WPL01313D – The Dead Speak Again: Ancient Sumer at the Dawn of Western Civilization

Arguably, what we commonly refer to as “Western” civilization – the culture that most of us grew up in — originated in the 5th millennium BCE, in the cities of ancient Sumer. This civilization, located in the delta region of what is now southern Iraq, was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century and is still revealing its secrets to modern researchers through a series of spectacular discoveries and newly translated texts. We now have a remarkably complete understanding of Sumerian religion, political and economic structures, technology, art, architecture, and literature. In this presentation, we will meet these ancient Sumerians, bringing our cultural ancestors vividly to life through their art, artifacts, and writings. This presentation will be enhanced with PowerPoint images and a printed handout.