sumerian civilization

The Sumerian economy was based on agriculture. Sumerians were primarily farmers. In order to provide their crops with a regular supply of water, they created complex irrigation systems. The system consisted of a network of canals, dams, and reservoirs. Jobs included pottery makers, stonecutters, bricklayers, metal smiths, farmers, fishers, shepherds, weavers, leather-workers, and sailors. They grew barley, chickpeas, lentils, wheat, dates, onions, garlic, lettuce, leeks and mustard. They also raised cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. They used oxen as their primary beasts of burden and donkeys or equids as their primary transport animal. Sumerians caught many fish and hunted fowl and gazelle. The Sumerian government structure was independent city-states with the monarchy controlling much of the economy. Sumerian city-states were ruled by kings chosen by the gods. Lings enforced the laws, collected taxes, built temples, maintained irrigation systems, and led the city-state’s army. Kings had officials under them to help with their many duties. Professional soldiers who drove chariots, or two wheeled vehicles pulled by horses, assisted with the army. Governors ruled over outlying towns. Scribes write down the laws and a special group of officials patrolled canals. The Sumerians were the first to develop a system of written rules or laws. Laws and the punishment of criminals were left to particularly trained individuals who acted as Judges. The courthouses of Sumer would use a merging of intellectual knowledge as well as religious determination for the punishment fitting the crime.

Sumer was no exception when it came to having people involved in the arts. Metalworkers made weapons, cups, mirrors, and jewellery. Architects designed temples and ziggurats. Sumerians believed that music brought joy to everyone and pleased the gods. Musician sang and played instrument during temple ceremonies as well as at feasts. They used a written language called cuneiform. It was