a civilisation is when humans live together in large groups in a highly organised way

Sumer was an ancient civilisation that existed 5000 years ago in the Middle East

meaning 'between two rivers', Mesopotamia is the name given to the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers

something that is reliable can be trusted and is high in quality

surplus means extra or more than is needed

Mesopotamia, the land 'between two rivers'

History

The growth of trade, construction and writing in Mesopotamia

Other 'cradles of civilisation'

The art and artefacts of the earliest civilisations

Similarities between the earliest civilisations

Comparing the earliest civilisations

In ‘Sumer and other early civilisations: what made them similar?’ pupils encounter multiple early civilisations in overview in order to strengthen the concept of civilisation and to make connections between these. In ‘The earliest civilisations: the Indus and the Shang’ they are encouraged to develop their understanding of this concept even further. 

 In ’Ancient Egypt: what stayed the same across 3,000 years?’ pupils were introduced to their first Bronze Age civilisation in order to gain familiarity with this concept. In ‘Sumer and other early civilisations: what made them similar?’ pupils now encounter multiple early civilisations in overview in order to strengthen this concept and make connections.

This unit analyses the similarities and differences between early civilisations. Pupils learn about Mesopotamia as a 'cradle of civilisation' and compare it to other civilisations, such as the Shang and the Indus Valley civilisations.

Sumer and other early civilisations: what made them similar?

Match the keywords with the correct definitions.

Mesopotamia means the land 'between two ...'.

The rivers created fertile land for growing crops.

Why were the two rivers important for Sumer?

How did Sumerian farmers create a reliable water supply?

Common Era - the time since Jesus was born

Before the Common Era - the time before Jesus was born

Match the labels with the correct definitions.

Put the following years in order, starting with the oldest.

Farming provides a food supply for many people to eat.

Farmers use up all the land for their fields.

Farmers keep animals to make people happy.

How does farming help people to live in large groups?

They cannot find evidence because it is too old.

How do historians study the lives of ancient people?

Mesopotamia, the land 'between two rivers'

Lesson outcome