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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. Other Inventions
plow
Chariot
Medicine
Glass
jewelry

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. 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

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