Human Heritage: A World History

"Ancient Sumer"

Introduction
As you learned in this chapter, the Sumerian civilization dominated Mesopotamia for 1500 years, making significant contributions to agriculture, religion, literature, writing, and mathematics. They also had one of the first written legal codes. You can learn about ancient Mesopotamian citizens and their contributions by visiting the Sumerian Web site.

Destination Title: Sumerian

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Directions
Start at the Sumerian Web site.

• Click on "Legal System"
• Browse the site, taking notes as you go.
• Answer the following questons.

1			How many provisions are there in Hammurabi's code?
2			What is at the top of the stone slab that is inscribed with Hammurabi's code?
3			On what principle was the code based?
4			What is the 13th law?
5			On a poster board, use magazine pictures, drawings, and words to illustrate the similarities and differences between Hammurabi's code and our present legal system.