Sumer: The Cradle of Civilization

Sumer was an ancient civilization that existed in Mesopotamia, a region located in modern-day Iraq. It is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization" because it is one of the earliest known civilizations in the world. The Sumerians are credited with many important innovations and developments that have had a lasting impact on human history.

Key Aspects of Sumerian Civilization

• City-States: Sumerian society was organized into city-states, each with its own government and ruler. The most well-known city-states included Ur, Uruk, and Lagash.
• Writing System: The Sumerians developed one of the earliest writing systems known as cuneiform. This system involved making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets and is considered the precursor to modern writing systems.
• Religion: Sumerians practiced a polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods and goddesses. They built ziggurats, large stepped pyramids, as religious structures.
• Technology and Inventions: Sumerians made significant advancements in areas such as irrigation, architecture, and mathematics. They built canals and dikes for irrigation and created the wheel and the sailboat.
• Trade and Economy: Sumerians engaged in extensive trade with neighboring regions, exchanging goods such as grain, textiles, and precious metals. They also developed a complex economy based on agriculture and commerce.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to focus on when studying Sumerian civilization:

1. Describe the social and political organization of Sumerian city-states.
2. Explain the significance of cuneiform writing and its impact on communication and record-keeping.
3. Discuss the role of religion in Sumerian society and the importance of ziggurats in their religious practices.
4. Identify and explain the technological achievements of the Sumerians, including their contributions to agriculture, architecture, and transportation.
5. Analyze the importance of trade in the Sumerian economy and its impact on the development of their civilization.

Studying the civilization of Sumer provides valuable insights into the early foundations of human society and the origins of many aspects of modern civilization.

[Sumer] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• MesopotamiaSocial Studies • Eighth Grade