Blueprint Facilitation Guide Blueprint Facilitation Guide
Sumerian Social Hierarchy
Grade Level
7th Grade History
Objective
Students will map the social hierarchy of Sumer and compare it to modern societal structures by analyzing primary job functions and power dynamics within city-states.
Key Concepts
Social Hierarchy
Specialized Labor
Bureaucracy
City-State Structure
Materials Needed
• Scribe Notes (Student Handout)
• Pyramid Roles (Printed & Cut Cards)
• Presentation Slides (for Video)
• Large Poster Paper & Markers
• Tape (for role assignment)
Instructional Sequence
5 Min
Warm-Up: Status Check
Slide 2
Students respond to the Quick Write prompt: "What determines a person's status in our society today?" Encourage them to think beyond just money (e.g., influencers, doctors, essential workers).
10 Min
Video Analysis
Slide 3-4
Watch the "Sumerian Civilization" video segment (07:02 - 07:53). Students should use the pyramid graphic on their Scribe Notes to record the four main layers of society mentioned.
20 Min
Activity: Pyramid Builders
Role Cards & Posters
Assignment: Pass out Role Cards randomly. Students keep them hidden until the teacher says "Sumer Assemble!"Lining Up: Students must physically line up in the room from most powerful to least powerful based on their card's info.Defense: Ask 3-4 students to explain why they are standing in that spot.Poster Creation: In small groups (or as a whole class), students transfer this hierarchy to poster paper. They must include: Tier Name, Role Titles, and 1 specific duty for each role.
10 Min
Closure: The Great Comparison
Scribe Notes (Back)
Students complete the Venn Diagram comparing Sumerian social structure to modern society. Prompt: "Are there any jobs today that are still 'at the top'?" or "What group has gained the most power since ancient times?"
Answer Key & Reference
The Sumerian Pyramid
Tier 1: Ruling Elite
Kings, Priests, Nobles, High Ranking Officials. (Controlled everything).
Tier 2: Commoners
Soldiers, Merchants, Scribes, Artisans (Potters, Jewelry makers).
Tier 3: Farmers
Provided food, protected the city, operated markets.
Tier 4: Enslaved Peoples
Prisoners of war or people paying off debt.
Venn Diagram Points
Sumer Only
Kings chosen by gods; Slavery as debt payment; Women had very little power/status; Cuneiform as a rare skill held by scribes.
Modern Only
Status via wealth/fame/education; Social mobility (can change tiers); Legal equality (usually); Technology specialists (coders, etc.).
Both
Labor specialization; Essential workers (farmers/food) are critical; Government workers exist at multiple levels; Military has status.
Scribe Notes Worksheet SCRIBE NOTES
Sumerian Social Blueprint
NAME:
DATE:
Warm-Up: Status Check
What determines a person's status in our society today? (Think about money, fame, or jobs.)
Video Analysis: The Social Pyramid
Segment [07:02 - 07:53]
Listen for the four main groups. In each tier below, write the name of the group and who belonged to it.
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
The Great Comparison
Compare the social structure of ancient Sumer with our modern society. Consider roles, power, and how people are treated.
Ancient Sumer
Modern Society
BOTH
Reflection Question: Does job specialization always lead to social classes? Why or why not?
Pyramid Roles Cards PYRAMID ROLE CARDS
Instruction: Cut along the dotted lines. Distribute randomly.
TIER 1
THE KING
Power: Absolute
You are the "boss" of the city-state. People believe you were hand-picked by the gods to rule. You oversee the laws, the army, and the temples.
TIER 1
PRIEST
Power: High Influence
You manage the Ziggurats (temples) and lead rituals to keep the gods happy. Because Sumerians fear the afterlife, your prayers are vital for the city's survival.
TIER 2
SCRIBE
Power: Skilled Professional
You are one of the few who can read and write Cuneiform. You record taxes, inventory trade goods on clay tablets, and write down the king's laws.
TIER 2
MERCHANT
Power: Wealthy Commoner
You travel in sailboats or caravans to trade wheat and metals for timber and stone. You use the new banking system to record your deals.
TIER 2
ARTISAN
Power: Skilled Worker
You are a skilled craftsmaker. You might use the pottery wheel to create jars or work with gold to make jewelry for the nobles and the king.
TIER 2
SOLDIER
Power: Protector
You serve in the city-state's army. You protect the city walls and fight in wars against other city-states to defend your king and resources.
TIER 3
FARMER
Power: Essential Provider
You use the plow to grow wheat and barley. Without you, the city would starve. You also help build public projects like irrigation canals when called upon.
TIER 4
Enslaved
Power: None
You were likely a prisoner of war or sold into slavery to pay off a family debt. You perform hard labor for the ruling elite or work on government building projects.
Teacher Tip: Print multiple copies of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cards to fill a standard 30-student classroom (approx 2 Kings, 2 Priests, 10 Commoners, 12 Farmers, 4 Enslaved).
Social Blueprint Slides Ancient World History
SUMERIAN SOCIAL
BLUEPRINT
Mapping Power in the First Civilization
Warm-Up: Status Check
"What determines a person's status in our society today?"
Think about: Jobs, Money, Fame, Skills, or Power.
5 MINUTES
Video Analysis
Task:
Watch the segment on social structure. On your Scribe Notes, fill in the levels of the pyramid.
Segment: 07:02 - 07:53
Embedded media
Sumerian Social Hierarchy
RULING ELITE
COMMONERS & SKILLED WORKERS
FARMERS
ENSLAVED PEOPLES
Sumer Assemble!
01
Get Your Identity
Open your Role Card. Do not show others yet!
02
The Great Lineup
When I say "Go", line up in the room from Highest Power to Lowest Power .
03
Build the Blueprint
In groups, create a poster mapping out the pyramid and labeling each role's duty.
The Final Blueprint
Complete the Venn Diagram on the back of your notes.
"Is a civilization more successful when power is shared, or when it belongs to a few at the top?"
