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

Invention of Writing What is cuneiform? Cuneiform is the world’s first system of writing. 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

Sumerian writing cont. Scribe Women could not be scribes What are pictographs? They are picture symbols used to communicate ideas or words. 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.

Gilgamesh What are epics? Epics are ling poems that tell the stories of heroes. A famous epic poem was written about Gilgamesh, who was a legendary Sumerian king. Gilgamesh

Advances and Inventions One of the most important developments the Sumerians invented was the wheel. What would we do if the wheel hand not been invented??????? We would be dragging everything!!!!! Stone Wheel

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

Other Inventions plow Chariot Medicine Glass jewelry

More Inventions Calendar Musical Instrument Mathematical the lyre Mathematical System based On 60 Personal Cylinder seals Metal knives

The Arts of Sumer What is architecture? It is the science of building. Mud Brick homes 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

What is a Ziggurat? Today! A ziggurat is a pyramid shaped temple tower that rose above each city. City centers were dominated by these temples and places of worship.

The Arts Sculptors made statues Jewelers made beautiful gold trinkets 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. People loved music and dance. Cylinder Seal

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