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6th Grade UBD - Unit 3 - Mesopotamian Innovations and Contributions

Mesopotamian Innovations- Early Mesopotamians
developed a number of innovations. These greatly
improved the lives of the people, particularly in the area of
agriculture.

Hammurabi’s Code of Law- Hammurabi was a Babylonian
king. He collected the laws into a single code. This code
laid out how people should obey the laws. It also made
clear how people would be punished for breaking them.

The ancient Mesopotamians
developed many inventions
and innovations, such as the
wheel, the plow, and the
calendar. Explain what you
think the most important
invention today is.
(5 minutes)

Work with a
neighbor and
compare your
answer with theirs.
What things are
the same and what
things are
different? (3
minutes)
Key Term
Inventor- A
person who
invented a
particular process
or device or who
invents things as
an occupation.
Key Term
Invention- The
action of
inventing
something,
typically a process
or device.

The Epic of Gilgamesh was the first written story
that we know of. It deals with many themes and
ideas still found in literature today.

Mesopotamian innovations included the
calendar, alphabet, literature, and metal and
clay tools. These innovations were taken even
further by later cultures.
Video- Development of Writing in Mesopotamia

The discoveries and
developments made by the
ancient Mesopotamians
had a profound impact on
future civilizations, and in
many ways form the
foundation for Western
culture.

Mesopotamians
introduced such
developments as the
first known writing
system, the first
complete code of law,
and The Epic of
Gilgamesh.

The Epic of Gilgamesh, is
the oldest known piece of
human literature.

Other innovations included
a calendar, metal tools,
and the wheel, which
made agriculture and trade
much easier.

The development of
writing affected all parts
of Sumerian life.

Farmers could record
which crops they grew
each year.

They could write down
plans for future planting.

Merchants were able to
keep detailed records of
their trades.

Laws could be put in
writing and people in
different areas would all
know the same rules.

Reading and writing
cuneiform was
difficult.

Children had to go to
school to learn it.

Schools were usually
located in temples.

The Sumerians used
cuneiform writing in
almost every part of their
daily lives.

Because of that, we know
a lot about who the
Sumerians were and how
they lived.
Video- The Epic of Gilgamesh

Some stories from
Mesopotamia survive
today.

The Epic of Gilgamesh
legend was originally an
oral story. Spoken aloud by
storytellers, it was passed
along from generation to
generation.

An epic is usually about
gods and heroes doing
great deeds.

The Epic of Gilgamesh
is believed to be the
earliest surviving piece
of literature.

The story tells about
the life of Gilgamesh.
It follows his change
from a cruel king to a
strong and respected
leader.
Key Term
Epic- A long
poem or story
usually about
gods and
heroes doing
great deeds.
Reading Handout- Gilgamesh

The development of a calendar
helped farmers know when to
plant their crops, and metal tools
like the plow made farming
easier.

The invention of the wheel
simplified travel and trade, which
allowed Mesopotamian culture to
spread throughout the region.

The code had no parts about religion.

The code established the idea that punishment should
fit the crime. Today, this is known as “an eye for an
eye.”

Rulers and judges could be punished for making unfair
decisions.

The code was very clear about its protections for the
weak, poor, and others who could not help themselves.

Hammurabi was a Babylonian king
who ruled in the 1700s BCE.

Hammurabi devised a legal code
that created a consistent code of
conduct for citizens and judges
alike, setting clear guidelines for
how lawbreakers would be
punished.

The code specifically called
for the protection of the
poor and helpless, such as
widows and orphans.

This code of law formed the
foundation of the legal
systems in Western
civilization.
Key Term
Hammurabi - Ruler
of the first dynasty
of Babylon famous
mainly because of
the laws he set
down known as the
Code of
Hammurabi.
Key Term
Code of Hammurabi A set of laws
established by
Hammurabi that
covered several areas
of law, including
economic law, family
law, criminal law, and
civil law.

What has been the
“muddiest” point so far in
this lesson? That is, what
topic remains the least
clear to you? (4 minutes)

Work with a
neighbor and
compare your
muddiest point with
theirs. Compare
what things are the
same and what
things are different?
(3 minutes)