Essay On Sumerian Civilization

Civilization is considered as the most advanced stage in a human social development and organization, and consists of society, culture, and way of life. Around 10,000 BCE, people known as Nomads did not have a permanent area to settle in. They constantly traveled where their non-domesticated livestock went. Between 10,000 BCE through 550 BCE evidence of settlements began to show. Located within the Fertile Crescent, “[Sumerians were the only group that gave] evidence if settlements, systematic agriculture, developed urban life, and the use of writing” (Backman, 4). Later on throughout 10,000 BCE through 550 BCE other settlers such as the Akkadians (2350 BCE- 2100), “Semitic Amorities from southern Iran (2000-1600), the Hittities…(1600-1400), …show more content…
Most citizens in civilizations such as Sumerians, Akkadians, and Old Babylonians were fearful of their deities’ anger and always wanted to please them. All three of these civilizations gave obedience to rulers in order to be protected by/or from their gods. Sumerians obeyed the lugal and priests because, those two leaders were in charged of protecting the Sumerians from “unpredictable gods”. Priests anticipated and interpreted their gods’ desires. They offered obedience, prayers and sacrifice to please their gods (Backman, 7). The Akkadians and Old Babylonians obeyed Sargon and Hammurabi because, both gained authority through divine rights. Both the Akkadians and Old Babylonians believed that if they followed their kings’ orders it would please the gods since they had special relationship with their gods. If they did not obey their leaders, there would be floods, droughts, and other natural disasters to occur that are caused by angry gods. If the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Old Babylonians weren’t fearful or wanted to please their gods, leaders such as Sargon I, early Sumerian Kings, and Hammurabi would not have been able to attained authority to be able to develop civilizations in ancient …show more content…
Kingships gave civilization a leader with high authority to depend on, and someone who will organize and unite people in certain settlements. If ancient societies such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Old Babylonians weren’t fearful or wanted to please their gods, leaders such as Sargon I, early Sumerian Kings, and Hammurabi would not have been able to attained authority to be able to develop civilizations in ancient societies. Without trade, societies within the Fertile Crescent and around wouldn’t have expanded or developed. Although there are many characteristics that made up civilization of ancient societies in the Fertile Crescent, these were important not only for ancient societies, but also societies today. These characteristics laid a foundation that is still being