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Questions and Answers
What is civilization?
What is civilization?
What is specialization?
What is specialization?
The development of skills in a specific kind of work
What is an artisan?
What is an artisan?
A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand
What is an institution?
What is an institution?
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Who is a scribe?
Who is a scribe?
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What is cuneiform?
What is cuneiform?
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What characterizes the Bronze Age?
What characterizes the Bronze Age?
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What is barter?
What is barter?
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What is a ziggurat?
What is a ziggurat?
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How did life become more complex?
How did life become more complex?
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Name the five features of a civilization.
Name the five features of a civilization.
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What social classes existed in Ur?
What social classes existed in Ur?
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Study Notes
Key Concepts in Sumerian Civilization
- Civilization: Represents the most advanced stage of human social development and organization.
- Specialization: Involves the development of unique skills dedicated to specific types of work.
- Artisan: Refers to a skilled worker, particularly one who creates handcrafted items.
Institutions and Roles
- Institution: An organization with a focus on religious, educational, social, or similar purposes.
- Scribe: A professional tasked with transcribing documents; critical for record-keeping.
Writing and Technology
- Cuneiform: An innovative writing system used by the Sumerians, characterized by wedge-shaped markings on clay tablets.
- Bronze Age: A historical period noted for the widespread use of bronze as a material.
Economic Practices
- Barter System: A method of trade that involves the direct exchange of goods and services, often requiring negotiation of terms.
Architectural Significance
- Ziggurat: A distinctive multi-tiered structure that served as a key component of Sumerian temples, reflecting the civilization’s architectural ingenuity.
Complexity of Life in Sumer
- Life complexity increased with urban growth, leading to societal divisions based on wealth and resources, including a belief system focused on gods for agricultural protection.
Features of Civilization
- Advanced cities serve as trade centers.
- Specialized workers enhance economies through skill development.
- Strict institutions contribute to societal organization and economic stability.
- Scribes maintain essential records, emphasizing the importance of documentation.
- Development of tools and technology aided in problem-solving and innovation.
Social Structure in Ur
- Social classes included rulers, priests, craft workers, and artists, showcasing a stratified society with distinct roles and responsibilities.
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Description
This quiz features flashcards focused on key terms related to the civilization of Ur in Sumer. Each card provides definitions of essential concepts such as civilization, specialization, artisan, and institution. It's an excellent resource for studying the early stages of human development and social organization.
