Sargon the Great

After 2350 BCE Mesootamia was continually run over by outsiders. Sargon the Great (2371-2316 BCE), who was an Akkadian from the North, successively attacked the Mesopotamian cities North to South until the entire region was under his control. The was the beginning of the first imperial state. Ironically, since Sumerian culture was far more advanced than anything Sargon could muster, it swept through the entire region. Thus, it was true that the conqueror himself was conquered by his conquerors.

Political and Religous Systems of the Dynastic Period in Sumer

Situated along two unstable rivers in the middle of an arid desert with no natural land borders to protect them from invaders, the outlook of the ancient Sumerians was pessimistic. Their religion reflected this deep pessimism. Mesopotamian gods were impersonal, not concerned with the welfare of humans, but powerful enough to bless or curse them. The dominant outlook regarding life and religion became associated with the favor of the gods, such that if one were strong or wealthy or landed he was sure to have the favor of the gods. Also, hedging their bets, the Mesopotamian were syncretistic regarding their polytheistic set of gods. In other words, they sought to please as many gods as possible with the hope of protecting their assets.

Similarly, as those who rose up to power ("lugals") were clearly seen to have been blessed by the gods because of their wealth and strength, the justification for power among the ancient Sumerians rested on the blessing of the gods. Those who were strongest were so because they were blessed. As cities more and more began to war because of jealousies and scarce resources, the winners were more and more seen to be the representatives of gods, even though the favor of the gods was as uncertain as the shorelines of the two mighty rivers.

History Begins in Sumer

History begins in Sumer, and we can distinguish two key periods in the development of that region: the Uruk Period (3800-3200 BCE) and the Dynastic Period (2800--2370 BCE).

The Uruk period is the period of the city. It is marked by the invention of the wheel and the plow, both necessary for advanced food production and for supporting denser populations. Writing, which is essentially a tool for preservation, was invented. We begin to see the creation of walls and temples. All of these reveal important features of ancient Sumerian society.

The Dyanstic Period essentially marks the beginning of a new form of political power dependent upon certain strongmen ("lugals") who have wealth, power, land, or something that gives them an edge over their fellows. We begin to see in this period trade among cities and the lugals fighting for power among cities. It is the beginning of monarchial rule by sheer force of power.

* There is also an important note to keep mind of regarding the religious impulse of man. The earliest stages of religious expression can be seen in Sumer with the construction of the ziggurat. More will be said about this later.