Lesson 5: Ancient Sumer

Summary:

Stable Food Supply Ancient Sumerians invented an irrigation system and the plow to help them create a stable food supply.

Social Structure, Government, and Religion Ancient Sumer had a complex social structure with different jobs and social levels. The government was led by kings. Religious beliefs influenced every part of daily life.

Arts, Technology, and Writing Ancient Sumerians had a highly developed culture that included the creative arts of painting, architecture, and music. The Sumerians' most important technological invention was the wheel. They also created a written language called cuneiform that was based on pictographs.