Chapter 5: Ancient Sumer

A blue stone called lapis lazuli, used on the Standard of Ur, came from far beyond the Zagros Mountains. This shows that the city-states of Sumer engaged in

• trade

• mining

• agriculture

• jewelry-making

A society has a stable food supply if

• it gives food to the king.

• it has enough food for its people.

• it buys food from other groups.

• it gets food by hunting and fishing.

Which of these ancient Sumerians most likely lived in a two-story house near the center of the city?

• a skilled metalworker

• a fisherman

• a government official

• a merchant

Which one of these inventions most affected the food supply in Sumer?

• the arch

• the plow

• the wheel

• the chariot

Small, mud-brick houses at the edge of the city were the homes of

• slaves

• traders

• potters

• farmers

Who had these responsibilities? • Lead the army. • Enforce the laws. • Have temples built.

• the king

• the priests

• the scribes

• the council

Which Sumerian belief about the king helped strengthen the social order?

• He was chosen by the gods.

• He cared most about the poor.

• He consulted with wise advisers.

• He wanted everyone to be happy.

Why were scribes important in Sumerian government?

• to entertain the rulers

• to write down the laws

• to collect people's taxes

• to teach the royal children

Which evidence shows that the Sumerians lived after the Stone Age?

• brick houses

• wooden plows

• copper jewelry

• painted pottery

What was the main use of these items? • Drums • Pipes • Lyres

• warfare

• irrigation

• construction

• entertainment