1. Focus
As the Neolithic Revolution spread, civilizations began to form along rivers. One of the earliest civilizations formed in the Tigris and Euphrates river valley. This civilization is known as the city-states of Sumer.
Points for Discussion: Why did civilizations develop around rivers?
Critical Lens: The Neolithic Revolution was directly responsible for the formation of early civilizations.
Term to Know: Cultural Diffusion

2. The First Civilization
Sumer
The First Civilization

3. RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS

4. Epic of Gilgamesh
Story that gives info on Sumerian culture

5. Location
SUMER was one of the first civilizations of the world. Located in Mesopotamia, which is between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

6. Location SUMER — world’s first civilization.
Located in Mesopotamia — between the Tigris & Euphrates Rivers.

7. Architecture Sumerians built Ziggurats.
Ziggurat — a temple, the center of city life.
Ziggurat — a form of a city hall.

8. Society & Culture
Sumerian Society organized in social classes called a hierarchy.
Upper class — King & priests were in the top, included landowners, government officials, & rich merchants.
Middle class — Free people of Sumer, farmers & artisans.
Lower class — Slaves.

9. Inventions/ Technology
Historians believe Sumerians invented the plow & wheel.
Helped Sumerians in daily life.

10. Writing
Sumerians developed the first written language called Cuneiform.

11. Resources Bronze — an important resource to Sumerians.
Among the first people to use this mixture of copper & tin.
Bronze was stronger than copper, Bronze lasted longer & stayed sharper.
Sumerians traded Bronze tools.

12. Religion
Unpredictable floods of Tigris and Euphrates Rivers shaped Sumerian religion
Sumerians feared their Gods
Sumerians had a negative view of afterlife