Final answer:
The Sumerians were an innovative civilization known for inventing the plow, developing a 12-month calendar, and creating the cuneiform writing system among other contributions to agriculture, engineering, mathematics, and astronomy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sumerian Contributions to Civilization
The Sumerians, an ancient civilization in Mesopotamia, are credited with many firsts in human history. They indeed invented the plow, which significantly increased agricultural yields. Additionally, they were the first to implement crop rotation, a practice that enhances soil fertility and boosts crop production. Along with these agricultural advancements, the Sumerians are known for creating a functional calendar system of 12 months, which was essential for planning agricultural and religious events. This system was based on the movements of celestial bodies and was part of their advanced approach to astronomy and timekeeping.
Another remarkable Sumerian invention was cuneiform writing. Initially developed for keeping tax records around 3000 BCE, cuneiform evolved into a script used for a wide range of purposes, such as recording laws, religious texts, and commercial transactions. It constituted one of the earliest writing systems and was instrumental in preserving the laws, culture, and historical records of the civilization. Sumerian innovations in engineering and mathematics also paved the way for future technological and scientific developments.
These groundbreaking achievements underscore the Sumerians' vital role in shaping early human history, setting the foundation for subsequent civilizations in the ancient world. Their legacy extends in numerous fields, influencing the fundamental aspects of ancient and modern societies alike.