Civilization in Sumer

Vocabulary Words innovation division of labor surplus monarchy absolute authority bureaucracy pictograph cuneiform social class merchant

Innovation

INNOVATION A new way of doing things.

Division of labor

Division of Labor The sharing of large jobs so that each worker does only part of the work.

Surplus

Surplus Amount of product that is left after needs are met.

Monarchy

Monarchy The system of government in which a king or queen rules.

Absolute Authority

Absolute Authority A system of government in which one person has complete control.

Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy A governing group made up of non-elected officials.

Pictograph

Pictograph A drawing or symbol used to represent a word or idea.

Cuneiform

Cuneiform A form of writing that uses symbols to stand for words.

Social Class

Social Class Group of people in the same level of importance in a society.

Merchant

Merchant Someone who buys or sells goods.

Vocabulary Review ____ Merchant ____ Division of labor _____ Social Class _____ Monarchy ______ Absolute authority _____ Bureaucracy A system of government in which a king or queen rules. A governing group made up of non elected officials. Having complete control.

Ancient Sumer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y1G-r6N_SI

One of the world’s first civilization formed in Mesopotamia in an area called Sumer.

Sumerians are known for several achievements and innovations.

Mesopotamia is known as an area between two rivers. The rivers are Tigris and Euphrates. Sumerians were able to grow food because of the rich soil on the banks of the rivers.

Advances in Farming Sumer got little rainfall so the people had to find ways to use the river water for their crops. They also had to find ways to protect their crops from flooding (too much water) and drought (not enough water). They found ways to change the rivers.

Advances in Farming Sumerians built dikes and dams to control the flooding of the rivers.

Advances in Farming They filled reservoirs to help them store water during the drought, and canals to bring water during the dry season.

Advances in Farming They were one of the first people to use wheeled carts to carry crops and other heavy loads.

Advances in Farming Sumerians used division of labor in farming.

Advances in Farming Sumerians knew that they had to produce enough food or else there would be disaster. They learned to be organized and cooperate with each other.

What 5 innovations did Sumerians use to help them in farming? Why was division of labor important in farming? How did wheeled carts help Sumerians in farming?

Government in Sumer Sumerians had a monarchy. Each city- state had a ruler called en. The en had absolute authority.

Directing public events Each city state had the en - king The en held an absolute power Settling arguments Leading the military Arranging trade Directing public events

Government in Sumer Sumerian monarchs were considered to be great men that were chosen by gods.

Government in Sumer Sumerians needed help to rule over several lands and large areas so they created a bureaucracy. The officials were priests or religious leaders.

Sumerian monarchs were called “great men” Sumerian rulers created first known bureaucracy Governing group made up of appointed officials priests Religious leaders

Bureaucratic officials Government in Sumer List any surpluses used for trading Choosing and marking lands for farming Record amount of food given to people. Distribute food to people Bureaucratic officials Keep track of food brought from the farm to the store.

The desire to keep records of FOOD led to Sumerian greatest contribution to world history -WRITING.

What form of government did Sumerians have? Give two ways bureaucracy helped the Sumerian en (king). What led the Sumerians to invent writing?

Writing and Other Innovations The first form of Sumerian writing was Pictographs.

Cuneiform – using symbols instead of words They improved their writing by using symbols to stand for words. Cuneiform – using symbols instead of words

Iku (acre)- used to measure land. Quart- used to measure volume. Sumerians had three innovations for measuring. Iku (acre)- used to measure land. Quart- used to measure volume. Calendar- used to measure time.

A standard unit for volume – the quart Other inventions Measuring systems A standard unit for measuring an area of land – crop field – iku, now called acre A standard unit for volume – the quart

Divided into 12 months based on the 28-day cycle of the moon Sumerian calendar Divided into 12 months based on the 28-day cycle of the moon Made up of 12 lunar months; every three years extra month was added

Mixed copper and tin to make bronze tools sailboats Potter’s wheel

What are three Sumerian innovations for measuring? How did Sumerians improve their greatest invention: Writing?

Divisions in Society People in Sumer belonged to different Social Classes. There were three Social classes in Sumer: Ruling Class Middle Class Working Class

WORKING OR LOWEST CLASS SUMERIAN SOCIAL CLASS RULING CLASS King, government officials, priests, warriors MIDDLE CLASS Less important government officials, merchants, carpenters, craft workers, doctors, potters WORKING OR LOWEST CLASS Slaves, farm workers

Divisions in Society In all Sumerian societies, men held more authority and independence than women. Men held all the leadership roles, though some women were religious leaders.

Divisions in Society Sumerian women held more rights than women of other ancient civilizations. Sumerian women could own a property. Sumerian women could run a business. Sumerian women were taught how to read and write in Cuneiform.

Held all the leadership positions Men Women Had more rights than women Held all the leadership positions Had more independence Ruled family life Important religious leaders Had more rights than other ancient women Could own property and run businesses Some were taught to read and write

What are the social classes in Sumer? What class has the most members? How are women in Sumer different from women of other ancient civilizations?