Life in Sumer
3
Cuneiform
The Sumerians writing system
Name the two rivers that Mesopotamia lies in.
Tigris and Euphrates
Where was the first civilization believed to begin?
Sumer
Name a tool that the Sumerians used.
Wheel, Plow, Arithmetic
Ziggurat
Temples in Sumer
What did the two rivers provide for people living in Mesopotamia?
Means of transportation, water for crops and land, fertile soil.
What were houses made out of in Sumer?
Mud brick
What is the sharp object Sumerians used to write?
Stylus
Polytheism
The belief in many gods and goddesses
What was the climate like in Mesopotamia?
Summers were hot. Little rain fall.
Why did Kings later rule in Sumer over Priests?
City-states became richer, other groups began to attack them to take their wealth.
Why did the Sumerians keep records?
To keep information on Sumerian history. Kept records about wars, floods, and the reigns of the kings.
City-State
A city and its nearby farmlands
What is the fine soil deposited by the rivers?
Slit
How did the Priests still remain important in Sumer?
They were in charge of keeping the gods happy and keeping evil out.
What was the role of women in Sumer?
They were merchants, artisans, and weavers but their main role was to raise children.
Surplus
More than they needed of something. (example: grain)
Explain irrigation
Farmers built canals to carry water from the rivers to their fields.
What are the 5 traits of civialization
Advanced cities, specialized workers, complex institutions, record keeping, and advanced technology.