2.  The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were the two main rivers in Mesopotamia.  Mesopotamians developed a system of irrigation to control water from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.  Annual floods destroyed crops, huts, and other structures. Irrigation stopped the rivers from flooding.

3.  With irrigation, the Mesopotamians produced more food than they needed.  Producing extra food meant that not everyone had to farm. People could do other things for work.  Mesopotamians traded grains, oils, and textiles with outside societies for goods such as gems and wood.

4.  Mesopotamians were polytheists. They worshiped many different gods connected to nature and to particular aspects of life.  The Epic of Gilgamesh was the first written story that we know of. It deals with many themes and ideas still found in literature today.  Mesopotamian innovations included the calendar, alphabet, literature, and metal and clay tools. These innovations were taken even further by later cultures.

5.  The Code of Hammurabi established the idea that punishment should fit the crime. Today, this is known as “an eye for an eye.”  The Code of Hammurabi was very clear about its protections for the weak, poor, and others who could not help themselves.

6.  The Nile is the most important feature of Egypt’s geography, and it has played a major role in the country’s history. It is surrounded by desert on either side.  As Egyptian civilization developed, two major kingdoms formed: Upper Egypt, which is along the Nile River; and Lower Egypt, which is in the Nile River Delta.  Almost all the cities of ancient and modern Egypt have developed along the Nile River.

7.  Ancient Egyptians used irrigation techniques to help them grow a variety of crops. They also raised domestic animals.  The surplus of crops enabled some people to work in areas other than farming. Many people became craftsmen and artists, which helped to advance Egyptian civilization.  Egyptians exported crops such as wheat, barley, papyrus, and linen. They imported timber, copper, gold, and precious stones. Imports were used to create luxury items for wealthy Egyptians.

8.  Historians divide ancient Egypt into three periods: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.  During these time periods, pharaohs ruled the empire. They passed their power down from one generation to another through ruling dynasties.  To prepare for the afterlife, pharaohs order their subjects to build elaborate tombs called pyramids. They filled the tombs with luxury objects.

9.  After death, a pharaoh’s body was carefully mummified, or preserved, by priests. Then it was placed in its tomb.  King Tutankhamen’s tomb was filled with well- made furniture, jewelry, clothing, and personal items.  Egyptian doctors were the first to study medicine in a careful way. They learned how to treat many illnesses and injuries. Some physicians even performed operations.

10.  The Egyptians taught others the skills of writing, measuring, and building.  Trading meant that Egyptian innovations and technology were used around the world. People in other countries were able to improve their lives.

11. 1. How did farming advances make room for other jobs in Mesopotamia?  Thanks to the farmers, cities were supported with surplus food and other jobs thrived. With this abundance of food people began to take on other roles in society such as potters, weavers, scribes and traders.

12. 1. What status did women have in Mesopotamian society?  Women had little power in Mesopotamian society, although they were granted some rights. Women’s roles in society were those of daughter, wife, or mother. Women usually did not learn to read or write. Instead, mothers taught their girls how to be good wives and mothers.

13. 1. How did the Nile River influence the growth of agriculture in ancient Egypt?  In ancient times, most of the population of Egypt lived near the Nile River. The fertility of the soil around the Nile River allowed for the eventual development of an agricultural surplus. The annual flooding of the Nile led to a bounty in agricultural production that jump-started Egyptian civilization and made Egypt the granary of the ancient world.

14. 1. How did Egyptian innovations spread throughout the world?  Egyptian merchants used trade networks to ship their goods throughout the ancient world. They would export materials they wanted to sell. They imported what they needed from other places. The Egyptians taught others the skills of writing, measuring, and building. Trading meant that Egyptian innovations and technology were used around the world.

17. Key Term City-State- An independent kingdom or state made up of a city and the surrounding lands it controls.

18. Key Term Irrigation- The artificial application of water to land.

19. Key Term Levee- A ridge or embankment built along the edges of a river or stream to prevent flooding.

20. Key Term Ziggurat- An ancient religious structure built in the major cities of Mesopotamia that are similar to the pyramids.

21. Key Term Cuneiform- A system of writing that was widely used in the ancient Middle East.

22. Key Term Epic- A long poem or story usually about gods and heroes doing great deeds.

23. Key Term Hammurabi - Ruler of the first dynasty of Babylon; famous mainly because of the laws he set down known as the Code of Hammurabi.

24. Key Term Delta- A triangular area of flat land shaped by deposits of silt at the mouth of a river.

25. Key Term Economy- The way a country manages its money and resources to produce, buy, and sell goods and services.

26. Key Term Pharaoh- A ruler of ancient Egypt.

27. Key Term Dynasty- A series of rulers in a particular kingdom or empire, and each ruler in the series is said to be a member of the same family.

28. Key Term Hieroglyphics- Symbols or pictures that stand for objects, ideas, or sounds.

29. Key Term Import- Something bought by one country from another in trade.

30. Key Term Export- Something sold to one country by another in trade.