Mesopotamia flash cards

What did Sumerians use writing for?

To keep records, communicate, and document transactions.

What are three facts about a typical scribe?

1. Highly educated in cuneiform writing. 2. Worked in temples or with government. 3. Responsible for record-keeping and documentation.

What was the Epic of Gilgamesh? Why was it important?

An ancient literary work that explored themes of friendship, mortality, and human experience; it is significant as one of the earliest works of literature.

Four inventions of the Sumerians:

1. The wheel – revolutionized transportation. 2. Writing – cuneiform for record-keeping. 3. The plow – improved agricultural efficiency. 4. Sailboat – enhanced trade and transport on water.

How did Sumerians use geometry?

To measure land, create architectural designs, and construct buildings.

How did the Sumerians use the moon and stars?

1. Used lunar cycles to create calendars. 2. Navigated trade routes and farming seasons based on constellation observations.

Why were city-states often independent?

Because of geographical barriers and the uniqueness of each city's governance and resources.

Describe a city-state in Sumer: Facts

1. Centred around a temple or ziggurat. 2. Had its own ruler and laws. 3. Engaged in trade with neighboring states. 4. Had a population that included farmers, craftsmen, and traders.

What was religion like in Sumer?

1. Polytheistic, worshipping many deities. 2. Believed that gods controlled natural forces. 3. Built ziggurats for religious ceremonies. 4. Rituals included offerings and sacrifices to appease the gods.

What were the social classes in Sumer?

1. Kings and priests at the top. 2. Merchants and artisans in the middle. 3. Farmers and laborers at the bottom. 4. Slaves who worked for the wealthy.

What job did most Sumerians do?

Most Sumerians were farmers, cultivating crops for sustenance.

Describe what trade was like in Sumer: Facts

1. Conducted trade with neighboring city-states. 2. Exchanged goods like textiles, grains, and pottery. 3. Used barter system initially, later developed currency.

What does Mesopotamia translate to?

'Land between the rivers,' referring to the Tigris and Euphrates.

What are the two rivers around Mesopotamia? What body of water do they empty into?

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers; they empty into the Persian Gulf.

What were some challenges living in early Mesopotamia?

1. Unpredictable flooding from rivers. 2. Lack of natural resources like timber and stone. 3. Conflicts over water rights.

How did the Mesopotamians overcome the challenges?

By building irrigation systems, developing trade for resources, and creating city-states for governance.