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Chapter 3 - Lesson 2 "The First Civilization" p. 88 - 95
MAIN IDEAS
• Culture – Food surpluses, new technology, and advanced social organization led to a
complex way of life. It is called civilization.
• Government – A new type of government developed in Sumer that included a city and its
surrounding lands.
• Government – Religion dominated life in Sumer, but in time, powerful men who were not
priests became the political rulers.
WORD
Definition
Picture / other
representation
civilization
Sumer
city-state
ziggurat
polytheism
king
The Rise of Civilization (p. 89 - 91)
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1. The rise of agriculture allowed people to settle in villages. Communities grew and became
more complex. These changes led to an advanced form of culture known as a civilization.
What was the name of the first civilization?
Where was this civilization located?
2. As you read the section, record information about the civilizations in Sumer in the chart.
Trait of a civilization
Characteristics / description of
Examples of trait
found in Sumer
Advanced cities
Specialized workers
Complex institutions
Record keeping
Advanced
technology
3. Why was Sumer a good example of civilization?
Sumerian City-States (p. 91- 92)
As you read this section, take notes based on the information stated in the chart. These will be the
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start of a note taking style called “Cornell Notes.” The big idea / concept will be in the LEFT hand
column and the details and responses to the big idea / concept will be in the RIGHT hand column.
4. Advantages of Sumerian cities (p. 91)
5. By 3000 BC Sumer had at least 12 citystates. What were the names of some of
the more famous city-states?
Names of city-states in Sumer:
6. Location of city-states:
Where were the city-states in Sumer
located?
Why was this a good location?
7. What were the streets in the city-states
like?
8. What was built around the city-state for
protection?
9. Houses in city states:
What were houses and building made out of?
What were the walls like and why?
What were the rooms in the houses built
around? What was this area used for?
10. The ziggurat
What was a ziggurat used for?
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What was located at the TOP of the ziggurat?
Who was “in charge of” the ziggurat? Why?
Why were ziggurats built to look like
mountains?
Changes in Leadership (p.93-95)
11. The role of a priest in Sumer
12. The Sumerians beliefs in gods.
13. How did Sumerians believe they could
“protect” their city-state from danger?
(p. 94)
14. Who did the Sumerians think were the
rich landowners? Who did Sumerians
think would work for the landowners?
(p. 94)
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15. Where did Sumerians think the souls of
the dead people went? Describe this
place.
16. New leaders took control in Sumer due
to the city-states being attacked. Where
did the attackers come from?
17. What was the role of a new leader in
Sumer?
18. How did kings take over as rulers of
Sumer?
19. Once a “king” took over as the highest
ranked leader, what was the job of a
priest?
20. Why did Sumerians think a king could
rule?
Lesson Summary (p. 95)
• Sumer had a complex society and culture. Historians consider it the first civilization.
• Sumerian city-states were a form of government that included cities & the land around them.
• Priests were the first leaders in Sumer, but kings became leaders when the need for
defense grew.
Why it matters now (p. 95)
Cities first became important in Sumer. People today still move to cities to find jobs,
education and culture.
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