Aim: How did geography influence the people of the Fertile Crescent?

Vocabulary

1) Hierarchy- Systems of ranking people within a society

2) Ziggurat- Pyramid temples dedicated to the chief god or goddess of an ancient Sumerian city-state.

3) Cuneiform- wedge-shaped writing of ancient Sumerians

4) Irrigation- Method of brining water to a field from another place to water crops.

Task #1

• Complete handout “Sumerians”• Be prepared to Share out

I-Fertile CrescentA. Geography

1. Stretched from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea

2. Had rich soil and golden wheat fields3. Region became a crossroad where

people and ideas met4. Flood and Irrigation- Needed to

control the Tigris and Euphrates River for survival

1. City-Statesa) Population from 20,000-250,000 people

per city-state.b) By 3000 B.C., Sumerians had 12 city-

statesc) Ziggurat (temple) erected in each city-

state.d) Sumerians were polytheistic-believed in

many gods.

B-Sumerian Civilization

a) Government and Societyi. Each city-state ruler responsible for

protecting peopleii. Hired scribes to collect taxes and

keep recordsb) Each city-state had a social

hierarchyi. Ruling Family, leading officials, and

priests

2- Sumerian Government

1. Wagon Wheel2. Arch3. Potters Wheel4. Sundial5. 12 month calendar based upon cycles of the

moon6. Umbrella7. Metal Plow8. Bronze

4- Sumerian Advances

• Conclusion: The Sumerians were credited with the invention of many different things, which helped to shape our lives today. – How have we borrowed from and improved upon

Sumerian ideas? – What innovations will we be remembered for?– Are we going to be remembered as a greatly

advanced society like the Sumerians?

Application

• If someone were to watch a video on our society, what would they list as the major achievements of the 21st century?