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Barrel Cylinder with Sumerian Inscription

1849 BC - 1843 BC
Clay
Original Site Unknown
12.5 cm diam.

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Discussion Questions

Use the questions provided to guide your examination of the artifact.

Why do you think this cylinder is shaped like a barrel?

The writing on this cylinder is called cuneiform, which means "wedge-shaped." How do you think these wedges were made?

This cylinder describes a process known as irrigation, by which water is supplied to areas of dry land. What do you think this process allowed the ancient Mesopotamians to do?

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