COURSE DESCRIPTION

Sumerian civilization was humanity’s earliest literate, urban society. Flourishing in the floodplains of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers starting in the fourth millennium BC, the Sumerians formed the basis of ancient Near Eastern society for the next 4000 years. This course explores the emergence and spread of Sumerian art, literature, religion, and other aspects of civilization, and the impact this society had on its neighbors and successors. Topics include: the European re-discovery of Sumerian civilization, Sumerian art, religion, politics, and economic developments, and the role of archaeology in interpreting the past. Students will gain a general familiarity with the nature of archaeological evidence and with the specific material culture associated with the ancient Sumerians.

This course satisfies a departmental Archaeology Elective for Anthropology majors -- 1 credit.