1. Ancient Middle East and Egypt
Section 1: City-States of Ancient Sumer
Witness History Audio: Ancient Times, Ancient Tunes
Geography Influences Fertile Crescent Civilization
The world’s first civilization developed in Sumer, in the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, around 3300 B.C.
Geography Interactive: Sumer and the Fertile Crescent
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Which basic feature of civilization includes music?” (the development of arts and architecture) “What can we learn about early civilizations from musical instruments?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 7, discuss the evolution of Sumerian writing.
Note Taking Transparency 52
1 of 6

2. Ancient Middle East and Egypt
Section 1: City-States of Ancient Sumer
Sumerian Civilization Takes Shape
Within a few hundred years, Sumerians had built city-states with complex governments and a societal class system. They invented the first known writing system, called cuneiform.
Color Transparency 7: Cuneiform Evolves Over Time
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Which basic feature of civilization includes music?” (the development of arts and architecture) “What can we learn about early civilizations from musical instruments?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 7, discuss the evolution of Sumerian writing.
2 of 6

3. Ancient Middle East and Egypt
Section 1: City-States of Ancient Sumer
Lasting Legacy of Sumer
Although Sumer was replaced by other civilizations, its stories, writing system, and ideas about astronomy and mathematics lived on.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Which basic feature of civilization includes music?” (the development of arts and architecture) “What can we learn about early civilizations from musical instruments?” (Answers will vary.)
When showing Color Transparency 7, discuss the evolution of Sumerian writing.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
3 of 6

4. Ancient Middle East and Egypt: Section 1
Note Taking Transparency 52
4 of 6

5. Ancient Middle East and Egypt: Section 1
Color Transparency 7: Cuneiform Evolves Over Time
5 of 6

6. Ancient Middle East and Egypt: Section 1
Progress Monitoring Transparency
6 of 6