Transcript Ur in Sumer

Ur in Sumer
Section 1.3 Human Civilization
Economic Changes
• The change from village life to city life was a
gradual process that spanned several
generations.
• With the use of technological advances in tools
and irrigation systems, villages could expand
farming areas and increase crop yields.
• Food surpluses resulted, allowing for increases
in population.
• Specialization of labour developed.
Social Changes
• With the specialization of labour, social classes
were defined. People related to and associated
with others doing similar jobs.
• As a result, classes were formed based on a
person’s contribution to the community.
• As cities grew, social systems became more
clearly defined.
• Religion developed and became more complex.
Rituals, values and belief systems became
entrenched into powerful traditions.
Characteristics of a Civilization
• A civilization is often defined as a complex culture with
five characteristics:
(1) advanced cities – Ur had around 30,000 people
(2) specialized workers – Ur had farmers, metal workers,
potters, teachers, weavers, scribes, soldiers and traders.
(3) complex institutions – Government supervised all
activities. Religious temples served as storage for
valuable goods (grains, fabrics and gems).
(4) record keeping – scribes used cuneiform to record
events, business transactions and passage of laws.
(5) advanced technology – Irrigation technology, the use of
pottery wheels, and making of bronze weapons and tools
were all evident in Ur. Also the use of plows, wheels and
sails.
Social Classes in Ur
• People in Ur lived in well-defined social classes.
Rulers, as well as priests and priestesses,
wielded great power.
• Wealthy merchants profited from foreign trade.
• Artists and artisans created lavish jewelry,
musical instruments, and gold daggers
Innovation & Change at Ur
• With the advances in technology, society became
more advanced. Social structures within this
society developed to reflect these changes.
Institutions arose to support and to further these
advances. Society forms and build upon the
knowledge it gains adding to complexity and
development of society over time.