son, Shulgi (c. 21st century BCE), was another notable ruler of the Ur III dynasty,
renowned for his extensive building projects, military campaigns, and contributions to literature.

Enheduanna (c. 23rd century BCE) was a high priestess and the daughter of Sargon of Akkad. Often
considered the world's first known author and poet, she wrote hymns and poems dedicated to various
deities.

Sargon of Akkad (c. 23rd century BCE) conquered Sumerian city-states and established the Akkadian
Empire, which included Sumer. Although not a Sumerian himself, his reign marked a significant period
in Mesopotamian history.

FACTS THAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION

1. One of the larger Sumerian cities may have had 80,000 residents

The origins of Sumerian civilization in Mesopotamia are still contested today, but
archeological evidence suggests that they had constructed approximately a dozen city-states
by the fourth millennium B. C. These typically consisted of a fortified metropolis dominated
by a ziggurat, which are tiered, pyramid-like temples linked with Sumerian religion.

Homes were built of bundled marsh reeds or mud bricks, and elaborate irrigation canals were
excavated to use the silt-laden waters of the Tigris and Euphrates for agricultural. Major
Sumerian city-states included Eridu, Ur, Nippur, Lagash, and Kish, but one of the oldest and
most expansive was Uruk, a vibrant commercial metropolis with six miles of defensive walls
and a population of 40,000 to 80,000.

At its peak around 2800 B.C., it was most likely the largest city in the world.

2. The list of Sumerian rulers includes one woman.

One of the greatest sources of information on ancient Mesopotamia is the so-called “King List,” a clay
tablet that documents the names of most of the ancient rulers of Sumer as well as the lengths of their
reigns. The list is a strange blend of historical fact and myth—one early king is said to have lived for
43,200 years—but it also includes Sumer’s lone female monarch in the form of Kubaba, a “woman
tavern-keeper” who supposedly took the throne in the city-state of Kish sometime around 2500 B.C.

Very little is known about Kubaba’s reign or how she came to power, but the list credits her with
making “firm the foundations of Kish” and forging a dynasty that lasted 100 years.

3. The Sumerian city-states were often at war with one another.

Even though they shared a common language and cultural traditions, the Sumerian city-states
engaged in near-constant wars that resulted in several different dynasties and kingships. The first of
these conflicts known to history concerns King Eannatum of Lagash, who defeated the rival city-state
of Umma in a border dispute sometime around 2450 B.C.

To commemorate his victory, Eannatum constructed the so-called “Stele of the Vultures,” a grisly
limestone monument that depicts birds feasting on the flesh of his fallen enemies. Under Eannatum,
Lagash went on to conquer the whole of Sumer, but it was just one of several city-states that held
sway over Mesopotamia during its history.

The infighting led to several military advancements—the Sumerians may have invented the phalanx
formation and siege warfare—but it also left them vulnerable to invasions by outside forces. During
the latter stages of their history, they were attacked or conquered by the Elamites, Akkadians and
Gutians.

4. The Sumerians were famously fond of beer.

Along with inventing writing, the plow, law codes, and literature, the Sumerians are also
remembered as some of history’s original brewers. Archaeologists have found evidence of
Mesopotamian beer-making dating back to the fourth millennium B.C.

The brewing techniques they used are still a mystery, but their preferred ale seems to have
been a barley-based concoction so thick that it had to be sipped through a special kind of
filtration straw. The Sumerians prized their beer for its nutrient-rich ingredients and hailed it
as the key to a “joyful heart and a contented liver.”

There was even a Sumerian goddess of brewing called “Ninkasi,” who is celebrated in a
famous hymn as the “one who waters the malt set on the ground.”

:With that, our report about the Sumerians, comes to an end.

Everyone: Thankyou for your individed attention.