Sumerian calendar

Sumerian calendar
source
Name	Sumerian calendar
Era	Ancient Sumer
Region	Mesopotamia
Time period	circa 4500–1900 BCE
Type	Lunar calendar

Sumerian calendar

The Sumerian calendar was one of the earliest known calendar systems used by the Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) from around 4500 to 1900 BCE. This ancient calendar played a significant role in the culture and religion of the Sumerians, influencing the development of later calendars in the region, including the Babylonian calendar. Understanding the Sumerian calendar provides valuable insights into the daily life, agriculture, and astronomical observations of ancient civilizations.

Overview of the Sumerian Calendar

The Sumerian calendar was a lunisolar calendar, based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. It was used to track the passage of time, plan agricultural activities, and schedule religious festivals. The calendar consisted of 12 or 13 months, with an additional month added periodically to keep it in sync with the solar year.

Structure and Timekeeping

The Sumerian calendar was divided into three main periods: the reign of kings, the mythological period, and the historical period. The months were named after significant agricultural events or festivals, such as the Akitu festival, which celebrated the new year. The Sumerians used sexagesimal (base-60) arithmetic for calculations, which is why we have 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour.

Lunar Cycles and Intercalation

The Sumerian calendar was based on the lunar cycle, with months beginning on the first sighting of the new moon. However, the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, so an intercalary month was added periodically to keep the calendar in sync with the seasons. This intercalary month was called Mercedonius.

Relationship to Babylonian Calendar

The Sumerian calendar had a significant influence on the development of the Babylonian calendar, which was used in Ancient Babylon from around 1500 BCE. The Babylonians adopted many of the Sumerian calendar's features, including its lunisolar structure and sexagesimal arithmetic. However, the Babylonian calendar made significant changes, such as introducing a more complex system of intercalation.

Influence on Later Calendars

The Sumerian calendar's influence can be seen in many later calendars, including the Hebrew calendar, the Islamic calendar, and the Persian calendar. These calendars all have lunisolar or solar structures and use intercalary months to keep in sync with the solar year.

Archaeological Evidence and Records

Archaeological discoveries have uncovered many Sumerian artifacts and texts that provide evidence of the Sumerian calendar's existence. These include cuneiform tablets from the Library of Ashurbanipal and seals from the Sumerian city of Ur. These records show that the Sumerian calendar was used for both administrative and religious purposes.

Cultural Significance in Ancient Sumer

The Sumerian calendar played a vital role in the culture and religion of ancient Sumer. It helped to organize agricultural activities, plan festivals, and schedule religious rituals. The calendar also reflected the Sumerians' advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics, which was essential for their daily life and economic activities.

Category:Ancient Sumerian calendars