Early Empires

Sargon I Who created the world’s first empire? Sargon I conquered Sumerian city states and created the world’s first empire. Under Sargon I Akkadian became the official language of the people.

Hammurabi of Babylon Who moved into Mesopotamia in 1800 B.C.? In 1800 B.C. a people known as Amorites moved into Mesopotamia and establish the city of Babylon. The King of Babylon, Hammurabi conquered Akkad and Sumer and created an even larger empire, than Sargon I.

PSSA Writing Prompt Re-read the section, “Hammurabi of Babylon” pg 61&63 Hammurabi was a popular ruler because of the changes and reforms or, improvements to government that he achieved while he was emperor. What changes/reforms did he implement? Use at least five examples from your text to support your answer.…

Hammurabi of Babylon Hammurabi’s Accomplishments: He improved the irrigation systems. He changed the religion by raising the god of Babylon above all others. (uniting the people) He reorganized the tax system. He began a government housing program. He established a code of law.

PSSA Writing Prompt Hammurabi achieved many reforms while he was emperor. The first thing he did was improved the irrigation systems. Hammurabi also changed the religion by raising the god of Babylon above all others and he reorganized the tax system. Finally, Hammurabi established a code of law and he began a government-housing program.

Hammurabi of Babylon Hammurabi is best known for his code of law. The code covered almost everything in daily life. A person was innocent until proven guilty. There were no prison sentences. Members have the upper class were generally treated better members of the lower class. “An eye for an eye”

Write Pair Share Why is the time under Hammurabi considered the Golden Age of Babylon? Do you think Hammurabi was a popular ruler why or why not?

Hammurabi of Babylon During Hammurabi’s rule Babylon became an important trade center. The time period under Hammurabi is consider “The Golden Age of Babylon!”

Contributions Paired Reading: Please read Small Group Activity: Section 3 Contributions Pg 63-64 Small Group Activity: Please break into small groups and list the contributions of the Sumerians.

Contributions 1.Cuneiform 2. Wheel – Helped transportation 3. Plow – Made it possible for farmers to grow more food with less effort 4. Sailboat – Replaced muscle power with wind power 5. Calendar – The people of Mesopotamia developed a 12-month calendar based on the cycles of the moon. The calendar marked the times for religious festivals and planting 6. Math – The people developed a number system based on 60. From this came the 60-minute hour, 60-second minute, and the 360-degree circle. 7. Water Clock – A clock that was operated by controlled drops of water.

Classwork Guided Reading What kinds of changes/reforms is Hammurabi given credit? Describe Hammurabi’s code of law List at least four contributions of Mesopotamian civilizations. What number did the Mesopotamians base their number system on? What are some of the results that are part of our daily life.

Write Pair Share How have inventions by the people of Mesopotamia helped shape present day life?