1. Civilization and Mesopotamia
How a small group of farmers changed world history

2. How Farming Changed World History
When people learned to farm and domesticate animals, people settled.
Settled people had more children.
Population increased.

3. Communities Grew Larger
When more people lived together, more organization was needed.
Organized governments were created.

4. Irrigation Government leaders controlled irrigation projects.
Irrigation increased the supply of water to more land.
More water meant more food.

5. With Irrigation, Farming Improved
Food surpluses developed.
Surplus means “extra.”
Farmers could sell surplus food.

6. A Few People Did NOT Have to Farm
A few people did have to NOT farm.
By buying food, they could perform other jobs.
Specialization means “different jobs” are performed in a society.

7. Civilization Developed
A civilization is a complex society.
The characteristics of a civilization include
- Cities
- Writing
- Government
- Specialization
- Social Classes
- Religion

8. Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia was the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
It was the earliest location where civilization developed.

9. Sumer The first civilization began in Sumer.
Sumer was located in Mesopotamia.

10. The Accomplishments of the Sumerians
The Sumerians developed the world’s first writing system.
Historians call it “cuneiform.”

11. The Sumerians Built Temples to Their Gods
A Sumerian temple was called a ziggurat.
To prevent violent flooding, the Sumerians tried to please their gods.

12. The Sumerians Invented the Wheel and the Sail.
They traded with people near and far.