The Exciting World of Sumerian Trade

The Sumerians did not begin trading out of curiosity about other cultures. In fact, they started trading for practical reasons. The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem, mentions trade with faraway lands to acquire goods that were scarce in Mesopotamia.

This evidence shows that the Sumerians were not just curious, but they were also strategic and resourceful in their approach to trade. By engaging in trade with other lands, they were able to acquire the resources they needed to thrive and prosper in their civilization.

Trade played a crucial role in the Sumerian economy, allowing them to access a variety of goods and materials that were not available locally. This exchange of goods also fostered connections with other cultures and civilizations, leading to a rich exchange of ideas and technologies.

In summary, the Sumerians began trading not out of curiosity, but out of necessity and a desire to strengthen their economy and access resources that were vital for their civilization's growth and development.