The Ancient Middle East-4500BC-331BC

Fertile Crescent An area that stretches in a large arc from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. An area that stretches in a large arc from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. The word Mesopotamia means "The land between two rivers." The word Mesopotamia means "The land between two rivers." Named for the regions fertile soil and crescent shape. Named for the regions fertile soil and crescent shape. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

“Cross Roads of the World” Connects the land routes for 3 continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. Connects the land routes for 3 continents: Africa, Asia and Europe.

Problems in Mesopotamia No one culture controlled area (War) No one culture controlled area (War) Unpredictable floods (draught or damage) Unpredictable floods (draught or damage) Few Natural Resources for building a civilization Few Natural Resources for building a civilization Few natural barriers to protect from invasion. (The area was frequently overrun by invaders.) Few natural barriers to protect from invasion. (The area was frequently overrun by invaders.) HERODOTUS (484?-425? BC) World Map

Sumerians 4000BC-2350 BC First Civilization 1. City-State-a large town or city and the surrounding countryside cooperating as its own nation A. Constantly at war with each other 2. Empire – Many city-states and cultures conquered and controlled by one ruler

Sumerian Government 1. Theocracy – 1. Priests ruled because they could control the gods 2. Dynasty 2. Military leaders were often given power during time of war 3. Eventually, they would replace priests and pass their power onto their own heirs, creating a dynasty

Sumerian Religion 2. Ziggurat- the home or temple of the god of the city, believed to be a ladder to the heavens a) Polytheism b) Gods and goddesses ruled the earth and determined the fate of individuals and cities c) Sumerians feared their gods d) Gods sent floods or famine

Sumerian Language 3. Cuneiform- system of writing using wedge-like shapes a) First language that moves away from the use of pictograms b) Scribes wrote down laws, treaties, business transactions and religious texts c) Schools were set up for boys

Sumerian Accomplishments Cultural Diffusion – process in which a new idea or product spreads from one culture to another Cultural Diffusion – process in which a new idea or product spreads from one culture to another First people know to use the wheel, arches, ramp and inclined walks First people know to use the wheel, arches, ramp and inclined walks Developed a 12 month calendar Developed a 12 month calendar Arithmetic based on the number 60, seconds, minutes and 360 degrees in a circle Arithmetic based on the number 60, seconds, minutes and 360 degrees in a circle

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Herodotus’ World Map

“Civilization in Mesopotamia” Read the short article Read the short article Complete the graphic organizer on the back with a partner Complete the graphic organizer on the back with a partner