Final answer:
The Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations share many similarities, such as having cities along rivers, using irrigation, studying math and science, and owning slaves. Each civilization also had unique characteristics, such as Sumerian cuneiform writing and the Egyptian belief that their ruler was a god.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. The cities were usually along a river: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: Sumerian cities like Ur were located along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, while Egyptian cities like Thebes were situated along the Nile River.
2. The farmers used irrigation during the dry season: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: Sumerians used canals to bring water from rivers to their fields, and Egyptians used a system of canals and basins to irrigate their crops.
3. The people believed that their ruler was a god: Egyptian Civilization. Examples: Pharaohs were considered divine beings and were believed to be the intermediaries between the gods and the people.
4. Cuneiform writing was used: Sumerian Civilization. Examples: Sumerians developed one of the earliest known forms of writing called cuneiform, which used wedge-shaped symbols on clay tablets.
5. Huge tombs called pyramids were built for dead leaders: Egyptian Civilization. Examples: The pyramids of Giza were built as monumental tombs for Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom.
6. Servants were killed when a leader died: Neither Sumerian nor Egyptian Civilizations. There is no historical evidence to support this statement.
7. The people believed in life after death: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: Both civilizations had elaborate beliefs and practices related to the afterlife.
8. Math and science were studied: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: Sumerians developed advanced mathematical concepts like the sexagesimal system, while Egyptians used mathematics in architecture and engineering.
9. Rich boys went to school: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: In both civilizations, education was primarily available to the elite, and boys from wealthy families had access to formal education.
10. A king built beautiful hanging gardens: Sumerian Civilization. Examples: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, were built by the Sumerian king Nebuchadnezzar II.
11. A kind of paper was made from reeds: Egyptian Civilization. Examples: The Egyptians developed a type of paper known as papyrus, which was made from the reeds found in the Nile River.
12. People knew about the seasons of the year: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: Both civilizations had knowledge of the seasons and used this knowledge in their agricultural practices.
13. Few people were in the rich upper class: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: Both civilizations had a hierarchical social structure with a small upper class consisting of the richest and most powerful individuals.
14. The dead were preserved as mummies: Egyptian Civilization. Examples: The ancient Egyptians perfected the art of mummification and preserved the bodies of the deceased for the afterlife.
15. The people owned slaves: Both Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations. Examples: Both civilizations practiced slavery, although the conditions and roles of slaves varied.