Mesopotamia: The First Civilization.

Around 3,000 B.C., the Sumerians began to colonize the fertile valleys between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. This area was called Mesopotamia, which in Greek means, "land between the rivers." Through their developments of writing, architecture, economy, government, religion, agriculture, and technology, the Sumerians created what we know today as civilized life. The greatest achievement of the Sumerians was the invention of cuneiform style writing. They would engrave their picture words using reeds as a …

…was important for trade, enforcing laws, sharing culture, and unifying the empire. They also invented the wheel, which was used for pottery, then adapted for transportation. Everyday life depends heavily upon the technology of this ancient civilization. Through their developments, the Sumerians created what we know today as civilized life. The fact that the Mesopotamians were able to survive in the land between the rivers says much about the strength and adaptability of this civilization.