Learn on PengiIMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 6Chapter 2: Mesopotamia

Lesson 1: The Sumerians

In this Grade 6 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, students explore why early civilizations first developed in Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, around 3000 B.C.E. Students examine how geography — particularly river valley settlement, the Fertile Crescent, and irrigation challenges — shaped the rise of Sumerian civilization and influenced the way people lived and organized society. The lesson also introduces key characteristics shared by early civilizations, including social classes, specialized labor, government, and systems of belief.

Section 1

Sumerians Develop Irrigation Systems

Key Idea

Life on the Sumerian plains required dealing with an uncontrolled water supply. In the spring, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers flooded, washing away crops. During the rest of the year, the hot sun baked the soil, making it too dry for farming.

To solve this problem, farmers developed a complex irrigation system. They built levees, or walls of earth, along the riverbanks to prevent flooding. They also dug canals to guide river water to their fields. This technology allowed them to control their water supply and grow food reliably.

Section 2

Sumerians Build Walled Cities

Key Idea

Sumer's successful irrigation systems created a new problem: competition. Communities began to fight over the control of water, which was essential for their farms and survival.

To defend themselves from rivals, Sumerian cities built strong walls for protection. These walled cities and the farmland they controlled became independent. They were known as city-states, each with its own government and army.

Section 3

Gods and Kings Shape Sumerian Society

Key Idea

Sumerian life centered on pleasing the gods. Each city-state built a massive temple called a ziggurat to honor its main god. At first, priests who managed the temples also governed the cities. As city-states began to compete and fight, powerful kings took control to lead armies and protect their people.

This change created a clear social structure. The king, priests, and wealthy families were at the top. Most Sumerians were in the middle class of farmers and artisans. At the bottom were enslaved people, who had no freedom.

Section 4

Sumerians Create Lasting Inventions

Key Idea

With organized city-states and a surplus of food, some Sumerians could focus on jobs besides farming. They became thinkers and creators who developed new technologies to solve problems and improve daily life.

Sumerians created cuneiform, the world’s first writing system, to keep records. They also invented the wheel and the sailboat, which made it easier to move goods and people. Their new ideas in math helped them track time and build impressive structures, creating a legacy that influenced later civilizations.

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Chapter 2: Mesopotamia

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    Lesson 1: The Sumerians

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    Lesson 2: Mesopotamian Empires

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Section 1

Sumerians Develop Irrigation Systems

Key Idea

Life on the Sumerian plains required dealing with an uncontrolled water supply. In the spring, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers flooded, washing away crops. During the rest of the year, the hot sun baked the soil, making it too dry for farming.

To solve this problem, farmers developed a complex irrigation system. They built levees, or walls of earth, along the riverbanks to prevent flooding. They also dug canals to guide river water to their fields. This technology allowed them to control their water supply and grow food reliably.

Section 2

Sumerians Build Walled Cities

Key Idea

Sumer's successful irrigation systems created a new problem: competition. Communities began to fight over the control of water, which was essential for their farms and survival.

To defend themselves from rivals, Sumerian cities built strong walls for protection. These walled cities and the farmland they controlled became independent. They were known as city-states, each with its own government and army.

Section 3

Gods and Kings Shape Sumerian Society

Key Idea

Sumerian life centered on pleasing the gods. Each city-state built a massive temple called a ziggurat to honor its main god. At first, priests who managed the temples also governed the cities. As city-states began to compete and fight, powerful kings took control to lead armies and protect their people.

This change created a clear social structure. The king, priests, and wealthy families were at the top. Most Sumerians were in the middle class of farmers and artisans. At the bottom were enslaved people, who had no freedom.

Section 4

Sumerians Create Lasting Inventions

Key Idea

With organized city-states and a surplus of food, some Sumerians could focus on jobs besides farming. They became thinkers and creators who developed new technologies to solve problems and improve daily life.

Sumerians created cuneiform, the world’s first writing system, to keep records. They also invented the wheel and the sailboat, which made it easier to move goods and people. Their new ideas in math helped them track time and build impressive structures, creating a legacy that influenced later civilizations.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 2: Mesopotamia

  1. Lesson 1Current

    Lesson 1: The Sumerians

    LearnPractice
  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Mesopotamian Empires

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