1. Early Civilizations: Mesopotamia & Egypt Unit 1, SSWH 1 a and b

2. SSWH 1 a & b
Describe the development of Mesopotamian societies; include the religious, cultural, economic, and political facets of society, with attention to Hammurabi’s law code.
Describe the relationship of religion and political authority in Ancient Egypt.

3. What were the origins and structures of Mediterranean societies?

4. Civilization’s 5 Characteristics
Advanced Cities
Specialized Workers
Complex Institutions
Record Keeping (scribe & Cuneiform)
Improved Technology p.19-20

5. Mesopotamia Location: Modern day Iraq & Iran
Means: Land between 2 rivers (Tigris & Euphrates)…is located in the Fertile Crescent
Ziggurat—tiered, pyramid like structure that served as the center of community (more than a temple) p

6. Culture: Cuneiform—Wedge Shapes…this was the writing system
Epic of Gilgamesh—recorded stories of history
Economy: Bartering system
Cultural Diffusion—Spreading culture through trade (Obsidian Jewelry & Tools)

7. Politics: Priests 1st leaders
Dynasties—Lengthy ruling families
City States—City which dominates region
Law: Hammurabi’s Code – 282 written laws, created to unify the community (govt responsible for society) p

8. Religion: Foundation of Society
The people worship many gods (Polytheism)
Each City had its primary God of worship but all were given respect
A dark bleak outlook on the afterlife…they did not make elaborate preparations

9. Egypt: Religion Polytheistic: believed in 2,000 + gods
Ra (sun god) & Osiris (god of the dead): IMPORTANT
Afterlife: prepared for it (saved money, food, clothes, etc.
Pyramids: Tombs built for Pharaoh
Pharaoh believed they were a god

10. Egypt: Politics Pharaoh: ruler of Egypt, a king
Theocracy: govt based on religious belief (Pharaoh is a god & ran the country p

11. On the triangle, write 3 important points you wish to remember.
Shapely Review
Draw a large triangle on your paper.
On the triangle, write 3 important points you wish to remember.
Be prepared to share in one minute.