The edubba “tablet house” or Sumerian school, was the place children would go to learn to read and write cuneiform, this included not only literary purposes, but mathematical ones as well. It was first established in order to train scribes which were necessary for the economic and administrative needs of the land; primarily those of the temple and palace. With the passing of time, the reason for which the school was first made grew to become the center of culture and learning in Sumer. Within its baked clay wall, flourished the scholar-scientist, the man who studied whatever theological, botanical, zoological, geographical, mathematical, grammatical and linguistic knowledge which was current in his time. In some cases, he added to his knowledge.

Once finished, the student of the edubba became a dubsar or Scribe. The professor was called an ummia. Another career choice for those who went to the edubba was to become a nar or minstrel. At the end of their term in the school, those who graduated become the few who were literate, for only those who attended the edubba could read or write.

Religion played a large part in the edubba. It was believed that writing and even all knowledge was passed down from the gods to mankind. Therefore, it is not surprising that those who specialized in religious compositions went into service at the temple after graduating. There, they taught its singers and musicians, supervised and conducted the cult ceremonies and worship. Too, those who specialized in myths and epic tales went to the palace to train and instruct the court singers and entertainers.

This, of course, just touches on the importance of the Sumerian school. There is much more to learn and discuss. There are also many literary works which are the by-products of the edubba to share.

*Source:
"The Sumerians" by Sammuel Noah Kramer