Chapter 3 Section 3 Sumerian Achievements Computers? Don’t think so!!!!!

Invention of Writing 1. What is cuneiform? Cuneiform is the oldest known written language. Sumerians made one of the greatest cultural advances in history. Used sharp tools called styluses to make wedge-shaped symbols on clay tablets. Stylus and Clay

Sumerian writing cont. Scribe Women could not be scribes 2. What are pictographs? They are picture symbols used to communicate ideas or words. 3. What is a scribe? A scribe is a writer who would be hired to keep track of records. They were men who went to school to learn to read and write. Not all people could read or write.

Gilgamesh 4. What are epics? Epics are long poems that tell the stories of heroes. A famous epic poem was written about Gilgamesh, who was a legendary Sumerian king. Gilgamesh

Advances and Inventions 5. What was one of the most important inventions? One of the most important developments the Sumerians invented was the wheel. What would we do if the wheel had not been invented??????? We would be dragging everything!!!!! Stone Wheel

The Wheel Which One Would You Want To Use? Then Today Potters’ Wheel

Other Inventions plow Chariot Medicine Glass jewelry

More Inventions Calendar Musical Instrument Mathematical the lyre Mathematical system based On 60. 60 seconds in one minute. 60 minutes in one hour. 360 degrees in a circle. Personal Cylinder seals Not all people could read or write so cylinder seals were used. Metal knives

The Arts of Sumer 6. What is architecture? Mud Brick homes 6. What is architecture? It is the science of building. Kings lived in great palaces. The wealthy lived in two story homes with as many as 12 rooms. Others lived in houses made of mud bricks Palace

7. What is a Ziggurat? A ziggurat is a pyramid shaped temple tower and place of worship that rose above each city. Sumerian kings claimed to be chosen by the gods. Each city-state worshipped one god as its protector. Today!

The Arts Sculptors made statues Jewelers made beautiful gold trinkets 8. What are cylinder seals? Cylinder seals are Sumer’s most famous work or art. These were carved in stone by people and then rolled into wet clay. They were used to sign documents or decorate other clay objects because not all people could read or write. People loved music and dance. The Arts Cylinder Seal

Summary The Sumerians greatly enriched their society with all their wonderful inventions and love of the arts. Ishtar’s Gate Entrance to Ancient Babylon