Starter Get a textbook from the shelf Find and label these Civilizations (green) and Rivers (Blue) on your map using the following pgs: 27, 35, 68, 86 Mesopotamia Egypt India China Tigris River Euphrates River Yellow River Indus River Nile River Write and answer the following question on the back: Why was a river valley a good place for a settlement?

Vocabulary Polytheistic- having many gods. City-state- a state with political and economic control over the surrounding countryside. Ziggurat- a massive stepped tower on which was built a temple dedicated to the chief god or goddess. Theocracy- government by divine authority. Cuneiform- “wedge-shaped” form of writing. Empire- a large political unit or state. Patriarchal- dominated by men. Monarchy- ruled by a king or queen Monotheistic- having one god.

Mesopotamia Location: Fertile Crescent, primarily present-day Iraq, Asia Rivers: Tigris and Euphrates (Tigris-Euphrates)

Mesopotamia The Ancient Greeks referred to this civilization as Mesopotamia, meaning the land “between the two river.” Very little rainfall Instead, the soil became fertile due to silt deposits and the overflow of the river. Flooding of the rivers was very unpredictable. They learned to control the waters through irrigation and drainage. Civilizations of Mesopotamia include many groups, the first being the Sumerians.

Religion Religion was a source for answers as to why things occurred in their world. They practiced a polytheistic religion meaning they believed in many gods/goddesses. Religious buildings called ziggurats were in the center of their cities. Surplus food or materials were often stored in these temples.

Government and Cities The Sumerians developed independent cities in Southern Mesopotamia by 3,000 BC. City-state: City that becomes its own nation/state. Sumerian cities were surrounded by walls for protections. People living inside the city would develop a common identity and work together for survival. Priests and priestesses held large amounts of power. Theocracy: type of government in which people believe the ruler(s) has divine authority (right to rule from the gods) Kings held great power(Absolute Ruler): leading armies, supervising public works, organizing irrigation and farming.

Economy The city-states based their economy on farming, but trade and industry became important as well. Woolen textiles, pottery, and metalwork became specialties The invention of the wheel around 3000 BC led to carts making trading of their goods Traded primarily with the Mediterranean and India.

Societal Structure Three classes developed in Society: Nobles: included priestly officials and their families Commoners: worked for rulers, farmers (90%), merchants, fishers, and artisans Slaves belonged to palace officials and were used primarily for building projects

Writing and Language Cuneiform (wedge-shaped symbols) To record information, they use a reed and clay tablets. These tablets baked in the sun to make their message permanent. The Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem, tells the story of a king in search of immortality.

Sumerian Inventions Wheel Sundial (time keeping) First to make bronze tools Achievements in math and astronomy

Code of Hammurabi Hammurabi, created a new Mesopotamian kingdom (Babylon) by combining city-states. Hammurabi created one of the earliest law codes known to man. It outlined relationships between people within the kingdom and explained punishments. The laws were made public in the center of town so that people would be aware of expectations. The society became patriarchal (led by men) and women had fewer rights in marriage. Many of the punishments can be seen as harsh.

History and Architecture Turn in the textbook to page 28 Analyze the image of the Ziggurat at Ur Write and Answer the following question: Why do you think priests were the only people permitted to enter the temples? Why do you suppose Sumerians built temples on top of ziggurats?

Code of Hammurabi Activity

Turning Point: Hammurabi’s Code Read the Influence of Hammurabi’s Code on page 32 and answer questions 1-2