Chapter 3, Section 3 Warm-Up

Of all the Sumerian achievements we’ve studied, which do you think is the MOST significant?

Why?

Be ready to debate your point!

The Invention of Writing

The invention of writing was one of the

greatest cultural advances in history.

The Invention of Writing

• Cuneiform-

• Styluses-

The world’s firstsystem of writing

Sharp tool to make

wedged shaped symbols

With cuneiform, symbols represented syllables. Syllables and symbols were combined to express complex ideas.

Picture symbols

A writer who kept records. Very important role in society

long poems that tell stories of heroes

The story of a legendary Sumerian king

Advances and Inventions

the wheel

the plow

sewers

bronze for tools, weapons

Use of a plow

Bronze tools

system based on number 60

areas of rectangles, triangles

detailed records of natural world

medicines for healing

science of building

ziggurat- a pyramid shaped temple tower

sculpture

pottery

jewelry

cylinder seals

instruments