Why were the Ancient Sumerians considered a great civilisation? - Worksheet - Year 4

The Ancient Sumerians are regarded as a great civilisation for a multitude of reasons that highlight their significant contributions to human history. This civilisation, which flourished in the region of Mesopotamia, is celebrated for its pioneering developments in various fields. They are credited with the creation of one of the world's earliest writing systems, cuneiform, which laid the foundation for record-keeping and literature. Additionally, the Sumerians made remarkable advancements in agriculture, including the invention of irrigation systems that transformed arid land into fertile fields, boosting crop yields and sustaining the population. Their sophisticated city-planning, with cities like Uruk and Ur, showcased impressive architectural achievements and urban organisation.

Alongside the Sumerians, the Indus Valley civilisation was another contemporary marvel, known for its well-planned cities such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. The people of the Indus Valley are recognised for their urban planning, with a grid-like city layout, advanced drainage systems, and standardised weights and measures indicating a highly organised society. Our knowledge of them, though limited due to the undeciphered script, suggests they were skilled traders and craftsmen. Other great civilisations of the time include Ancient Egypt, with its monumental pyramids and contributions to mathematics and astronomy, and the early Chinese civilisations, which developed their own writing system and made significant strides in metallurgy and pottery.