Ancient Mesopotamia for Kids
Cylinder Seals
The civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia believed in keeping a written record of everything. However we believe that not very many people actually knew how to write using cuneiform (the written language of Mesopotamia). If you did not know how to write, you might hire a scribe to write for you. But if you just wanted to sign your name to something, you might commission a cylinder seal.
A cylinder seal was an oblong object like the one pictured above. It had pictograms on it that were unique. Each cylinder seal was different. Signing with your very own cylinder seal let people know that it was you who had signed this document or tablet. Signature by cylinder seal made a document legal and binding. Thousands of these seals have been found, so we assume that they were common among the business and working class.
Examples of cylinder seals from Google images
Interactive Quiz about the Land Between Two Rivers (with answers)
For Teachers: Lesson Plan using Cylinder Seal made from potatoes
Explore Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia for Kids
The Land Between Two Rivers - The First Civilization
What does it take for a group of people to become a civilization?
Geography, History, Government
The importance of geography in Ancient Mesopotamia
Early Pioneers in Ancient Mesopotamia, settling down
Trade & Commerce, Clay Balls and Tokens
Daily Life
Music and Instruments (hear it!)
Religion, Gods, Myths
Religion - A Big Part of Daily Life
The Legend of Gilgamesh (the first superhero!)
Gilgamesh Makes A Friend - illustrated PowerPoint for kids
Gilgamesh and the Tree of Eternal Life
More Myths and Stories (some interactive, some animated)
Inventions and Achievements
So Many Firsts - the Wheel, the Sailboat, the Plow, and more
Hammurabi's Code - Written Laws
Hanging Gardens - Ancient Wonder, A love story
Interactive Games
Interactive Quizzes with Answers about Ancient Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria
Ancient Mesopotamia Five Themes of Geography
Ancient Sumer Art & Inventions