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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!