Chapter 3 Section 3Sumerian Achievements

Computers?Don’t think

so!!!!!

Invention of Writing1. What is cuneiform?

Cuneiform is the oldest known written language.

• Sumerians made one of the greatest cultural advances in history.

• Used sharp tools called styluses to make wedge-shaped symbols on clay tablets. Stylus

and Clay

Cuneiformwriting

Sumerian writing cont.

2. What are pictographs? They are picture symbols used to communicate ideas or words.

3. What is a scribe? A scribe is a writer who would be hired to keep track of records. They were men who went to school to learn to read and write. Not all people could read or write.

Scribe

Womencould not

bescribes

Gilgamesh

4. What are epics? Epics are long poems that tell the stories of heroes.

A famous epic poem was written about Gilgamesh, who was a legendary Sumerian king.

Gilgamesh

Advances and Inventions5. What was one of the

most important inventions?

One of the most important developments the Sumerians invented was the wheel. What would we do if the wheel had not been invented??????? We would be dragging everything!!!!!

StoneWheel

The Wheel

Which One

WouldYou

Want To

Use?

ThenToday

Potters’Wheel

Other Inventionsplow

Glassjewelry

Medicine

Chariot

More InventionsMusical

Instrumentthe lyre

Metal knives

PersonalCylinder

seals

Calendar

Mathematicalsystem based

On 60. 60 seconds inone minute.

60 minutes inone hour.

360 degreesin a circle.

Not all people could read or

write socylinder seals

were used.

The Arts of Sumer6. What is architecture?

It is the science of building.

• Kings lived in great palaces.

• The wealthy lived in two story homes with as many as 12 rooms.

• Others lived in houses made of mud bricks

MudBrick

homes

Palace

7. What is a Ziggurat?

A ziggurat is a pyramid shaped temple tower and place of worship that rose above each city.

Sumerian kings claimed to be chosen by the gods.

Each city-state worshipped one god as its protector.

Today!

The Arts • Sculptors made statues• Jewelers made beautiful

gold trinkets8. What are cylinder

seals? Cylinder seals are

Sumer’s most famous work or art. These were carved in stone by people and then rolled into wet clay. They were used to sign documents or decorate other clay objects because not all people could read or write.

• People loved music and dance.

CylinderSeal

Summary The Sumerians greatly enriched their society

with all their wonderful inventions and love of the arts.

Ishtar’s GateEntrance to

AncientBabylon