Sumer 3500 B.C. ended 1900 B.C.

WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT

Facts on the Sumerians! 1 st known civilization in what is today Iraq Sumer means “Land of the Lords of Brightness” One of the earliest urban societies to emerge in the world They developed a writing system called cuneiform Invented the wheel Developed basic algebra and geometry Set up calendars based on the moon (12 months) Devised methods of irrigation and flood control Invented the umbrella = palm fronds to protect from the sun! 1 st form of monarchy

Mesopotamia “Between the rivers” The Fertile Crescent = good farmland Why people came? Who were they? Settled b/c people were fleeing war, overpopulation, poor climate Migrated from central Asia These people built world’s 1 st civilization and 1 st cities that reached its height before the Egyptians!

Sumerian City-states Built 12 city-states Main ones Ur, Uruk, Eridu Population range from 20,000 to 250,000 with common culture, language, religion

Sumerian Government Council of nobles and assembly of citizens Later due to foreign threats wanting land/water rights city-states chose a military leader then to KINGS (hereditary) Kings were the military leader and high priest High priest = city-state’s deity Most punishment were fines not loss of limbs or life

Sumerian Family Law regulated family life and outlined the roles of men/women 1.men had great authority over the family 2.Men could sell his wife or children into slavery if he needed to pay off debt 3.Divorce wife for the slightest cause 4.But women could buy/sell property & own businesses & own/sell slaves

Sumerian Schools