CH. 4 & 5 MESOPOTAMIA

I. Mesopotamia Land between two rivers Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

II. Sumer Southern part of Mesopotamia Flood in the spring because of melted snow and rain Solution: irrigation system

III. Irrigation Sumerians dug canals to shape the paths the river water took.

IV. Sumerian city-state Was like a tiny country The city walls helped protect the city against the enemies.

V. Characteristics of a Civilization Stable food supply Social structure with different social levels and jobs Government Religious system Culture such as painting, architecture, Written language Technology

VI. Food Supply Sumerians invented complex irrigation system. Plow- a tool for turning the soil to prepare it for planting.

VII. Social Structure A. Upper class-priests, landowners, government officials 1. They had the largest homes. B. Middle class- merchants, craftspeople, farmers 1. Craftspeople worked with metals like gold, silver, tin a. They made swords, tools, luxury items C. Lower class- slaves-no property

VIII. Government Kings, who were chosen by gods, ruled. 1. They enforced laws. 2. They collected taxes. 3. They built temples. 4. They made sure irrigation systems were maintained. 5. They led state’s army.

IX. Sumerian Army Some were foot soldiers. Others drove chariots, wheeled vehicles pulled by horses.

X. Scribes Helped record laws Sumerians were the first to develop a system of written laws.

XI. Religion Sumerians tried to please the gods in all things, from growing crops to settling disputes. Ziggurat- religious tower that king built and maintained

XII. Arts Sumerian metalworkers made weapons and cups, mirrors, and jewelry.

XII. Arts (continued) B. They also believed that music brought joy to the gods 1. Musicians sang during temple ceremonies. 2. They entertained at feasts. 3. They played drums, pipes, and lyre.

XIII. Technology Wheel (3500 B.C.) 1. Pottery makers used them to shaping clay into pots. Arch- U or V-shaped structures built above doorways 1. Some people say it’s their greatest architectural achievement.

XIV. Writing-2400 B.C. Cuneiform- Sumerians used a wedge- shaped stylus (sharp, hpointed tool)