Hands-on
All are linked to one of our workshops. They are presented in the second part of the session after the general introduction on the topic. They all appeal to creative problem-solving and team work. They can be used in a cross-curriculum teaching approach.
Reading Gudea!
Decipher an authentic cuneiform inscription with your class, and learn the basics of the Sumerian language.
Like an Archaeologist!
Learning how to reconstruct the past with authentic pottery sherds (III mill. BC)
In Person - long session - only
Taking care of a god!
Meeting temple staff and understanding unfamiliar (and unexpected) cultic practices.
The "pictogram game"
A fun way to discover the birth of writing and cuneiform writing for Year 3 and 4
Pick your house!
What is it like to live in a Sumerian city?! More about the organisation of a city district and meet your neighbours!
Who's who? The Standard of Ur
Discovering the Sumerian society with a famous masterpiece (British Museum)
Recycling in Sumer!!
Sumerians were champions in recycling: (almost) everything could be repaired or reused. Will you be as clever as a Sumerian?!
Visiting the temple of the moon god
Reading an archaeological plan and learn about sensory archaeology for the best possible experience of a Mesopotamian temple!
Readings
Short booklets to complement a session or to learn more about a topic. Some are simplified versions of Sumerian literary texts; others are introducing a famous Sumerian character; still others are extracts from or complements to the guidebooks to Ancient Sumer.
Calendars in Ancient Sumer.
Sumerians used a moon calendar: a nice way to introduce children to a different mindset and to better understand differences between calendars nowadays.
Irrigation in Ancient Sumer
More information about specificities of Sumerian irrigation with a "Spot the differences" and a "wordsearch" game with a glossary to learn the words related to irrigation and agriculture.
A Praise song to King Šulgi
A different way to discover the talents and qualities "required" from a Sumerian king! Draw the list with your pupils!
Ur, the guidebook
Imagine you are travelling to the city of Ur for real... where do you eat? where do you sleep? what is worth visiting? Another (fun) way for your pupils (or children) to discover the city of Ur.
Eridu, the guidebook
Imagine you are travelling to the city of Eridu for real... where do you eat? where do you sleep? what is worth visiting? would you like to learn about magic? Another (fun) way for your pupils (or children) to discover the little-known city of Eridu.
En version française
Moi Gudéa, Prince de Lagaš
Qui était Gudéa ? Pourquoi a-t-il construit autant de temples ? Quel était son rêve ?
Récit fictif à la première personne inspiré des textes anciens.
Enmerkar et le roi d'Aratta
Une légende sumérienne : l'invention de l'écriture vue par les Sumériens eux-mêmes.
Version abrégée et simplifiée du texte sumérien original avec deux jeux.
Moi, Enheduanna, princesse et poétesse
La fille de Sargon (vers 2300 av. J.-C.) est devenue célèbre en tant que première femme poétesse. Mais elle a sans doute aussi joué un rôle politique essentiel.
Récit fictif à la première personne.
Games and activities
Small games and activities to discover various Sumerian-related topics, some classic ones, others more unexpected. To do in class or with your children at home. All Pdfs contains the answers and contextual information.
Irrigation - spot the differences
A simple way for children 6-8 to understand the differences between the flood and the dry season.
Coming soon.
Fashion! Dress "Queen Puabi"
A fun way to discover "fashion" in Sumer: draw and dress the white statue of a Sumerian woman (with pictures and further explanation).
Coming soon.
Gipar: the maze
In the temple of the moon god, this building is the temple of his spouse and is also the house of the En-priestess. Will you find your way to the chapel of the En-priestess or the...kitchens?!
Coming soon.
Decorate a jar in the "Sumerian style"
During the Ubaid period (ca 6000-4000 B.C.), potteries were decorated with geometric motives. Choose the ones you fancy to decorate your jar!
Coming soon.
Puabi's cylinder-seal
The craftsman made some mistakes while copying the famous seal of Queen Puabi! Can you spot them? With information about cylinder-seals.
Gudea statues
Prince Gudea is famous for... his statues! What makes them so special? and... can you mimic Gudea's hand gesture?
Already available for schools; coming soon as a Pdf
Mirroring Monsters!
Complete the drawing in symmetry to discover the fabulous monsters revealed by the print of this cylinder-seal from Susa. With some information about cylinder-seals.
Coming soon.
Coloring - An Assyrian griffin
Griffins were protecting the palace of the Assyrian kings, "sprinkling" protection over the visitors... Revive it with colours!
Against Lamaštu!
How do you protect yourself against the terrifying Mesopotamian demoness? Find out a simple trick 🙂 (simple activity for children 5-8)
Videos
A series of four videos created with the University of Cambridge to explain the birth of cities to your class, and discover the first (mega) cities and what it was like to live there (downsides and advantages). All in all, would you like to live in a Sumerian city?!
The First (mega) cities
Sumerians present themselves as city-dwellers but why do they build huge cities in the first place? Still many debates on the matter...
Explore a Sumerian city!
What were those huge city like? What were their main features? What and how do we know about them? The video also tells about recent research.
Why move to the city?
In uncertain times, living in the city had many advantages. In the end, would you like to move to a Sumerian city?
Living in a Sumerian city
When you move to a Sumerian city... who are the neighbours? What do you do with the rubbish? What do you do if you are sick? What do you eat?
Crafts
Understanding by making. Simple craft activities related to Ancient Mesopotamia, to do with your class (or in your family). Pdfs are available on-demand: they contain explanations on how to make the activity and contextual information.
Build a paper ziqqurrat!
The most famous Mesopotamian monument. Make you own and learn a bit more about the monument.
Coming soon.
You may also be interested by: Visit the temple of the moon god.
Fantastic Creatures!
A fun way for the little ones to discover Mesopotamian gods and monsters. They were described as composite creatures, made of different materials, like the ones the children create.
Coming soon.
You may also be interested by: Coloring a griffin-demon; Taking care of a god.
Build an irrigation network
The best way for children how a irrigation network works! Planned on the model of a Sumerian one but... some issues are still relevant today.
Coming soon.
You may also be interested by: The irrigation game; the session "Irrigation and environment"; Irrigation - spot the differences
For the little ones
Not much... yet! But here you go if you have children 5 years-old... up to 7 years-old.
Fantastic Creatures!
A fun way for the little ones (and their parents) to discover Mesopotamian gods and monsters. They were described as composite creatures, made of different materials, like the ones the children create.
Coming soon.
You may also be interested by: Coloring a griffin-demon; Taking care of a god.
Coloring - An Assyrian griffin
Griffins were protecting the palace of the Assyrian kings, "sprinkling" protection over the visitors... Revive it with colours!
Mirroring Monsters!
Complete the drawing in symmetry to discover the fabulous monsters revealed by the print of this cylinder-seal from Susa.
Coming soon.
Fashion! Dress "Queen Puabi"
A fun way to discover "fashion" in Sumer: draw and dress the white statue of a Sumerian woman (with pictures and further explanation).
Coming soon.
Against Lamaštu!
How do you protect yourself against the terrifying Mesopotamian demoness? Find out a simple trick 🙂 (simple activity for children 5-8)
Year 3-4
Many activities are created for children 6-9 years-old
Like an Archaeologist!
Learning how to reconstruct the past with authentic pottery sherds (III mill. BC)
In Person - long session - only
The "pictogram game"
A fun way to discover the birth of writing and cuneiform writing for Year 3 and 4
Pick your house!
What is it like to live in a Sumerian city?! More about the organisation of a city district and meet your neighbours!
Who's who? The Standard of Ur
Discovering the Sumerian society with a famous masterpiece (British Museum)
Visiting the temple of the moon god
Reading an archaeological plan and learn about sensory archaeology for the best possible experience of a Mesopotamian temple!
Fashion! Dress "Queen Puabi"
A fun way to discover "fashion" in Sumer: draw and dress the white statue of a Sumerian woman (with pictures and further explanation).
Coming soon.
Build an irrigation network
The best way for children how a irrigation network works! Planned on the model of a Sumerian one but... some issues are still relevant today.
Coming soon.
You may also be interested by: The irrigation game; the session "Irrigation and environment"; Irrigation - spot the differences
Build a paper ziqqurrat!
The most famous Mesopotamian monument. Make you own and learn a bit more about the monument.
Coming soon.
You may also be interested by: Visit the temple of the moon god.
Mirroring Monsters!
Complete the drawing in symmetry to discover the fabulous monsters revealed by the print of this cylinder-seal from Susa.
Coming soon.
Puabi's cylinder-seal
The craftsman made some mistakes while copying the famous seal of Queen Puabi! Can you spot them? With some information about cylinder-seals.
Gudea statues
Prince Gudea is famous for... his statues! What makes them so special? and... can you mimic Gudea's hand gesture?
Already available for schools; coming soon as a Pdf
Sumerian mega-cities in 4 videos Year 4
What were those huge city like? What were their main features? What and how do we know about them?
Decorate a jar in the "Sumerian style"
During the Ubaid period (ca 6000-4000 B.C.), potteries were decorated with geometric motives. Choose the ones you fancy to decorate your jar!
Coming soon.
Irrigation - spot the differences
A simple way for children 6-8 to understand the differences between the flood and the dry season.
Coming soon.
Irrigation in Ancient Sumer
More information about specificities of Sumerian irrigation with a "Spot the differences" and a "wordsearch" game with a glossary to learn the words related to irrigation and agriculture.
A Praise song to King Šulgi
A different way to discover the talents and qualities "required" from a Sumerian king! Draw the list with your pupils!
Moi Gudéa, Prince de Lagaš
Qui était Gudéa ? Pourquoi a-t-il construit autant de temples ? Quel était son rêve ?
Récit fictif à la première personne inspiré des textes anciens.
Year 5-6
Best age to discover cuneiform writing, archaeology and to read the guidebooks! Most activities are for the classroom but they can also be discovered online through home-learning.
Reading Gudea!
Decipher an authentic cuneiform inscription with your class, and learn the basics of the Sumerian language.
Like an Archaeologist!
Learning how to reconstruct the past with authentic pottery sherds (III mill. BC)
In Person - long session - only
Taking care of a god!
Meeting temple staff and understanding unfamiliar (and unexpected) cultic practices.
Gudea statues
Prince Gudea is famous for... his statues! What makes them so special? and... can you mimic Gudea's hand gesture?
Already available for schools; coming soon as a Pdf
Pick your house!
What is it like to live in a Sumerian city?! More about the organisation of a city district and meet your neighbours!
Who's who? The Standard of Ur
Discovering the Sumerian society with a famous masterpiece (British Museum)
Recycling in Sumer!!
Sumerians were champions in recycling: (almost) everything could be repaired or reused. Will you be as clever as a Sumerian?!
Visiting the temple of the moon god
Reading an archaeological plan and learn about sensory archaeology for the best possible experience of a Mesopotamian temple!
Decorate a jar in the "Sumerian style"
During the Ubaid period (ca 6000-4000 B.C.), potteries were decorated with geometric motives. Choose the ones you fancy to decorate your jar!
Coming soon.
Build an irrigation network
The best way for children how a irrigation network works! Planned on the model of a Sumerian one but... some issues are still relevant today.
Coming soon.
You may also be interested by: The irrigation game; the session "Irrigation and environment"; Irrigation - spot the differences
Sumerian mega-cities in 4 videos Year 4
What were those huge city like? What were their main features? What and how do we know about them?
Ur, the guidebook
Imagine you are travelling to the city of Ur for real... where do you eat? where do you sleep? what is worth visiting? Another (fun) way for your pupils (or children) to discover the city of Ur.
Eridu, the guidebook
Imagine you are travelling to the city of Eridu for real... where do you eat? where do you sleep? what is worth visiting? would you like to learn about magic? Another (fun) way for your pupils (or children) to discover the little-known city of Eridu.
Calendars in Ancient Sumer.
Sumerians used a moon calendar: a nice way to introduce children to a different mindset and to better understand differences between calendars nowadays.
Irrigation in Ancient Sumer
More information about specificities of Sumerian irrigation with a "Spot the differences" and a "wordsearch" game with a glossary to learn the words related to irrigation and agriculture.
A Praise song to King Šulgi
A different way to discover the talents and qualities "required" from a Sumerian king! Draw the list with your pupils!
Moi Gudéa, Prince de Lagaš
Qui était Gudéa ? Pourquoi a-t-il construit autant de temples ? Quel était son rêve ?
Récit fictif à la première personne inspiré des textes anciens.
Enmerkar et le roi d'Aratta
Une légende sumérienne : l'invention de l'écriture vue par les Sumériens eux-mêmes.
Version abrégée et simplifiée du texte sumérien original avec deux jeux.
Moi, Enheduanna, princesse et poétesse
La fille de Sargon (vers 2300 av. J.-C.) est devenue célèbre en tant que première femme poétesse. Mais elle a sans doute aussi joué un rôle politique essentiel.
Récit fictif à la première personne.
Year 7+ et niveau collège français
Sumer est au programme de 6e ! Beaucoup de nos activités sont idéales pour cet âge.
Would you like to introduce your pupils to archaeological methods, to the Sumerian language if they are studying other ancient languages or make them aware of water management issues in a different way? Try our workshops...
Reading Gudea!
Decipher an authentic cuneiform inscription with your class, and learn the basics of the Sumerian language.
Like an Archaeologist!
Learning how to reconstruct the past with authentic pottery sherds (III mill. BC)
In Person - long session - only
Recycling in Sumer!!
Sumerians were champions in recycling: (almost) everything could be repaired or reused. Will you be as clever as a Sumerian?!
Taking care of a god!
Meeting temple staff and understanding unfamiliar (and unexpected) cultic practices.
Ur, the guidebook
Imagine you are travelling to the city of Ur for real... where do you eat? where do you sleep? what is worth visiting? Another (fun) way for your pupils (or children) to discover the city of Ur.
Eridu, the guidebook
Imagine you are travelling to the city of Eridu for real... where do you eat? where do you sleep? what is worth visiting? would you like to learn about magic? Another (fun) way for your pupils (or children) to discover the little-known city of Eridu.
Calendars in Ancient Sumer.
Sumerians used a moon calendar: a nice way to introduce children to a different mindset and to better understand differences between calendars nowadays.
Irrigation in Ancient Sumer
More information about specificities of Sumerian irrigation with a "Spot the differences" and a "wordsearch" game with a glossary to learn the words related to irrigation and agriculture.
Enmerkar et le roi d'Aratta
Une légende sumérienne : l'invention de l'écriture vue par les Sumériens eux-mêmes.
Version abrégée et simplifiée du texte sumérien original avec deux jeux.
A Praise song to King Šulgi
A different way to discover the talents and qualities "required" from a Sumerian king! Draw the list with your pupils!
(Young) adults
Most our activities are designed for children, but they are not oversimplified. Esagil has already presented its hands-on activities in 6-form conferences and summer schools... even to some retired (young) people! Are you interested in Ancient Mesopotamia? Do not hesitate and get in touch for a session online or in-person if you are Cambridge-based.
Reading Gudea!
Would you like to discover cuneiform writing and the basic features of the Sumerian language? You will decipher an authentic cuneiform inscription (inscribed on the "Seated Gudea - Musée du Louvre) in two hours.
The "irrigation game"
Starting the irrigation game from scratch is like a civilisation game! Will you be a leader wise enough to guide your village through the Sumerian agricultural year? Distributing lands and managing water resources.
A great way for students to better understand Hammu-rabi laws!