Sumerian Civilization

• Cuneiform


  • One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development of the first writing system
  • It is a system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which are carved on clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry
• The Great Ziggurat


  • Also called the mountain of God
  • The structure was constructed using sunbaked bricks
• Sumerian Wheel


  • They were not made for transportation but for farm work and food processes
  • With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made easier
• Potter's Wheel


  • A heavy flat disk made of hardened clay which was spun horizontally on an axis
  • It is believed that the Sumerians invented the potter's wheel
• Roads


  1. Sumerians developed the first roads

  2. They made roads with the same technology they used in making the sunbaked bricks that they laid down on the ground

  3. They later poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to asphalt, to smoothen the roads
• Irrigation Systems


  • Improved crop yields and food production, supporting urbanization and population growth
  • Influence on modern agricultural practices and water management systems, including irrigation techniques and hydrological engineering
• Mathematical System


  • Advancements in mathematics for measurement, commerce, and astronomy, providing a foundation for scientific inquiry
  • Influence on modern mathematical concepts, including geometry, algebra, and calculus, used in engineering, physics, and computer science
• Metallurgy


  • Introduction of bronze tools, weapons, and artwork, marking the Bronze Age and enabling technological advancements
  • Influence on subsequent developments in metalworking and metallurgy, leading to the production of steel and other alloys used in construction, manufacturing, and technology
• Urban Planning


  • Planning of urban infrastructure, including water supply and sanitation systems, to support growing populations
  • Influence on modern urban planning principles and city development strategies, guiding the design of sustainable cities and communities
• Calendar System


  • Organization of time for agricultural, religious, and administrative purposes, facilitating societal organization and planning
  • Influences on later calendar systems and timekeeping method, contributing to the development of modern calendars and scheduling systems