Mrs. Thompson 8 th Grade World History Mrs. Thompson 8 th Grade World History Chapter 1 Section 2 Part 2

And the point is… Mesopotamia is called the “cradle of civilization.” The Sumerians left a lasting mark on world history because their ideas and inventions were copied and improved upon by others.

In addition to irrigation systems, the Sumerians also invented: 1. The wagon wheel, which helped carry people and goods from place to place. 2. The plow, which made farming easier. 3. The sailboat, which replaced muscle power with wind power. 4. Mathematical ideas such as geometry, which was used to measure fields and build buildings. 5. A number system based on 60, which we use today to measure time and the 360 degree circle. 6. A calendar based on the cycles of the moon. Advances in Science and Math

The greatest Sumerian invention was probably writing. The Sumerians invented writing to record information about business deals, food supplies, and other events.

Sumerian writing is called cuneiform which consists of hundreds of wedge-shaped marks cut into damp clay tablets with a sharp-ended reed. After years of training, those who learned to write became scribes, or record-keepers.

Sumerian Scribes “Tablet House” § Scribes usually came from wealthy families and held honored positions in society. Some became judges and political leaders.

Cuneiform: “Wedge-Shaped” Writing

Cuneiform Writing

Deciphering Cuneiform

Babylonian Math

Babylonian Numbers

Sumerian Cylinder Seals

Mesopotamian Trade “The Cuneiform World”

Gilgamesh Epic Tablet: Flood Story § The Epic of Gilgamesh, the world’s oldest known story, comes from Sumer

Gilgamesh § It is an epic, or long poem, that tells the story of a hero who travels around the world with a friend and performs great deeds.

The Sumerians also studied the skies to record the positions of the planets and stars and developed a 12 month calendar based on the cycles of the moon to learn the best time to plant crops.