Ancient River Valley Civilizations Mesopotamia In this lesson

Ancient River Valley Civilizations: Mesopotamia • In this lesson, we will examine the rise of agriculture, permanent settlements, and civilizations. • Scroll through the powerpoint and copy RED the bullet point notes in your notebook. • Stop and answer the questions posed within your small group.

Agriculture developed in river valleys because rivers provided water for irrigation and transportation.

Mesopotamia is the “land between the rivers”…The Tigris and Euphrates rivers

Mesopotamia • The Sumerians were the first people to develop a civilization in Mesopotamia. – They came from a town called Sumer. • Sumer was one of the major cities in Mesopotamia. • Babylon was another major city that we will discuss later.

• The Sumerians built ziggurats. Ziggurats were Sumerian temples to the gods. • The Sumerians believed in many gods. Polytheism is the belief in many gods.

System of Writing - Cuneiform • The Sumerians also developed a system of writing called cuneiform. • The development of writing helped the Sumerians keep records.

Cuneiform was Sumerian writing. It used characters. Wedge-shaped characters were pressed into clay tablets.

Questions for Reflection: Answer the following questions in your notebook with your group members or individually • How did societies change with the introduction of agriculture? • List two major accomplishments of the Sumerians. • What are the ziggurats? • Why did cuneiform first develop?