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Assessment Questions 10.4
1. What characterized the burial practices of the elite class in Mesopotamia, particularly at the city of Ur?
The elite class in Mesopotamia, particularly at the city of Ur, had elaborate burials symbolizing their superior economic, social, and political positions. They were buried with splendor, accompanied by valuable items and sometimes sacrificial victims.
2. According to archaeologist Denise Schmandt-Besserat, what was the five-step process that led to the beginning of writing in Mesopotamia?
The five-step process proposed by Denise Schmandt-Besserat involves the use of clay tokens, an elaboration of these tokens with markings, storing tokens in clay envelopes, impressing token symbols on clay surfaces, and finally, the development of cuneiform, an early form of writing.
3. How did Mesopotamians transition from using tokens to record information to the development of writing?
The transition involved an evolution from using physical clay tokens for counting and recording information to storing these tokens in clay envelopes. Over time, Mesopotamians realized they could directly impress symbols on flattened clay surfaces, eliminating the need for physical tokens. This eventually led to the development of cuneiform, a system of writing.