The Value of Discovery in Revealing the Secrets of Sumerian Civilization

The Value of Discovery in Revealing the Secrets of Sumerian Civilization - The Sumerian civilization, one of the earliest and most advanced in human history, emerged in the region of Mesopotamia, which is now modern-day Iraq, around 4500 BCE. The Sumerians were known for their innovations in agriculture, architecture, writing, and technology, and for their complex social organization. The discovery of the Sumerian civilization has greatly contributed to the understanding of the development of human civilization.

The first evidence of the Sumerian civilization was discovered in the late 19th century, by British archaeologist William Kennett Loftus. He uncovered the ruins of the Sumerian city of Uruk, which was one of the largest and most important cities of ancient Mesopotamia. The discovery of Uruk provided the first evidence of the existence of the Sumerian civilization and revealed their advanced level of urbanization and technology.

Further excavations in the early 20th century by archaeologist Leonard Woolley revealed the Sumerian city of Ur, which was a major center of trade and commerce. The discovery of Ur provided insight into the Sumerian economy and their system of government. Woolley's excavations also revealed the Sumerian system of writing, which was a form of cuneiform, and the use of a form of mathematics.

In the following years, many more Sumerian cities were excavated and many artifacts were discovered. These included architectural remains, statues, seals, and pottery, as well as numerous clay tablets containing Sumerian writing. The discovery of these tablets has greatly contributed to the understanding of Sumerian literature, history, and religious beliefs. Additionally, the discovery of Sumerian artifacts has also helped in understanding the development of technology, such as the wheel and the sail.

The Sumerian discovery also provided insight into the social organization of the civilization. The Sumerians had a complex social hierarchy, with the rulers and priests at the top, nobles and wealthy merchants in the middle, and farmers and artisans at the bottom. The discovery of artifacts and inscriptions also revealed the existence of slavery, and the role of women in Sumerian society.

In conclusion, the discovery of the Sumerian civilization has greatly contributed to the understanding of the development of human civilization. The first evidence of the Sumerian civilization was discovered in the late 19th century by British archaeologist William Kennett Loftus, who uncovered the ruins of the Sumerian city of Uruk. Further excavations in the early 20th century by archaeologist Leonard Woolley revealed the Sumerian city of Ur, and many more Sumerian cities were excavated and many artifacts were discovered. These discoveries provided insight into the Sumerian economy, government, writing, mathematics, literature, history, religious beliefs, technology, social organization and the role of women and slavery in the society.