Study Guide 1.1/1.3: Sumerians and Civilization

Vocabulary and key concept flashcards covering Sumerian civilization, important figures, and historical terminology.

city-state

A state with political and economic control over the surrounding countryside.

ziggurat

A massive stepped tower on which was built a temple dedicated to the chief god or goddess of a Sumerian city.

cuneiform

A "wedge-shaped" system of writing developed by the Sumerians using a reed stylus on clay tablets.

polytheistic

Belief in many gods.

theocracy

A government established by divine authority.

Gilgamesh

A legendary king who was part man and part god.

Enkidu

A hairy beast who did good deeds with Gilgamesh.

Leonard Woolley

An archaeologist who spent years in the desert researching the Sumerian people and discovered the burial pits of Ur.

Characteristics of a Civilized Group

Advanced cities, government, religion, art, social structure, specialized labor, and record keeping or writing.

Commonalities of the First Four Civilizations

All were river valley civilizations located in warm climates between 20 degrees and 40 degrees north latitude.

Sumerian Flood Control

Methods used to control unpredictable flood waters, including constructing levees to irrigate fields or creating artificial lakes.