The Sumerians developed the first writing system known as cuneiform using wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay tablets. They used writing to keep business records and later wrote down stories, poetry, and songs. Some of their most notable achievements included inventing the wheel for carts and wagons, developing a base-60 number system, and constructing massive zigurrat temples. The Sumerians made advances in fields such as math, science, architecture, art, and music.

1. Sumerian Achievements
Writing, Inventions, and
Architecture

2. 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 of the iPad)

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.