Centre of Excellence – Sumerian and Mesopotamian Civilisations Diploma Course

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Journey back in time to the cradle of civilization with the Centre of Excellence – Sumerian and Mesopotamian Civilisations Diploma Course. This enlightening online course delves into the fascinating world of the Sumerians and other ancient Mesopotamian cultures, uncovering the rich tapestry of their contributions to human history. Designed for history buffs, students, educators, and anyone intrigued by the ancient world, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of the political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of these foundational civilizations.

Who is This For?

• History Enthusiasts seeking to deepen their knowledge of ancient civilizations.
• Students and Academics in the fields of archaeology, history, and Near Eastern studies.
• Educators looking for comprehensive resources to enhance their teaching on ancient Mesopotamia.

Key Benefits:

• In-depth Historical Insight: Gain a detailed understanding of Sumerian and Mesopotamian societies, from their city-states to their pioneering contributions to writing, law, and governance.
• Cultural Exploration: Explore the rich mythology, religious practices, and artistic achievements of these ancient peoples.
• Analytical Skills Development: Enhance your ability to analyze historical evidence, interpret ancient texts, and understand the significance of archaeological discoveries.

What You’ll Discover:

1. Origins and Evolution of Mesopotamian Civilisations: Trace the development of Mesopotamian societies, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.
2. Contributions to Humanity: Investigate the innovations and advancements made by these civilizations, such as the creation of the wheel, the development of cuneiform script, and the compilation of the Hammurabi code.
3. Mythology and Religion: Delve into the complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, religious beliefs, and practices that shaped Mesopotamian life and thought.
4. Archaeological Discoveries: Learn about key archaeological finds that have unveiled the mysteries of these ancient societies.

Why Choose This Program?

• Expertly Curated Content: Learn from materials carefully compiled by experts in ancient Near Eastern history.
• Flexible Learning Experience: Engage with the course at your own pace, from anywhere, with access to a wealth of resources and interactive content.
• Certification of Achievement: Earn a diploma acknowledging your comprehensive study of Sumerian and Mesopotamian civilizations, enhancing your academic and professional profile.

Embark on a journey to the heart of ancient civilization with the Centre of Excellence – Sumerian and Mesopotamian Civilisations Diploma Course. Uncover the legacies of these ancient cultures that continue to fascinate and influence the modern world.

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Centre of Excellence – Sumerian and Mesopotamian Civilisations Diploma Course

What Will You Learn?

The Sumerian and Mesopotamian Civilisations Diploma Course begins by laying the foundations of the subject with a geographical study of where Mesopotamia was and providing a chronological breakdown of the different people and empires that resided in ancient Mesopotamia.

From this overview, we dive straight into an exploration of some of the better-known Sumerian inventions, including the basic concepts of time and a city, the use of clay and the development of bricks, the wheel, the chariot, hydraulic engineering, and the sailboat.

You’ll be introduced to the development of the concept of a city and the city-state in Sumerian culture. You’ll study the different types of buildings that featured in a Sumerian city and the main features of this civilisation’s architecture.

We examine the role of religion in Sumerian civilisation, Sumerian cosmology, their Creation Myth and the primary deities they worshipped. We also look into the formation of cuneiform – the world’s first writing system – and discuss the rich literary tradition that cuneiform instigated.

You’ll learn of the importance of rivers in Sumerian and Mesopotamian culture, the rise of the city-states, the constant fighting for land and water, and how all three coalesced to cause the downfall of the world’s first civilisation.

We observe the rise and fall of the Akkadian Empire – learning about the first emperor, Sargon the Great, as well as the rich contributions the Akkadians made to the world. We look at the periods in which the Assyrians rose to power, the various kings who were most significant during these eras, and the contributions – good and bad – that they made to their own world and the world that continued long after their empire disappeared.

You’ll be introduced to two of the most important kings in Babylon and Mesopotamian history – King Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar II – who ruled during the Neo-Babylonian era. You will also study the contributions that this remarkable city made to humankind, from the first written laws to astronomy and the zodiac.

The course concludes with a look into the final few centuries of the Mesopotamian civilisation. This includes learning about the various foreign powers that overtook the region, including the Persians under Cyrus II  and the Greeks under Alexander the Great.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Know why Mesopotamia is so important to civilisation
• Understand why Sumer was considered the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’
• Be familiar with the different empires that formed Mesopotamian history
• Appreciate the many innovations and inventions developed by the Sumerians that are still in use today
• Be aware of the different features of art and architecture throughout the history of Mesopotamia
• Understand the role of religion and the primary deities of Sumer and other Mesopotamian cultures
• Be familiar with the world’s first writing system, cuneiform
• Be aware of the major works of Mesopotamian literature
• Comprehend the contribution the Akkadians, Assyrians and Babylonians made to the world
• Know who the rulers of Mesopotamia were
• Have knowledge of some of the most important Mesopotamian artworks and cultural artefacts
• Understand what happened to the Mesopotamian civilisation

Course Syllabus

What will I learn on the course?

Module 1: The Origins of Mesopotamia and the Influence of Sumer

Module 2: Sumerian Innovations and Inventions

Module 3: Cities and Architecture

Module 4: The Religion of Ancient Sumerians

Module 5: Writing and Literature

Module 6: The Rise and Fall of the Sumerian Civilisation

Module 7: The Akkadian Empire

Module 8: The Assyrians

Module 9: Babylon – The Centre of Mesopotamian Civilisation

Module 10: Cyrus the Great and the Demise of Mesopotamia

Who Would Benefit from This Course?

If you love history and discovering other cultures, but don’t know about the Sumerian and Mesopotamian civilisations, you’re really missing out. This course will fill in the blanks of your historical understanding and open you up to a whole new world that is the foundation of our own.

For so long, Mesopotamia has been in the shadow of other fascinating cultures such as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome but their histories are actually closely tied. This course will take you on a journey through the Sumerian and Mesopotamian civilisations and all the inventions and innovations that they are responsible for that we still use today.