Mesopotamian Culture

What are the major cities of Sumer?

What did Ancient Cities Provide? Center of Organized Religion activity Provided security to people Center of Commerce and Trade

Mesopotamian Religion Sumerians practiced polytheism – belief in many gods. These gods controlled the forces of nature. Humans were believed to be servants to the gods. They often feared the wrath of angry gods.

Mesopotamian Religion Priests performed rituals here to satisfy the gods. They had great power in Sumerian civilization.

Sumerian Gods Anu – sky Enlil – storms and air Enki - water, Utu - sun, Nanna - moon. What pattern do you see in how the Sumerians identified their gods?

The Afterlife Sumerians believed souls of the dead go to a dark, gloomy place – “the land of no return”. Why do you think they viewed death this way?

The Afterlife Read “The Mesopotamian View of Death” How does the poem reflect the Mesopotamian views on the afterlife?

Architecture Ziggurats large temples were built to honor the gods and perform sacrifices. They also were also administrative centers for the govt. They were centrally located within the city.

What evidence from the city of Ur indicates the importance of religion in Mesopotamian Society.

Writing System Cuneiform World’s first form of writing. Pictographs: 550 wedge-shaped symbols represent objects, sounds, syllables. It was originally developed to track grain, laws, supplies, and property. Written records were inscribed on clay tablets.

Scribes Trained for years to learn the art of writing. They had great prestige in the community. Read the following document. Why were scribes so valued in Sumerian society?

Read: All Occupations are Bad Except that of the Scribe What does this poem tell us about the social status of scribes in Mesopotamia? Do you agree with the author’s opinion? Who or why not?

Technology

Technology - Bronze Bronze is a blend of the natural metals copper and tin. When heated, melted, and cast into form, it is much harder than copper or tin alone. Bronze was used to create tools and weapons.

Trade Mesopotamia lacked many natural resources, but they traded with nearby lands to acquire Wood from Lebanon Silver from Anatolia Gold from Egypt Gems from Persian Gulf In exchange, Mesopotamians offered cloth, wool, and barley.

Trade Video Clip What evidence of long distance trade existed in Mesopotamia? Western Traditions: 12 minute Mark

Mesopotamian Art Mythological figures are the subjects of finely carved cylinder seals, metal sculpture, and statues found in religious temples.

Cylinder Seals Personal stamps Used to sign legal documents or mark ownership of an object.

Art What aspects of Sumerian civilization can you decipher from the Standard of Ur?

The Standard of Ur