LOS SUMERIOS. Una ENIGMÁTICA CIVILIZACIÓN.

The Sumerians: The First Civilization

Overview of the Sumerian Civilization

• The Sumerians inhabited the southern part of ancient Mesopotamia, located between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, known as "the land between rivers."

• They emerged around 3,500 BC and maintained autonomy until approximately 2,350 BC when the Akkadian Empire began to dominate the region.

• The Sumerian civilization is recognized as the world's first civilization, contributing significantly to material culture, art, science, and social structures.

Origins and Identity of the Sumerians

• The term "Sumerian" was likely assigned by Akkadian Semites; they referred to themselves as "Sag-Giga," meaning "the town with black heads."

• Historical accounts suggest that Sumerians were considered foreigners by neighboring cultures; their arrival in lower Mesopotamia marks a significant archaeological period known as the Uruk era.

Political Structure and City-States

• Sumer consisted of multiple city-states governed autonomously; these city-states acted as major commercial centers.

• Initially ruled by high priests (Patesi), military leaders later took control during conflicts, leading to hereditary monarchies in cities like Eridu and Ur.

Social Hierarchy and Economic Activities

• Society was divided into three strata: free men (leaders or officials), semi-free individuals (temporary workers), and slaves (considered property).

• Agriculture was central to their economy, supplemented by crafts and trade. A monetary system using silver and grains developed alongside credit systems.

Innovations Contributed by the Sumerians

• The invention of writing (cuneiform), which evolved from pictographs into a complex system capable of representing sounds.

• They are credited with early advancements such as the wheel around 3,500 BC for transportation purposes.

Contributions to Science and Mathematics

• The Sumerians made significant contributions to astronomy; they identified constellations forming what we now know as zodiac signs.

Sumerian Civilization: Mathematics, Medicine, and Decline

Sumerian Mathematical Innovations

• The Sumerians developed a numerical system based on 6 and 10, which allowed for advanced calculations including fractions, multiplication of millions, and extraction of roots.

• Their mathematical concepts led to the establishment of time measurement (60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour) and the 12-month calendar.

• They introduced the concept of positional notation and contributed to geometry with the division of circles into 360 degrees.

Contributions to Medicine

• Sumerian medical texts reveal significant advancements in medicine; many terms are derived from their practices.

• Evidence of surgical procedures such as cataract removal has been found in ancient Mesopotamian skeletons.

Architectural Achievements

• The city-states featured impressive urban centers with defensive walls, internal channels, royal palaces, and ziggurats.

• The Ziggurat of Babylon is noted for its height (approximately 80 meters), showcasing the architectural prowess during the third millennium BC.

Mythology and Religion

• Key deities worshiped by the Sumerians included Anu (god of heaven), Nammu (mother goddess), Inanna (goddess of love and war), Enki (god of freshwater), Utu (sun god), Nanna (moon god), and Enlil (god of wind).

Factors Leading to Decline

• Research indicates that climatic changes significantly impacted Sumer's stability; a study showed a severe drought lasting over 300 years around 4,260 years ago.