2. The Land of the Lords
Brightness
Sumer meaning “land of the
lords brightness”, was a
civilization and historical
region in southern
Mesopotamia.
It is the earliest known
civilization in the world and is
known as the Cradle of
Civilization.
The Sumerian Civilization
spanned over 3000 years
(starting in the mid
millennium BC).
3. Sumerian Cities
There were at least 12 cities
such as: Ur, Uruk, Kish,
Lagash.
These city states were
centered around a temple for
the city’s gods.
These cities were
surrounded by agriculture.
One of the reasons that the
Sumerian civilization was so
advanced is because it had it
had extensive trading
networks on land and sea.
4. Religion
The Sumerians were
extremely religious, all
events were determined
by gods.
The Monarch was an
agent to god.
There were religious
duties subject to accept
king’s rule.
5. Class Systems
The Commoners in Sumerian
were illiterate.
The Sumerians created a
successful currency system.
Kings were once elected, but
then their system became
hereditary.
The Sumerians were
paternalistic, men dominate,
while women in their culture
were low.
6. Art
They made their works mostly out of clay which was abundant in this
region.
The Sumerian used sculpture for religious purposes.
Sumerian religious sculpture included many depictions of naked men in
silent prayer.
In Sumerian culture, male gods were of higher worship than female gods,
although mortal men and women were depicted as equals.
Marble and Diorite was also used to make sculpture.
The Sumerians hammered Gold which was used on sculpture, of only
the gods and goddesses.
Gold was also found in the tombs of Kings.
7.
8. Architecture
Sumerians built building using a platform structure,
which started at ground level.
These temples were made from mud and brick.
When finished these temples were square shaped.
There would be three platforms, one on top of the
other.
The uppermost platform was for the gods. The
middle platform was used for religious purpose.
9.
10. Sumerian Government
Sumerian government was a monarchy that was
leveled by the priest-king.
This king had total control, not only over the
military, but also society and state.
This king would rule through divine rights and
Priests, who the king picked through divine
selection.
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