1. Bell Ringer October 3, 2011
Write down the question and answer in complete sentences.
Have humans changed since Sumeria? Why or why not?
Give at least 3 ways humans have or have not changed.

2. Bell Ringer My answers and questions
Sumeria had a government and followed a leader
Fought each other over control (Iraq, Egypt, WWI & WWII)
Societies rise and fall (Rome, Greece, Egypt, Great Britain)
No slaves today?
Democracy

3. The Land Between Two Rivers Chapter 2 Section 1
Sumer
The Land Between Two Rivers
Chapter 2 Section 1

4. Geographic Setting Sumer was located in a region called Mesopotamia.
Like Chicago, Sumeria had special attractions that drew people to it.
Water Source: Euphrates and Tigris Rivers
Rich soil

5. Geographic Setting
Mesopotamia is part of the Fertile Crescent

6. Sumeria Rivers of Life & Death
In the spring melted snow brought topsoil to the people
Farmers grew crops on this soil
Rivers also had fish and clay
Rivers also flooded and destroyed crops, animals and people
Does Chicago have these kind of problems?

7. The First Cities
Farming succeeded in Mesopotamia, communities began to form.
Early cities formed in the southern part of Fertile Crescent.

8. The First Cities Independent Cities form
Similar culture, language but did not unite under 1 ruler.
City-States formed
A city that is also a separate, independent state.
Each had its own ruler, God and government

9. The First Cities Tour of Sumerian Cities You’ll see public squares
Marketplace
Merchants
Musicians
Beggars
Sumerian houses that faced away from the crowd

10. Sumerian Cities
Is Chicago the same? Different? Why? How?

11. Sumerian Religion Sumerian Temples were known as Ziggurats
It was center for:
Religion
Social
Business
Sumerians believed God came down from heaven onto the Ziggurats

12. Ziggurat near Nasiriyah, Iraq

13. Sumerian Religion Ancient Religious Beliefs
The people practiced Polytheism
The belief in many Gods

14. Sumer
The Fall of Sumer
Sumerian City-States fought each other for control of land.
Sumer was conquered by neighbors
Sumer was united and government improved
Remained unified for about 100 years
Then dissolved again.

15. Sumer
Any questions? Comments? Please ask me, pleeeaaassee!!!