RELIGION: Ancient Sumerians followed a polytheistic religion, which means that they believed in many gods. The gods influenced every decision they made in their life day to day. They believed that the gods lived in temples called ziggurats, and this is where Sumerians worshipped the gods. These ancient people expressed their religious beliefs in statues of the gods. They believed that their world was ruled by gods, monster, and demons. Each city had a specific god looking over it, as its protector. Also, each profession had a certain god looking over it, and Sumerians thought each person had a god of their own. The gods created the demons with human or birdlike attributes. They believed that their was hundreds of gods controlling their lives. The Babylonians and Assyrians believed in many Sumerian gods, but they thought some gods had more power than others. For the Babylonians, Marduk was the most powerful god. In the Assyrian community, Ashur was the most powerful god. In the ancient cities, their religion was an influence on their daily life.
MUSIC AND ARTS: On the non-religious side of their culture, the city-state of Sumer had music which was believed to bring joy to the gods and the people. The Sumerians wrote their own love songs and would entertain guests at feasts. Next, musicians would play many instruments including drums, pipes, and a lyre. There were many types of artists and craftspeople as well in this ancient city. Sumerian metalworkers would make practical metal objects like cups and weapons. Sumerian architects would design temples and homes. |
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