Final answer:
The claim that Sumerian buildings were weakened by their use of the arch is false. The round arch, originating from ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, including the Sumerians, was a key architectural advancement that increased stability and allowed for larger spaces and openings in structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Sumerian buildings were weakened by their use of the arch is false. On the contrary, the invention of the round arch, which originated in ancient Mesopotamian times, significantly improved the structural integrity of buildings. The round arch allowed for better distribution of weight, enabling structures to have larger openings, improved airflow, and reduced the pressure on load-bearing walls, leading to more stable and durable buildings. The use of arcs also meant that walls could go higher without compromising stability.
Furthermore, this architectural element provided a new alternative to the more limited post-and-lintel construction. Arches supply strength and stability to walls without the need for massive posts and beams, and their unique shape minimizes the shear load imposed on them. Historical findings such as the Ishtar Gate and the reconstructed entryways of Dur-Sharrukin illustrate that ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, including the Sumerians, proficiently used round arches in their constructions.