Sumerian Achievement Debate

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Sumerian Achievement Debate

• Which is more influential The Wheel or Cuneiform?

2
Your Task

• The early civilizations were very proud of their
  many accomplishments, especially the inventions
  which were created during this time. In Sumer,
  there was a contest to decide which the more
  important invention was the wheel or cuneiform.
• Your task is to represent one of these inventions
  and try to prove to the committee in Sumer that
  YOU are the better invention. What contributions
  have you made to society and why are these more
  important than those of your opponent?

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• Using the textbook pgs. 58-63 form your argument.
  
• Then discuss the pros of your invention and the
  cons of your opponents invention with your team.
• Remember, if you are aware of the cons of your
  own invention as well you will be better equipped
  to respond to your opponents critique.

4
Debate Procedure

• Each team will present one at a time. You will
  participate in the debate by raising your hand.
  Your entire team will be responsible for forming
  and presenting your argument.
• Once your team has finished presenting your
  findings, your opponents team will have a chance
  to present their argument as well.

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Debate Procedure

• REMINDER As each team is presenting it is the
  opposing teams responsibility to take notes so
  that you can respond to or critique your
  opponents argument.
• After the wheel and cuneiform has presented both
  teams will have a chance to respond and rebuttal
  each teams arguments.
• All responses MUST be polite and respectful. You
  must raise your hand if you wish to speak.

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The Wheel

• Farmers in the Fertile Crescent were most
  probably the first to use the wheel for work.
• The invention of the wheel made it possible to
  transport people and goods more quickly. It
  improved the agricultural systems efficiency
  (plowing, transportation).
• A wheeled chariot gave the army an advantage. It
  became a formidable weapon.
• The wheel also allowed people to move large loads
  and products for longer distances, greatly
  improving trade.

7
Cuneiform

• Creating a writing system enabled the
  Mesopotamians to keep a tabs on trading,
  historical events and business transactions.
• Cuneiform also created written law, letters and
  literature. It greatly expanded the dimensions
  of culture.
• Cuneiform also helped to unify Sargons empire
  since he was able to send messages/transmit
  knowledge and new laws across his kingdom.
• Without it, we would not have any record of the
  Fertile Crescent and its culture.

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• Both the wheel and cuneiform were by far the most
  important and influential inventions Mesopotamia
  had to offer