Sumerian Achievements

Writing, Inventions, and Architecture

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.