Sumerians

The Sumerians were one of the oldest known civilizations in the world, living in the region of southern Mesopotamia, known as Sumer, around 4500 BCE to 1900 BCE. They are credited with creating the first known form of writing, as well as developing the first known cities and complex societies.

Key Points to Remember

The Sumerians developed the world's first known form of writing, known as cuneiform. This writing system was inscribed on clay tablets using a reed stylus.
They built the earliest known cities, such as Ur, Uruk, and Eridu, which were characterized by complex architecture, irrigation systems, and organized city planning.
Sumerians were polytheistic, believing in a pantheon of gods and goddesses who were thought to control various aspects of life. They built ziggurats, massive temple structures, to honor these deities.
They were skilled in agriculture and developed advanced irrigation techniques to support their crops, especially in the fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Sumerians had a complex social structure, with a ruling class of kings and priests, as well as a lower class of farmers, laborers, and slaves.

Study Tips

When studying the Sumerians, it's important to focus on their contributions to early civilization, such as the development of writing, cities, and religious beliefs. Understanding their social structure and technological advancements will also help in gaining a comprehensive understanding of this ancient civilization.

Key areas to focus on include:

The significance of cuneiform writing and its impact on record-keeping and communication.
The architectural achievements of Sumerian cities and the importance of urban planning.
The role of religion and the construction of ziggurats in Sumerian society.
The impact of Sumerian agricultural techniques on their ability to sustain a thriving civilization.
The structure of Sumerian society and the roles of different social classes.

By understanding these key points and study tips, you'll be well-prepared to explore the fascinating world of the Sumerians and their contributions to early human history.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Mesopotamia

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Key historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures (e.g., the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, the development of technology, the rise of modern nation-states, and the establishment and breakdown of colonial systems).

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

World History Content Standards

Era 2: Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples, 4000-1000 BCE

The major characteristics of civilization and how civilizations emerged in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley.

The student understands how Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley became centers of dense population, urbanization, and cultural innovation in the fourth and third millennia BCE.

The student understands how commercial and cultural interactions contributed to change in the Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Nile regions.

How agrarian societies spread and new states emerged in the third and second millennia BCE.

The student understands how new centers of agrarian society arose in the third and second millennia BCE.

Major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000-1000 BCE.

The student understands major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000 to 1000 BCE.