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The First Cities: How Sumerians Built City-States — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging history reading passage explores the rise of the first cities in ancient Mesopotamia, focusing on how the Sumerians built and organized their city-states. Students will learn about the geographic challenges of the region, the development of irrigation systems, the invention of writing (cuneiform), and the social hierarchy that shaped daily life. The passage includes references to archaeological evidence, such as the ruins of Uruk and cuneiform tablets, and connects these developments to broader themes in world history. Activities include a quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline, all aligned to CA HSS 6.2.1 and CCSS RH.6-8.2 standards. Audio and Spanish translations make this resource accessible for diverse learners. Key vocabulary is highlighted, helping students master academic language. This is a comprehensive resource for understanding one of the world's earliest civilizations.

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Iraq, Ziggurat, Ur.
Source: Library of Congress - American Colony (Jerusalem). Photo Department

The earliest known cities appeared in the region of Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. This area, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq, provided fertile soil but also faced unpredictable floods and hot, dry summers. The Sumerians were among the first people to settle here and create large, organized communities known as city-states. Each city-state had its own ruler, government, and laws, but shared language and culture with other Sumerian cities.

To survive and thrive in Mesopotamia’s difficult environment, Sumerians developed advanced irrigation systems. They dug canals to carry river water to their fields, making agriculture possible even during dry periods. Archaeologists have found clay tablets from Uruk and Ur that show detailed plans of these canals. The success of farming allowed Sumerian cities like Uruk, Ur, and Lagash to grow in size and wealth. With more food, populations increased and people began to specialize in different jobs, such as potters, merchants, and scribes. This led to a complex social hierarchy with kings and priests at the top and slaves at the bottom.

Sumerian city-states were known for their impressive architecture and inventions. One of the most important buildings was the ziggurat, a massive stepped temple that served as a religious center. The remains of the ziggurat at Uruk give us clues about Sumerian religious beliefs and their use of mud bricks. Sumerians also invented cuneiform, the world’s first system of writing, by pressing wedge-shaped marks into clay tablets. These tablets recorded trade, laws, and stories such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, providing historians with valuable primary sources about daily life and government.

Over time, competition and conflict arose between city-states for control of land and water. Some, like the city-state of Lagash, built protective walls and armies. By about 2350 BCE, Sumerian cities were unified under the rule of Sargon of Akkad, marking the end of Sumerian independence. Still, many aspects of Sumerian culture, such as writing and religious traditions, continued to influence later civilizations.

The Sumerian city-states of Mesopotamia were among the first true urban societies, shaping government, technology, and culture for centuries to come. Studying their achievements helps us understand how geography, innovation, and human cooperation gave rise to civilization.

Interesting Fact: Some Sumerian city-states had populations of more than 40,000 people, making them among the largest settlements in the ancient world.

Where did Sumerians build their cities?

MesopotamiaEgyptGreeceChina

What is a ziggurat?

Stepped templeFarm toolRiverPalace

Who unified the Sumerian city-states?

Sargon of AkkadKing TutGilgameshHammurabi

Why did Sumerians build canals?

For irrigationFor tradeFor defenseFor ceremonies

What effect did irrigation have?

More food and population growthLess farmingMore floodsLarger armies

How did writing help Sumerians?

Record laws and tradeBuild canalsGrow cropsMake pottery