Show:
Farming
Accomplishments
Important Figures
Life in Sumer
Characteristics of Civilization
100
What invention made farming easier for the Sumerians?
The Plow
100
What invention made it possible for Sumerian armies to use chariots?
The wheel
100
Name 2 types of people at the top of the social structure in Sumer.
- Government officials - Priests - Landowners
100
Who was at the bottom of the social structure and where did they live?
Slaves, they lived in their owners' homes (owned no property of their own)
100
Which characteristic of civilization is most closely related to farming?
Stable Food Supply
200
What type of climate made farming difficult?
Hot, dry climate
200
What was the purpose of the arch?
It added strength and beauty to buildings.
200
What made the Kings so powerful?
People believed they were elected by the gods.
200
What were two reasons people used Ziggurats?
- School - Priests lived there - To worship gods
200
Which characteristic of civilization allowed people to bond over common beliefs?
Religion
300
What unpredictable occurrence made farming difficult and why?
Flooding, because it destroyed all their crops.
300
Why was writing an important accomplishment? (Name at least 2 reasons)
-It allowed information to be passed down uncorrupted. - Allowed trade to be recorded - Taxes could be recorded - Laws could be recorded
300
What were the responsibilities of a scribe?
-Record laws -Keep trade records - Record taxes
300
What type of writing system did the Sumerians develop? How was it used?
Cuneiform: mixture of pictures and symbols that stood for ideas and sounds. Use a wedge shaped tool to write it on clay tablets.
300
Explain the difference between the upper class and middle class in the social structure.
Upper class: Priests, government officials, landowners. Lived in 2 story houses at the center of the city. Middle Class: merchants, artisans, metal workers. Lived in 1 story mud-brick houses at the edge of the city.
400
List 2 benefits of farming in Sumer
- Stable food supply allowed for permanent settlements - Surplus crops could be traded for other items - Food surplus led to job specialization since there was less need for farmers
400
What two reasons did the Sumerians have for creating an irrigation system?
- to maintain steady supply of water in hot, dry climate - to prevent flooding
400
What is an artisan?
A craftsperson
400
Who was forced to join the army in times of war?
Middle class: merchants, artisans, metal workers, etc.
400
List 3 examples of technology developed by the Sumerians.
- Plow - Wheel - Arch
500
What are two geographical challenges Sumerians faced with farming?
- Unpredictable flooding from the rivers - hot, dry climate - too much salt in the soil
500
Why was the wheel an important invention?
- Made it easier to carry heavy loads - Allowed the army to use chariots (easier for transportation)
500
List all 6 responsibilities of the King.
- Collect taxes - Appoint officials - Manage irrigation system - Lead the army - Enforce laws - Build ziggurats
500
What were 3 problems faced by people of Mesopotamia? How did they solve them?
- Unpredictable flooding: built irrigation system -
500
Name all 7 characteristics of civilization
-Religion - Arts - Technology -Writing - Government - Stable Food Supply - Social Structure