Fall of Civilizations Podcast 8. The Sumerians - Fall of the First Cities
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Oct 25, 2019 Discover the ancient Sumerians, the world's first civilization, who innovated writing and mathematics. Explore their remarkable rise, from humble beginnings to powerful city-states. Uncover the myths and environmental factors that led to their decline, including challenges like soil salination. Dive into intriguing tales of the city of Ur and the cultural achievements that shaped history. The vibrant life, complex beliefs, and eventual pitfalls of Sumerian society reveal a profound legacy still felt today.
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Della Valle's Discovery
- In 1625, Pietro della Valle toured the Middle East and stumbled upon the ruins of Ur.
- He collected cuneiform tablets, marking the first time Europeans encountered this ancient language.
Geography of Sumer
- The Taurus Mountains' high rainfall and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers' silt deposits created fertile land in Iraq.
- This seemingly inhospitable environment became the cradle of civilization.
The Sumerian Problem
- The Sumerian language is an isolate, unrelated to surrounding languages, posing the "Sumerian problem".
- Some theorize they migrated, possibly by sea, evidenced by the myth of Oannes, a half-fish, half-man who brought knowledge.