The Summerians Flashcards
Who were the Sumerians?
An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia, known for developing one of the first writing systems, cuneiform.
The Sumerians are credited with many advancements in writing, architecture, and governance.
What is cuneiform?
A system of writing developed by the Sumerians using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.
Cuneiform is one of the oldest known writing systems.
What is the significance of local governance in Sumerian society?
Local rulers held power over city-states, often governing with a focus on the needs and conflicts of their people.
This decentralized form of government allowed for localized decision-making.
Fill in the blank: The Sumerians developed _______ to record transactions and events.
[cuneiform]
True or False: The Sumerians were known for their centralized form of government.
False
Sumerian society was characterized by city-states with local rulers.
What role did agriculture play in Sumerian civilization?
Agriculture was central to the economy and supported the growth of city-states.
Innovations in irrigation contributed to agricultural productivity.
List three key contributions of the Sumerians to civilization.
- Writing system (cuneiform)
- The wheel
- Advances in mathematics and astronomy
These contributions laid the foundation for later civilizations.
What was the primary form of religious belief among the Sumerians?
Polytheism, worshiping multiple gods associated with natural forces and city-states.
Each city-state had its patron deity.
Fill in the blank: Sumerian society was organized into _______ that functioned independently.
[city-states]
What is the importance of the Sumerian legal system?
It established laws and regulations that governed social conduct and resolved disputes.
The legal codes contributed to social order and justice.
True or False: The Sumerians only engaged in agriculture and had no trade relations.
False
The Sumerians engaged in extensive trade, exchanging goods with neighboring regions.
