Transcript Mesopotamia Social Studies 6 th Grade 2009/10

Mesopotamia
Social Studies
6th Grade 2009/10
Developed by
Elin Richmond
using illustrations from
6th Grade Students 2009/10
Mesopotamia
The Cradle of Civilization
Civilizations are complex societies with cities,
governments, art, religion, class divisions, and a
writing system.
Mesopotamia has been called the cradle of
civilization since the Sumerians invented writing and
made many other scientific and mathematical
contributions to later peoples.
The Importance of River Valleys
The rivers were important because they provided water for
farming, as well as made it easy for people to travel and
trade. Most of the early civilizations developed around water.
Why Were River Valleys Important?
The Rise of Sumer
Mesopotamian civilization developed between the valley between the Tigris
river and the Euphrates river. The word Mesopotamia means the land
between two rivers. Mesopotamia was very hot and dry, with unpredictable
floods. However, the floods left behind fertile soil. The farmers began to
build dams and channels to control the water and used irrigation by digging
ditches to leas the water to the crops.
The Rise of Sumer
The Rise of Sumer
What Were City-States?
Many cities formed in a southern region of Mesopotamia, known
as Sumer. They were separated by plains and desert, and had
their own governments. The city-states built walls around
themselves for protection. They often fought each other.
What Was Life Like in Sumer?
•Most Sumerians were farmers, but some were merchants, traders, and
artisans, or skilled workers.
There were three social classes:
The upper class consisted of kings, government officials, and priests.
The middle class consisted of merchants, fishers, farmers, and artisans.
The lower class consisted of slaves.
Gods and Rulers
With specialization and, governments to make plans and decisions for
the common good, people did not have to worry about their basic
needs as much and had time to think about other things, such as art
and religion. Sumerians believed in many gods and each city-state
built their own Ziggurat (grand temple), to honor the gods.
Why Was Writing Important?
The Sumerians developed a writing system called
cuneiform. Only a few people learned to write. These
scribes helped people keep records and pass on ideas.
Why Was Writing Important
Sumerian Literature
The Sumerians wrote the oldest known story,
the Epic of Gilgamesh
Advances in Science & Math
The Sumerians invented new technology such as the wagon wheel, the
plow and the sailboat. They also developed many mathematical
concepts including a number system based on 60. They are
responsible for the 60 minute hour, the 60 second minute, the 360°
circle, as well as the 12 month calendar.
Advances in Science and Math
Thanks to all the students
in Mrs. Richmond’s,
Mrs. Morrison’s, and
Mr. Fasula’s class
for all the hard work!