sumerian achievements writing, inventions, and architecture
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Sumerian Achievements
Writing, Inventions, and Architecture
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Writing
• Sumerians were responsible for the 1st writing system, known as cuneiform.
• Using a tool called the stylus, they would make wedge-shaped symbols on clay tablets. (early version on the iPad)
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Scribes
• Cuneiform was used in trading to keep track of business records.
• The scribe, or writer, had the responsibility of recording items traded.
• In addition, scribes could be hired to work for the government or in the temples.
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Epics
• While cuneiform’s original purpose was to record business deals, Sumerians later would discover the joy of writing.
• Sumerians wrote down stories, poetry, and songs, usually about the gods or war.
• A long poem about a hero is called an epic. • The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of the
legendary Sumerian king. It was written on stone tablets c.2,000BC.
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The Wheel
• Sumerians were the 1st group of early people to construct carts and wagons using the wheel.
• The potter’s wheel used in making clay pots was another invention of the Sumerians.
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Other inventions
• The plow was used in planting crops.
• An early clock that used water to measure time was invented by the Sumerians.
• Bronze was used to make stronger weapons and tools.
• Sumerians even made their own make-up and jewelry.
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Math and Science
• Sumerians developed a number system based on 60. Examples included: dividing a circle into 360 degrees and the year into 12 months.
• They wrote down the names of plants, minerals, and animals and used them to create their own medicine.
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Architecture
• The science of building is architecture.• While Sumerian rulers lived in palaces, the
average person lived in one-story homes.• The most impressive display of Sumerian
architecture was a ziggurat.• Ziggurats were temples shaped like
pyramids.• Long staircases led up to the platform and
shrine at the top.
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Art and Music
• Cylinder seals were used to show ownership of an item.
• The cylinder had a specific design that when rolled over clay would leave an imprint.
• Other cylinder seals were used for decoration purposes.
• Musical instruments such as the tambourine, lyre, and drums were used for entertainment.