Standard & Objective Standard: 6.6 Identify and explain the importance of an economy that produces food surpluses. Lesson Objective: I can analyze the economic structure of the Mesopotamian civilization.

Essential Question How did Mesopotamian farmers learn the secrets of trading?

Agenda Economics (defined) Guided Notes What does it look like on TNReady? Thinking Activity Lesson closure How question(s)

Economics What is economics?

Economics How a civilization makes money through the buying and selling of goods and services. (Some examples may include: resources, trade routes, agriculture and products.)

Economics in Mesopotamia Bartering developed in Mesopotamia because the farmers learned how to irrigate their land. They could now grow more food than they could eat. They used the surplus to trade for goods and services.

Economics in Mesopotamia The worth (of these goods/services) was determined by the demand, availability, and quality of the products. The location between the famous Tigris and Euphrates helped to a large extent.

Economics in Mesopotamia In the city state of Sumer, Ur was a major center for trade and commercial activities, but temples were the primary source of employment and were the hub of all commercial activities. The economy of Mesopotamia depended on where the people were located. 

Economics in Mesopotamia The hill people required wheat and barley while they could sell copper, silver, gold, limestone and timber. People who lived in the river valley could provide flax which was woven into cloth.

Economics in Mesopotamia The rivers, Tigris and Euphrates, helped in water transportation of the goods. It was more economical. Wood went into the manufacture of boats, furniture and ships. As the boats had to face strong river currents, they were frequently damaged. 

Economics in Mesopotamia Boats had to travel upstream and had to be dismantled after each commercial trip downstream. But transportation through boats was feasible and economical as well. 

Economics in Mesopotamia Transportation in the economy of Mesopotamia received a boost once the wheel was discovered by Sumerians. A system of writing was developed to track accounts in the economy in Mesopotamia.

Trade in Mesopotamia What would be some advantages and disadvantages of bartering/trading?

What does it look like on TNReady?

What does it look like on TNReady?