What are some features of the Sumerian Civilization?

Answer 1

"Sumer" is generally refers to the region in Southern Mesopotamia around the two rivers, the Euphrates and Tigris. The land around these rivers is fertile from annual river floods and proper irrigation by the farmers. Desert surrounds this inhabitable land. The climate is hot and dry, with little rainfall. Sumerian civilization saw the formation of some of the earliest city-states (states with cities as the centers), which were ruled by kings, and this led to the formation of great empires like Babylon. The rivers are a great water source, and in this area, proper irrigation rendered the soil extraordinarily fertile and allowed for some magnificent wheat harvests. Other main crops included sorghum, barley, and sesame. Palm trees indigenous to the area had many uses. Their irrigation system consisted of dikes to block floods, reservoirs to store the water, and canals to supply water to the plains. The people in this region also had cattle and sheep, fish, geese, and ducks living near the waters, and later, camels. Pigs and goat were also domesticated here, spices were used, and cheese and yogurt were even eaten. The citys had very limited resources outside of agricultural goods. Farming obviously was a very important occupation. Other than palm trees and agricultural goods, the mud from river floods was the only raw resource they really had. This mud was used to make clay bricks for buildings. They imported most of their materials, via the rivers, but were evidently excellent craftsmen. They made dyed woolen and linen clothes and carpets decorated with embroidery, weapons, ivory and wood furniture decorated with gold and silver, and leather goods such as saddles and harnesses. They also implemented artwork into their architecture, such as with engraved stones and sculptures. According to ancient Babylonian cuneiform texts, they also made medicines from raw materials, and could make perfumes, soap, glass, and brewed beer. They were proficient metalworkers (with iron and copper) and good with pottery.

Answer 2

They invented cunieform which was the first system of manuscript writing. The Epic of Gilgamesh was also Sumerian.

Answer 3

Arches.

Answer 4

inanna ruled, and justifiably so ;-)