*Do Now: Write your first and last name using Egyptian Hieroglyphics! `

Mesopotamia & Ancient Egypt

Ancient Civilizations Mesopotamia & Ancient Egypt are the earliest known civilizations.

Mesopotamia “The Land between the Rivers”

Mesopotamia “The Land between the Rivers” Located between the Tigris & Euphrates Rivers First cities & schools Part of the Fertile Crescent First irrigation systems and first plow 12 month calendar Sumerians invented the sailboat Practiced polytheism Turned into a military state First people to write down laws and keep written records Wrote the first story (the “Epic of Gilgamesh”) The ideas of 60-minutes = one hour, 60 seconds = one minute, & 360 degrees in a circle Began the “Eye for an Eye” policy (Code of Hammurabi) Legendary “Hanging Gardens” FYI: Ziggurats were the most prominent structures in Mesopotamian cities. They were “stepped” with a temple at the very top. Some were as much as 150 feet tall. Ziggurats were religious centers and the community was proud of them.

Ancient Egypt The Nile River Valley

Ancient Egypt Began in the Nile River Valley The Nile is the world’s longest river (4,160 miles) Depended on the river for survival Ruled by pharaohs Created mummies for the dead Built large tombs called pyramids Wrote in hieroglyphics Created a number system based on 10 Used fractions in math Developed geometry Great advances in medicine (splints, bandages, compresses) Taken over by Greece & Rome FYI: Currently, there are 110 pyramids found in Egypt.

Similarities between Mesopotamia & Ancient Egypt FYI: The Rosetta Stone is considered the key to modern deciphering of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. It was discovered in 1799 by Napoleon’s army but it was soon put in British hands when Napoleon was defeated in 1801. The stone is inscribed with a decree written three times: in hieroglyphic (suitable for a priestly decree), demotic (the native script used for daily purposes), and Greek (the language of the administration). Developed near rivers Had written languages Worshipped many gods

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Three World Religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Judaism Originated in Israel Founded in 1800 B.C. Originated in Israel Abraham, Moses, & the Torah (the Hebrew bible) Worship one God Believe God knows everything and has complete power Believe Israelites are God’s chosen people Follow the Ten Commandments and the laws of the Torah

Islam Originated in modern-day Saudi Arabia Muhammed & the Quran Founded in A.D. 622 Followers of the teachings of Muhammed became known as Muslims, which means “a person who submits”. Originated in modern-day Saudi Arabia Muhammed & the Quran Worship one true god (Allah) Believe all people are brothers & sisters in a community established by God Follow laws of the Quran Worship in Arabic

Christianity Originated in modern-day Israel Jesus & the Bible Founded in A.D. 30 Originated in modern-day Israel Jesus & the Bible Worship only one God Believe that the Messiah (Jesus) will bring salvation Two most important rites: Baptism The Lord’s Supper

Similarities among these Religions They all worship only one God Debate about whether or not this is the same “god” for all three religions Different Holy men represent each religion