28/06/2023
The Sumerian civilization
The Sumerian civilization was one of the earliest complex civilizations in history, flourishing in the region of Mesopotamia, in present-day Iraq. The Sumerians lived during the Copper Age (around 4500-3100 BCE) and the Bronze Age (around 3100-2000 BCE).
One of the most notable aspects of the Sumerian civilization was their advanced system of cuneiform writing, which was one of the earliest forms of writing developed in the world. This writing involved making impressions on clay tablets using wedge-shaped characters. Sumerians recorded information about history, religion, science, literature, and commerce on these tablets.
Religion played a central role in Sumerian life. They worshipped a complex pantheon of deities, considering them responsible for various aspects of life. Among the most important Sumerian gods were Anu (the god of the sky), Enlil (the god of wind and earth), and Inanna (the goddess of love and war).
Sumerians were pioneers in architecture and engineering. They built impressive temple structures called ziggurats, which were stepped pyramids, tall and imposing. Additionally, the Sumerians developed an irrigation system for agriculture and constructed canals and dikes to control the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
The Sumerian economy was based on agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. They cultivated crops such as barley and wheat and raised animals like sheep and goats. Sumerians were also skilled craftsmen, producing pottery, textiles, jewelry, and metalwork.
The Sumerian civilization left a lasting legacy in literature. They created the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known literary works, which recounts the adventures of the hero Gilgamesh in his quest for immortality. They also developed poetry and cult literature.
Although the Sumerian civilization declined around 2000 BCE with the invasion of other peoples, their influence remained strong in the region. The Sumerian legacy was carried forward by succeeding civilizations such as the Babylonians and Assyrians. Their contributions in the fields of law and administration were significant, as they developed the earliest known legal codes, including the Code of Hammurabi.
Furthermore, Sumerian contributions to mathematics and astronomy were remarkable. They used a sexagesimal numeral system and developed a lunar calendar, demonstrating knowledge and utilization of constellations for navigation.
In conclusion, the Sumerian civilization was an advanced and influential society that laid the foundations for many aspects of later human civilization. Through their system of writing, religion, architecture, economy, and literature, the Sumerians left a lasting imprint on human history and culture, continuing to fascinate and inspire researchers and people around the world to this day.
There exists a theory claiming that the Sumerians, one of the oldest known civilizations, were assisted in their rapid and advanced development by an extraterrestrial entity called the Anunnaki. According to this theory, the Anunnaki were a superior race of extraterrestrial beings who intervened in human evolution to promote progress and advancement.
According to the theory, the Anunnaki arrived on Earth in search of valuable resources, including gold. The Sumerians, being the earliest known inhabitants of Mesopotamia, a region rich in gold, were allegedly chosen by the Anunnaki as partners in this expedition. It is said that the Anunnaki provided the Sumerians with advanced technologies, scientific and cultural knowledge, as well as assistance in areas such as agriculture, architecture, and the development of cuneiform writing.
This theory is based on the interpretation of ancient Sumerian texts, particularly the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Enuma Elish, which describe the relationship between gods and humans. Some theorists believe that the Sumerian gods mentioned in these texts were actually the Anunnaki, and the events described represented real interactions between them and the Sumerians.
Proponents of this theory argue that the Anunnaki had a profound influence on the development of the Sumerians, explaining their rapid advancement in areas such as agriculture, astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. They also claim that the Anunnaki provided the Sumerians with knowledge about the solar system, planets, and other aspects of cosmic understanding, making them far ahead of their time.