Mesopotamian Civilization Sumer And Inventions скачать в хорошем качестве

Mesopotamian Civilization Sumer And Inventions

Mesopotamia, often referred to as the "cradle of civilization," was home to some of the world's earliest and most advanced societies. Among these, the Sumerian civilization stands out as a pioneer in various fields, from governance to architecture. This video explores the remarkable achievements of Sumer and the groundbreaking inventions that emerged from this ancient Mesopotamian culture. Sumer was located in the southern part of Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in what is present-day Iraq. The fertile land between these rivers facilitated agriculture, leading to the establishment of the world's first cities around 4000 BCE. Cities like Ur, Uruk, and Eridu became centers of political, economic, and cultural activity. Sumerians are credited with developing one of the earliest writing systems known as cuneiform. This system utilized wedge-shaped markings on clay tablets and was initially used for record-keeping. Over time, cuneiform evolved into a more complex script that recorded various aspects of Sumerian life, including literature, laws, and religious texts. Sumerians established city-states, each with its own ruler and a centralized government. The city of Lagash is particularly notable for the Code of Ur-Nammu, one of the earliest known legal codes, predating the more famous Code of Hammurabi. This legal system laid the groundwork for subsequent legal developments in the region. The Sumerians are credited with the invention of the wheel, a fundamental innovation that transformed transportation. Initially used for pottery production around 3500 BCE, the wheel quickly found its way into wheeled vehicles, such as carts and chariots, revolutionizing the movement of goods and people. In the arid environment of Mesopotamia, the Sumerians developed sophisticated irrigation systems to manage water resources. They constructed canals and dikes to control the flow of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, ensuring a steady water supply for agriculture. This mastery of irrigation allowed for surplus food production and sustained population growth. Sumerians were skilled builders, and their architectural legacy includes the construction of monumental ziggurats—massive step-pyramids that served as religious and administrative centers. The Ziggurat of Ur, for example, is a testament to their advanced construction techniques and their religious devotion. Sumerians made significant contributions to mathematics, introducing a sexagesimal system (based on the number 60) that influenced later cultures. They also developed the concept of a circle divided into 360 degrees. Additionally, the Sumerians created one of the earliest known systems of timekeeping, dividing the day into 24 hours and the hour into 60 minutes. Sumer's strategic location between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers facilitated trade both within the region and with neighboring cultures. The Sumerians engaged in commerce, exchanging goods such as grain, textiles, and metalwork. The development of a system of weights and measures further facilitated trade and economic transactions. The Sumerian civilization, flourishing in the cradle of civilization, left an enduring legacy of innovation and invention. From the invention of the wheel to the development of writing systems and architectural marvels, Sumerians played a pivotal role in shaping the course of human history. Their contributions laid the foundation for subsequent civilizations in the region and continue to influence various aspects of modern life.