Mesopotamia The Cradle of Civilization M. Bridgeo, WHS FISS 10

Mesopotamia Mesopotamia developed between two large rivers, The Tigris and the Eurphrates. The name ‘Mesopotamia’ comes from the greek language, « meso » (the middle) and « potamus » (the river), so literally « the land between the rivers ». It was part of a larger region known as the « fertile crescent » (notice the shape), where we find the remnants of some of the very first agricultural villages in the history of man.

SumeriansSumerians ( BCE)  Came from the mountains to the north-west by way of the two main rivers (the Tigris and the Euphrates)  For 1000 years, they inhabited independant city-states ruled by kings  The king was responsible for the city- state as well as the surrounding lands (agriculture; self-sufficiency)  Each city-state had their own system of government, their own laws and their own military.  Eridu, the capital, was founded by gods. Its population was 4000 by the year 3500 BCE  Ur was the largest city with a population of by 3000 BCE  The city-states struggled against one another for control, with power passing from king to king in the city- states of Kish, Ur and Eridu. M. Bridgeo, WHS FISS 10

SumeriansSumerians Cultural developments  cuneieform writing developed  the pottery wheel invented  the lunar calendar was developed  the Sumerian culture was at it’s peak; writing, the sciences, mythologie and law are all emphasized.  the « Epic of Gilgamesh » was written Write Like a Babylonian M. Bridgeo, WHS FISS Gilgamesh killing the lion; who was Gigamesh?

The Sumerians Technological/Economic developments  The beginning of the bronze age  Canals and irrigation systems for the fields  Cattle pull primitive forms of the « the plow », which for the first time turned the soil; replaced the hoe  Seed drills were introduced  Wheeled chariots were invented (war and agricultural uses)  Pullies were employed for the first time to draw water from wells  Trade began with trips as far away as Africa and Egypt, further enhancing their culture La Mésopotamie M. Bridgeo, WHS FISS

The Amorites of Babylonia M. Bridgeo, WHS FISS 10 The Amorites ( BCE)  A semetic, nomadic people who from the IIIrd millenium BCE, were located in the lowlands of the mountains of Syria to the west of Mesopotamia.  The center of this civilization was the glorious city of Babylonia.  The king Hammurabi was the most powerful and influential of this people.  They were powerful traders; their boats reached the shores of India and Africa, which further enhanced and advanced their culture and civilization.

The Amorites M. Bridgeo, WHS FISS 10 King Hammurabi ( BCE)  The most glorious and magnificent king of the Amorites, he ruled during the zenith of the history of Babylonia.  He is credited with the first set of written laws, known as « Hammurabi Code »  282 written laws that were exhibited for all to see  Written on a large stone, known as Stela  The code was divided in chapters that legislated daily life, covering such subjects as theft, false testimony, administration of royal property, law, workplace conduct, interest rates, business, exploitation, etc. The Code of Hammurabi

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon The gardens were located on the banks of the Euphrates river in the city of Babylon (50 km south of Bagdad) Built in 600 BCE They were built by King Nabuchodonosor II, king of the Chaldeans ( BCE) for his wife, according to legend, as she longed for a taste of her homeland (in Iran). The gardens were built as several stages with terrasses. Hydraulic pumps brought water from the Euphrates to the gardens where it cascaded down marble staircases. The botanial gardens were filled with trees and plants from the queen’s homelands. It was considered one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Wonders of the Ancient World - Hanging Gardens of BabylonWonders of the Ancient World - Hanging Gardens of Babylon M. Bridgeo, WHS FISS 10