Describe the Sumerian civilization.

I don't have any answer choices for this

LOL, I guess you would not have a list of answer choices for this. In fact this requires at least a bookcase full of history texts and research papers and I am not sure how to do anything but point you to a few web sites. I guess start with the rivers (Tigris and Euphrates) and search on Mesopotamia. Be sure to mention city states and irrigation technology and Gilgamesh.

Here is a start:
http://www.ducksters.com/history/mesopotamia/ancient_sumer.php

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/timelines/a/TimeLSumer.htm

http://www.ducksters.com/history/mesopotamia/ancient_sumer.php

The three accomplishments of the Sumerians is that they developed copper and bronze tools and weapons, Developed the worlds first known cuneiform, and their new features in styles influence building throughout Mesopotamia

The Sumerian civilization is one of the earliest known complex societies in human history. It emerged in the region of southern Mesopotamia, which is present-day Iraq, around 4500 BCE and lasted until around 1900 BCE.

To understand the Sumerian civilization, one can study the available historical and archaeological evidence. Here are some key characteristics of the Sumerian civilization:

1. City-States: The Sumerians organized themselves into independent city-states, each with its own ruler and government. Examples include Ur, Uruk, and Lagash. These city-states controlled surrounding rural areas and engaged in trade and warfare with one another.

2. Writing System: The Sumerians developed one of the earliest writing systems called cuneiform. This script used wedge-shaped marks impressed into clay tablets, which were then baked for preservation. Cuneiform was used for administrative records, literature, and religious texts.

3. Advances in Mathematics and Science: The Sumerians made significant contributions to mathematics, including the development of a numbering system based on 60 (which influenced our modern system of time measurement with 60 seconds, minutes, etc.). They also studied astronomy and astrology.

4. Agriculture and Irrigation: The Sumerians relied on agriculture for their sustenance. They developed advanced irrigation systems, including canals and levees, to control the flow of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and maximize agricultural productivity.

5. Religion and Mythology: The Sumerians had a polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods and goddesses. They believed in divine intervention in everyday life and built massive ziggurat temples as a way to communicate with the gods.

6. Art and Architecture: Sumerian architecture included monumental buildings such as temples and palaces, which showcased their architectural and engineering skills. They also created intricate and detailed artworks, often depicting scenes from daily life, mythology, and religious rituals.

By examining archaeological remains, including artifacts, inscriptions, and structures, as well as studying written records left behind by the Sumerians, historians and archaeologists have been able to piece together a comprehensive understanding of the Sumerian civilization.