1. Chapter 4 Lesson 1 The Sumerians
Mesopotamia
Chapter 4 Lesson 1
The Sumerians

2. Objectives
Key Terms: silt, city state, cuneiform, irrigation, polytheism, scribe, surplus, ziggurat and epic
Explain how major physical characteristics, natural resources and climate influence a civilization.
Analyze the relationship of physical geography to the development of river valley civilizations.
Identify the major characteristics and achievements of the Mesopotamian civilizations.

3. The First Civilizations in Mesopotamia
Civilizations first developed about 3000 BCE in the river valleys of Mesopotamia.
This civilization is located in Southern Iraq.
This civilization began on the plain between two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates.
Mesopotamia was located on the Fertile Crescent.

4. Taming the Rivers
Farmers used water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to water their fields.
Every year the rivers flooded and left behind SILT – small particles of soil. This silt recharged the soil every year and the result was ever fertile farmland.
Over time, people learned how to control the flooding. They built dams and dug canals to move water to where it was needed. This is called IRRIGATION.

5. Taming the Rivers, Continued
Irrigation allowed farmers to grow a SURPLUS- extra amounts – of food.
Since not everyone was needed to farm, other people became skilled at other jobs. Artisans created goods that people would trade for.

6. SUMERIA They built the first cities in Southwest Asia.
Ur, Uruk and Eridu were centers of Sumerian civilization.
These cities were surrounded by a harsh landscape.
Each one of these cities developed on their own. They raised their own crops and made their own goods.
They became CITY STATES – independent cities that were not part of any large government.

7. Map of Mesopotamia

8. Gods, Priests and Kings
The Sumerians worshipped many gods. That is known as POLYTHEISM.
Each city- state had a principal god.
To honor their gods, they built huge temples called ZIGGURATS. These were often in the center of the city.
Kings usually claimed they were descended from these gods.
When the king died, the power usually passed down to one of his sons.

9. People in Sumer were divided into social classes.
Kings, priests, warriors and government officials were the upper class.
The middle class was made up of merchants, farmers, fishers and artisans.
The lower class was made up of slaves and captured prisoners.
Men and women had different roles in Sumeria. Men had most of the power.

10. Farmers and Traders
Each farmer had a plot of land located in an area around or near the city-state.
Farmers also raised sheep, goats and pigs.
Sumeria traded with many parts of the world to get goods they needed or could not produce.
Sumerian merchants traded wheat, barley and tools for timber, minerals and metals.

11. Sumerian Contributions
They created a highly developed writing system. This system was called CUNEIFORM.
They would write on clay tablets. SCRIBES – official record keepers, would write on these documents to record much of everyday life in Sumeria.
They also created the wheel. They invented the plow to help farm in the fields. They were the first to use bronze tools.
They also studied math and astronomy. They created the 60 second minute, 60 minute hour and 360 degree circle. They also created the first 12 month calendar.

12. Review Sumerian Innovations
Agriculture-Farming
Ox pulled Plow
Cuneiform-Writing
1st written Laws
Moon based Calendar
Irrigation with
Canals and Levees
Mud Bricks
Bronze Tools
Wheel & push cart
Domestication of
animals

13. Any Questions ?
Ziggurat Ruins today
Mesopotamia is
in IRAQ.

14. Exit Essay Quiz (2 Questions)
#1) In a smart paragraph;
Tell me about 5 important innovations to come from the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia.
#2) Define: Irrigation.
(1 Quiz Grade)
Use a few complete sentences.