1. Features of Civilization
Cities
Organized Central governments
Priest-kings were followed by military leaders who were followed by hereditary monarchs
Bureaucracy - government organized into departments
Complex Religion
Polytheistic – belief in many gods that control the forces of nature
Most gods behave like humans

2. Features of Civilization Continued
Public Works
Irrigation Systems
Roads
Bridges
Defensive Walls
Arts & Architecture
Writing

3. Features of Civilization Continued
Job Specialization/Social Classes ~ Hierarchy
Priests
Nobles
Wealthy Merchants
Government Workers
Artisans (skilled craft workers)
Soldiers
Peasant Farmers
Slaves

4. Benefits of Rivers
The earliest civilizations were located near rivers.
Rivers provide drinking water, fish, game, and transportation for people, armies, and products.
Flooding deposits a layer of silt – rich soil.
To control floods and store water for the dry season – dikes, reservoirs, and irrigation canals were constructed.

5. Sumer 3500-2300BCE Tigris and Euphrates rivers – unpredictable floods
Fertile Crescent: Persian Gulf to Mediterranean Sea
Mesopotamia (between the rivers)
Modern-day Iraq
City-States constantly fought

6. Sumer Cuneiform – 3200BCE First-Known Writing
Wedge-like shapes made on clay tablets

7. British Museum

8. Sumerian Religion
Goal was to keep gods happy with sacrifices and ceremonies.
Each city-state had a special god or goddess.
Fear of natural disasters led to a pessimistic world view.
At death, people went to a huge cave filled with dust and silence.
Inanna and Dumuzi

9. Sumer’s Accomplishments
First Writing – Cuneiform
First Wheeled Vehicles – carts and war chariots
Basic Algebra & Geometry
Number System based on 6 ~ 360-degree circle & 60-minute hour
Accurate 12-month Calendar tracked seasons
Ziggurats
First to use arches, columns, ramps
Complex Irrigation Systems

10. Ziggurat at Ur

11. Sumerian Art

12. Sumerian Art