Mesopotamia The Rise of Sumer

Monday September 21, 2015 Homework: review matierals Monday September 21, 2015 Homework: review matierals. Frayer Vocabulary 8-15 (term, definition, characteristics ONLY) due 9/28. Warm-Up: 1.) Copy down homework. 2.) I will check Frayer Vocabulary tomorrow. 3. Notebook paper, pen/pencil…be prepared to make a new graphic organizer.

How did gender and religion influence society? Copy this down please. Question Answers Visuals/Others How did gender and religion influence society? ***Government ***Religion ***Society

City-States Most people were farmers living in rural areas, or the country-side. The center of society, however, were in the urban, or city areas. Eventually, the two units united into a city-state, or a city and surrounding country-side. *City-states could range from 10,000 to 100, 000 people. *City-states often fought each other to gain more land for the large populations. *To protect and conquer, city-states raised large militaries. *They also built strong thick walls around the city for protection.

Leaders Sargon II – “the Great” Conquered much of Mesopotamia. He established the world’s first empire, or large territory of land ruled by a single leader. To keep control of this empire, Sargon had the world’s first permanent army.

Emperor Sargon II’s Empire

Religion Religion played a role in nearly every part of life. Mesopotamians practiced polytheism, or the worship of many gods. Their main gods were the gods of: air, water, wind, sun, moon, wisdom, love and war. Sumerians believed the gods had many powers: cause floods and droughts, enjoy a good harvest and times of peace. People wanted to please the gods with offerings to keep them pleased. Priests, people who performed religious duties, were very important. They interpreted the wishes of the gods and made sure people’s offerings went to the gods. The offerings were made in temples (ziggurats) where religious services were held. Everyone had to worship and serve the gods.

Social Rank Sumerians lived by a social hierarchy, or the division of society by rank or class. *Every individual had a place in society. *Usually, you were born into your place. *Rarely, could you improve your life, but there are always special circumstances. 1. King 2. Priest - After the king and his officials, the priests held the most power. Priests were responsible for making offerings to the gods. Their work ensured that the gods looked favorably upon the city-state. Because of this, the residents of the city-state supported the priests. 3. Craftsmen, Merchants, Traders 4. Farmers and Laborers (unskilled workers) 5. Slaves – prisoners captured in war, criminals were ordered into slavery as punishment for their crimes, people became enslaved when they fell into debt. Some enslaved people were able to work their way out of slavery, but others remained enslaved for their entire life.

Social Hierarchy

Men, Women and Children In addition to the division among classes, Mesopotamian society was also divided in another way. It was a patriarchal society. In patriarchal societies, men have power in matters of government as well as family. Men Mesopotamian men made up most of the religious and political leadership. Held political power, voted, made laws, own property and land, educated, were priests, merchants, leaders, etc. Men also made household decisions, from what work would be done to who would marry whom. Women Women’s roles in society were strictly defined as daughter or wife and mother. Women usually did not learn to read or write. Instead, girls were prepared for their future roles as wives and mothers. Could leave the home and go to the market, owned property and businesses, involved in court cases. If their parents were so inclined, they could learn to read and write and even get a paid job, could not hold political power or make laws, took care of home and children, could be a priestess. Mesopotamian laws supported the authority of fathers and husbands over their daughters and wives….. many females were controlled by their husbands or close male relatives. Children Depending on the wealth of their family….some went to school, while others had to help their families work on the farms or in the family businesses. Girls who were not educated learned to take care of the house so they could marry. Most girls married in their teens and controlled by their parents and future husbands. Boys sometimes later in life

The Rise of Sumer Government Religion Society Originally organized into city-states Large empire created by Sargon Sargon - First permanent army Polytheistic Each city had a god as a protector Gods have enormous power – you know when they are pleased or NOT! Priests interpret wishes of gods Everyone must serve and worship gods Kings Priests Skilled crafters, merchants, and traders Laborers and farmers Slaves Male controlled society – females limited freedoms & rights!

Wrap-Up Working with your group. You will be assigned one of the roles in Mesopotamian Society. You will complete all of the questions below. Use your notes, and any other additional evidence to support your answers. 1. What tasks do members of this social group complete on a daily basis? 2. With what other social classes do members from this group interact? Why? 3. How does gender affect opportunities for members from this social group in ancient Mesopotamia? 4. How do members of other social groups perceive members from this social group? Are members from this group well respected by members of other social groups? Why or why not?

The emperor, Sargon, has “requested” your assistance in the development of his empire. Sargon wishes to create a new city along the banks of the Euphrates River or the Tigris River. He has created a contest in the hopes of finding the best architects and designers of the year 2300 BCE. The winner of the contest will become the official architect of the emperor and will gain fame and glory.

How do I begin? 1. Assign roles – write them down Leader Time Keeper Runner: you visit me Stayer or task! 2. Create group norms (rules) – write them down 3. Get to work!