Final answer:
a. Animal sacrifices and rituals; Extensive written prayers.
In the Sumerian religion, gods were honored and served through animal sacrifices, rituals, extensive written prayers, and through the arts, with each city having a patron god represented by a ziggurat. Priests performed ceremonies, while common people lived virtuously and supported the temples.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sumerian religion was polytheistic and entailed honoring multiple gods through various means. Each city-state had a patron deity and a corresponding temple, often embodied as large ziggurats, which were the focal points for worship and rituals. The modes of serving and honoring the gods were multifaceted, including animal sacrifices, extensive written prayers, reverence through art and music, and the maintenance and beautification of temples.
The temple complexes were not only places of worship but also centers of social and administrative activities. Priests and priestesses performed rituals and were part of elaborate religious ceremonies, such as the New Year Festival. Common people were expected to live virtuously, give to the poor, and partake in public rituals to honor and appease the gods to avoid displeasure, which could lead to famine or conquest.
Overall, the Sumerians believed that by providing for the gods, such as offering food through sacrifices or constructing grand temples, they would receive protection and prosperity. Thus, the correct answer to how gods were honored and served in the Sumerian religion would be Animal sacrifices and rituals; Extensive written prayers.