SUMERIAN RENAISSANCE Meaning and
Definition
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The Sumerian Renaissance refers to a period of cultural and intellectual revival that took place in ancient Sumeria, an early civilization located in Mesopotamia (modern-day southern Iraq), during the late third millennium BCE. This renaissance emerged after a period of decline, marked by political instability and the collapse of the Sumerian city-states.
During the Sumerian Renaissance, there was a resurgence of artistic, literary, and architectural achievements. This period witnessed the flourishing of various disciplines such as literature, mathematics, astronomy, and law, with scholars dedicating themselves to the study and preservation of Sumerian texts and knowledge.
Artistically, Sumerian craftsmen and architects reached new heights, creating intricate and grandiose structures, such as ziggurats and temples, often decorated with elaborate relief sculptures. Additionally, Sumerian literature, including epic poems such as "Gilgamesh," experienced a revival, impacting subsequent literary traditions in the region.
The revival of intellectual pursuits also led to advancements in various fields. Sumerian astronomers developed sophisticated systems for tracking celestial bodies, while mathematicians refined numerical systems and calculations. Legal scholars codified law and developed legal frameworks, contributing to the establishment of the earliest known legal systems in history.
The Sumerian Renaissance played a fundamental role in preserving and transmitting the knowledge, culture, and advancements of this ancient civilization, exerting a lasting influence upon subsequent civilizations in Mesopotamia and beyond. It represents a crucial period in Sumerian history, highlighting the resilience and innovative spirit of this remarkable civilization.
Etymology of SUMERIAN RENAISSANCE
The etymology of the term "Sumerian Renaissance" can be broken down as follows:
1. Sumerian: This term refers to the ancient civilization that originated in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 4500 BCE. The word Sumerian comes from the Akkadian word "Šumeru", which the Akkadians used to refer to the land inhabited by the people of southern Mesopotamia. The actual origin of the term "Šumeru" is uncertain, although some theories posit that it might have been derived from the Sumerian word "ki-en-gir", meaning "land of the civilized lords".
2. Renaissance: This term originated in Italy during the 14th century and translates from French as "rebirth". The Renaissance was a period of cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival that followed the Middle Ages.
