Sumer: First Cities Change Everything

Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization Grade 6 Social Studies How the world's first cities transformed human society

Learning Targets

I can describe key characteristics of Sumerian civilization by exploring their culture and history I can analyze how cities impacted social organization and trade by examining evidence from ancient sources I can use reading strategies to understand ancient history by applying critical thinking skills to historical texts I can explain how human systems evolve using evidence by studying patterns of change over time

What Makes a City?

Think about your own city or town What features do all cities have in common? How might the first cities have been different?

Meet the Sumerians

Lived in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 3500 BCE Created the world's first cities Developed between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers Known as the 'cradle of civilization'

Sumerian City-States

Sumerian Innovations

{"left":"The wheel - revolutionized transportation\nCuneiform writing - first written language\nMathematics and astronomy","right":"Irrigation systems - controlled water flow\nBronze tools and weapons\nComplex government and laws"}

How Cities Changed Everything

Specialization - people could focus on specific jobs Trade networks - cities exchanged goods over long distances Social classes - priests, rulers, merchants, farmers Technology advancement - more time for innovation Population growth - cities supported more people

Group Challenge: Design a Sumerian City

Work in groups of 4-5 students Create a drawing or presentation showing your city layout Include: ziggurat, palace, homes, farmland, walls Explain how your city uses water and natural resources

Reflection and Summary

"The development of the first cities like Sumer changed everything about how humans lived, worked, and organized their societies." How do you see these changes reflected in our world today?