Sumerians, Egyptians, and Chinese Contributions - 868 Words

Did you know that Sumerians developed the world’s first form of writing? That many of todays household objects were invented or used by the ancient Egyptians (lock and keys, combs, scissors, wigs, makeup, deodorants, toothbrush and toothpaste)? Or that for the last 4,000 years China has been the oldest continuous civilization on Earth? The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Chinese created flourishing civilizations filled with many achievements in writing, architecture, and technology that made lasting contributions to humankind. Sumer is referred to as the cradle of civilization† because there were many important inventions. Writing was one of Sumerians most important invention. Sumerians developed the world’s first known writing, cuneiform,†¦show more content†¦Only a small, educated elite had the time to master this system. Despite some changes made through the years, the fundamental principles of the Chinese system still endures today. As a result, the legacy of the Chinese system is that people speaking essentially different languages, such as Mandarin and Cantonese, can read and understand the same text. The Chinese had a very unique form of architecture. A Chinese structure is based on the principle of balance and symmetry. Office buildings, residences, temples, and palaces all follow the principle that the main structure is the axis. Other structures are positioned as two wings on either side to form the main room and the yard. The distribution of interior space reflects Chinese social and ethical values. China had a very advanced technology development. Bronze and iron played a major role. Weapons, chariot fittings, musical instruments, and religious ritual vessels were made from it. One of the most important contributions China made to humankind was its writing system that united all parts of China. Other contributions include paper making, printing, gunpowder, and the mariners compass. Small inventions like these have made a huge difference in our society today. Ancient civilizations all around have contributed something to the world we live in today. Sumer, Egypt and China have had manyShow MoreRelatedA Brief Note On The River Valley Civilizations1489 Words   |  6 Pagescity-states depended on trade and farming, and later industry became a crucial pillar of the civilization. Sumerians were known for their metal handiwork, pottery, and woolen textiles. Sumerians imported tin, timber and copper which they traded for dried fish, wheat, wool and metal to ols. The Sumerian civilization is best remembered for the invention of the wheel that eased transportation. The Sumerian social structure was divided into three castes the Nobles, commoners and slaves. Slaves were owned byRead MoreCivilization : A World Without Civilization954 Words   |  4 Pageshunter-gatherers. Meaning that people hunted and foraged for their food, rather than depending on agriculture to feed them. 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The texts were chiseled onto clay and wood tablets. This earliest period of writing is referred to the Proto-writing period a pictographic style of writing is considered one of the most significant among the many cultural contributions of the Sumerians. This is the prewriting phase that led to symbolic writing and eventually alphabets. This ‘Uruk’ style of writing was fueled by urban growth spread later to the east into the Zagros Mountains where clay tablets with numerals and word-signs