Sumer was a region of the ancient world that today forms the southern part of Iraq. It is a vast, flat land of floodplains formed by the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates. It was here that some of the world's first cities arose and writing was invented. Archaeologists have explored the remains of some of Sumer's ancient settlements. They have made remarkable discoveries at places such as Uruk, Ur, Eridu, Nippur, Kish and Lagash. These show that the people of Sumer were great artists, builders, inventors, warriors and traders. By 3500 BC the population of some Sumerian towns had grown into cities. The largest was certainly Uruk, which had a population of at least 10,000. At this time this would have been the largest settlement on the planet. Writing was invented by the Sumerians around 3200 BC. This script is known as cunieform script and through it readers can learn about the Sumerians in their own words.
Readers will discover what is meant by a ziggurat, how cunieform writing works, the importance of cylinder seals and stories of Sumerian kings, heroes and gods. This fascinating book is perfect for Key Stage 2 readers aged 9 and up to gain a picture of one of the earliest civilisations in the world.


About the Author
Paul Collins is the Jaleh Hearn Curator for Ancient Near East in the Antiquities Department of the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. He is also a Fellow of Jesus College and Wolfson College, Oxford as well as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. He currently serves on the Council of the British Institute for the Study of Iraq.



Book Information
ISBN 9781910807361
Author Paul Collins
Format Paperback
Page Count 36
Imprint Ashmolean Museum
Publisher Ashmolean Museum
Weight(grams) 238g