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Sumerian Civilization Study Guide

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Sumerian Civilization Study Guide

Ancient Sumerian ziggurat and cuneiform writing

📚 Part 1: Key Facts About Sumer

I can identify important facts about Sumerian civilization and its contributions to history.

Success Criteria: I can correctly answer questions about Sumerian geography, inventions, and culture.

1. Where was the Sumerian civilization located?

Egypt along the Nile River

Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

India along the Indus River

China along the Yellow River

2. What was the Sumerian form of writing called?

Hieroglyphics

Cuneiform

Alphabet

Pictographs

3. Which Sumerian inventions are still important today? (Check all that apply)

The wheel

Writing system

Calendar with 12 months

Mathematics using base 60

Sailboat

4. What were ziggurats?

Sumerian homes for families

Large temple towers built for gods

Markets for trading goods

Schools for learning cuneiform

✏️ Part 2: Understanding Sumerian Society

I can explain how Sumerian society was organized and describe daily life in ancient Sumer.

Success Criteria: I can describe social classes, government, and daily activities of Sumerians.

5. Fill in the blanks about Sumerian city-states:

Each Sumerian city-state was ruled by a _____________ who was believed to represent the gods. The largest city-states included _____________, Ur, and Uruk. These cities were often surrounded by _____________ to protect them from enemies.

6. Describe two ways the Sumerians used the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Explain why these rivers were so important to their civilization.
7. Explain what made Sumerian civilization one of the world's first civilizations. Include at least three characteristics that define a civilization.

🎯 Part 3: Sumerian Legacy

I can analyze the lasting impact of Sumerian innovations on modern society.

Success Criteria: I can connect Sumerian inventions to things we use today and explain their importance.

8. Choose ONE Sumerian invention and explain how it changed human history. Then describe how we still use this invention or idea today.
9. Why do historians consider the Sumerians to be pioneers of civilization? Give three specific examples to support your answer.

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