Lena Wang
Sumer
Throughout history, many different civilizations have risen and fallen. However,
no matter how diverse the civilization, they all share ten common traits- the criteria of a
civilization. Sumer is one such civilization that meets these requirements. It meets the
criteria of a civilization.
One of the criteria of a civilization is “trade over long distances”. Sumer meets
this criteria by trading with other civilizations. “Sumerian trading ships sailed to lands
bordering the Persian Gulf to obtain ivory and other luxury items. Boats from places as
distant as western India docked at Ur and other Sumerian cities.”(Sumer Source 3) By
exchanging goods with distant civilizations, Sumer meets this criteria of a civilization.
Sumer meets the criteria “development of an art style”. According to Sumer
Source 1, it states “However, pottery found in the region and dating to the period
suggests a tie to older pottery fragments to a culture to the north.” Not only was there
pottery but there were sculptures as well. “Votive figures by unknown Sumerian
sculptors.”(Sumer Source 3) Sumer contained multiple forms of art.
The criteria “ranking of social positions” is also met. There are citizens, priests,
and a ruler/king. Sumer Source 1 stated “In the temples at the top of a city’s ziggurat the
priests lived and carried out their duties, principally interpreting and analyzing signals
from the deities and attending to the needs of the gods, especially preparing a daily
feast for them consisting of the food contributed by the citizens. Food left over was
brought to the ruler, signifying a close tie between the human ruler of a city and the
god(s) for whom sacrifices were made.” From this, it can be interpreted that the ruler
and priests have a high rank, and the citizens have a lower rank. As religion is important
Lena Wang
enough to them to make sacrifices, the social positions could be shown by it. The
citizens provide the food, but don’t have that much interaction with the deities. The
priests prepare the feast and are said to be able to interpret the signs of the gods, so
they would have a high rank. The rulers are brought the leftovers from the feast, in order
to signify the tie between them and the gods. The tie gives them a high rank, as well.
Sumer has a variety of social positions.
Sumer also has the