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.
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.
10. Sumerian Government
Sumerian Government was a
monarchy.
It was leveled by the priest-king who
had total control over the military,
society and state.
They ruled through divine right, given
by the priest.