Sumer: An Overview

Sumer was an ancient civilization located in the southern part of Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq. It is considered one of the earliest known civilizations in the world, dating back to around 4500 BCE. Sumer is often referred to as the "cradle of civilization" because of its significant contributions to the development of human society.

Key Features of Sumerian Civilization

• City-States: Sumerian civilization consisted of several independent city-states, each with its own government and ruler. The most well-known city-states included Ur, Uruk, Lagash, and Kish.
• Writing System: The Sumerians are credited with the invention of one of the earliest writing systems, known as cuneiform. This system involved using wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay tablets, and it was used for record-keeping, administrative purposes, and literature.
• Religion and Mythology: Sumerian religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses who were believed to control various aspects of life. Their mythology included epic tales such as the famous "Epic of Gilgamesh."
• Agriculture and Irrigation: The Sumerians were skilled farmers who developed advanced irrigation techniques to support their agricultural activities in the fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• Architecture and Urban Planning: Sumerian city-states were characterized by impressive ziggurats (temple towers) and well-planned urban layouts, demonstrating their architectural and organizational prowess.

Study Guide

To further understand the civilization of Sumer, consider the following study guide questions:

1. What were the primary characteristics of Sumerian city-states, and how did they function independently?
2. Why was the invention of writing crucial for the development of Sumerian society, and what were the main purposes of their writing system?
3. How did Sumerian religion and mythology influence the daily lives and beliefs of the people?
4. What were the key agricultural practices and irrigation methods used by the Sumerians, and how did they contribute to the prosperity of the civilization?
5. What architectural and urban planning achievements are associated with Sumerian city-states, and what do they reveal about Sumerian society?

[Sumer] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• MesopotamiaSocial Studies • Eighth Grade