Notes 1 Chapter 4

The First Civilizations in Mesopotamia First developed 300 B.C. Social class people belonged to partly depended on their occupation. Set up governments to pass laws, defend their lands, and carry out large building projects.

Earliest civilization developed in what is now southern Iraq. Two Rivers Earliest civilization developed in what is now southern Iraq. Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers”. Civilization began between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

First settlers were hunters and herders. Early Valley Dwellers Historians believe that people first settled Mesopotamia about 7000 B.C. First settlers were hunters and herders.

Flooded rivers were filled with silt. Taming the Rivers Flooded rivers were filled with silt. Mesopotamia learned to build dams to control seasonal floods. They created a system know as irrigation. Irrigation allowed for surpluses of food.

Sumer's Civilization Built the first cities in Southwest Asia, including Ur, Uruk, and Eridu.

Sumerian cities become independent. City-States Arise Sumerian cities become independent. The people of the each city state made their own goods, had its own government and honored its own god. Most city states were protected by large walls. Sumerians used mud as their main resources for building. Often city-states went to war over political borders and resources.

Sumerians were polytheist believers. Gods, Priests, and Kings Sumerians were polytheist believers. They believed the gods had different powers over nature, rain and wind. They honored whatever god would help their activity.

Artisans, farmers, fishers, and merchants made up the middle class. Social Groups Kings, priest, warriors, and government officials made up the upper class. Artisans, farmers, fishers, and merchants made up the middle class. The middles was the largest social group. Slaves and criminals made up the lower class. Boys went to school and were trained for specific jobs. Girls were taught to care for their homes and children.

Wheat, barley, and dates were Sumer’s major crops. Farmers and Traders Wheat, barley, and dates were Sumer’s major crops. They were also skilled metal works. Sumerians valued a red stone called carnelian and a blue stone named lapis lazuli.

Sumerian Contributions Mesopotamia is also know as “cradle of civilizations”. Writing was by far Sumerians greatest contribution. Created the wheel, sailboat, chariot, and wooden plow. They created a place value system based on 60. The 60 minute, 60 seconds, and 360-degree circle we use today are all ideas that came from the Sumerians. They also made a 12 month Calendar.