1. Education: Scribes underwent rigorous education and training from a young age. They attended specialized schools known as "edubba" or "house of tablets," where they learned to read, write, and understand cuneiform, the writing system used in ancient Mesopotamia.
2. Writing and Record-Keeping: The primary duty of scribes was to write and maintain records for administrative, legal, commercial, and religious purposes. They kept track of transactions, inventories, laws, historical events, and other important information.
3. Literary and Religious Texts: Scribes were also responsible for composing and copying literary works, including epic poems, myths, hymns, and proverbs. They played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Sumerian culture and knowledge to future generations.
4. Religious Roles: In addition to their literary and administrative duties, scribes often held religious positions and were closely associated with temples. They were involved in religious ceremonies, performed rituals, and composed religious texts.
5. Social Status: Scribes were highly respected and enjoyed a privileged position in Sumerian society. They were considered intellectuals and were often held in high esteem by rulers and other elites.
6. Material for Writing: Scribes used clay tablets as their primary writing material. They would wet the clay, inscribe cuneiform characters using a stylus, and then bake the tablet to make it permanent.
7. Economic Role: Scribes played an important role in the economy by managing financial transactions and supervising trade. They were essential for maintaining the complex economic system of Sumerian city-states.
8. Legal Documents: Scribes were responsible for drafting and recording legal documents, including contracts, treaties, and laws. They ensured the accurate and precise documentation of legal proceedings.
Overall, scribes in Sumer were not only skilled writers and record-keepers but also held a position of great cultural significance, contributing to the intellectual, literary, and religious development of ancient Sumerian civilization.