1. CH. 4 & 5 MESOPOTAMIA

2. I. Mesopotamia
Land between two rivers
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

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

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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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.

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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

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