Civilization begins in Mesopotamia What do you think life would be like if you did not have a system of writing? How would you communicate? What problems would result?

Impact of Geography Mesopotamia “between the rivers” The valley between the Tigris and Euphrates. Fertile Crescent The land between the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf.

Impact of Geography cont. The soil in Mesopotamia was rich because of the two rivers. Each spring, the rivers overflowed and left layers of silt. The people of Mesopotamia learned how to control the flow of the rivers by creating Irrigation and ditches.

The Impact of Geography (cont.) Consider the area where you live. What roles has geography played in how your area has developed physically, commercially, and culturally?

Where was Mesopotamia located? Review Question Where was Mesopotamia located? The fertile crescent, between the Tigris and Euphrates.

Cities Eridu, Ur, Uruk by 3000 B.C. Sumerians started several in Mesopotamia walls made out of mud bricks surrounded cities Sumerians also used mud bricks to build houses they also invented the arch and dome

Government Theocracy (government by divine authority) Sumerians believed that gods ruled cities eventually, kings began to rule city-states Sumerians believed kings got there power from the gods

Religions The climate of Mesopotamia was harsh. There were heavy rains, scorching winds, famines. Floods were unpredictable and deadly. Because of this lifestyle people believed that supernatural forces controlled their world. They believed there were different gods for almost everything. There were 3000 gods and goddesses. Polytheism (belief in more than one god)

Review Question Why did the people of Mesopotamia believe that supernatural forces controlled their world? There living conditions were so harsh and unpredictable.

Social Structure Sumerian city-states had three major social groups nobles, commoners, and slaves Nobles Kings and priests and there families Commoners Farmers, fishers, merchants, and craftspeople Slaves Belonged to temple and palace officials Rich landowners used them to farm

Review Question Which people had the most power in the Sumerian city-states? The nobles, they were kings, priests and their families

Cuneiform (wedge shaped writing by the Sumerians) Used to keep records, made on clay tablets. The most famous piece of literature during this time period is the Epic of Gilgamesh

Review Question Why was writing important to the Sumerians? They used writing to keep accurate records and communicate

Architecture and Art Ziggurat (massive stepped tower) the most important building in the city was the temple it was built for the chief god or goddess of the city the temple was often on top of the ziggurat

Empires in Ancient Mesopotamia Akkadians in 2340 B.C. Sargon overran the Sumerian city-states. He set up the first empire (a large political unit or state, usually under a single leader). Babylon in 1792 B.C. a new empire controlled Mesopotamia. The king of Babylon was Hammurabi.

What two empires gained control of the Sumerian city-states? Review Question What two empires gained control of the Sumerian city-states? Akkadians and Babylon

The Code of Hammurabi Hammurabi’s most important achievement was his collection of laws. Hammurabi’s Code The principle of retribution (eye for an eye, tooth for tooth) lower class people were punished more severely than upper class people a large category of laws focused on marriage and family. Mesopotamia was patriarchal (dominated by men). Men ruled wives and children A woman who neglected her home could be drowned A child who struck his father could have his hand cut off

What principle was the basis for many of the laws in Hammurabi’s code? Review Question What principle was the basis for many of the laws in Hammurabi’s code? Retribution (eye for an eye, tooth for tooth)

Creativity of the Sumerians System of writing to keep accurate records Wagon wheel transporting goods Potter’s wheel better products Sundial time records Arch stability for buildings Bronze better tools