Babylonians People/Brief History Invaders from the Arabian Desert entered Mesopotamia and seized the city-state of Babylon. Hammurabi became the King of Babylon. Hammurabi took control of the Sumerian city-states in lower Mesopotamia and established the Babylonian Empire. The Babylonians adopted many Sumerian ways. Contributions to Civilization Hammurabi’s Code, consisted of 282 laws affected all aspects of life. The Code became the basis for other legal systems established elsewhere. The Babylonians believed in “astrology,” the idea that a person’s life is affected by the movement and position of starts, planets, and other heavenly bodies.

Hittites People/Brief History War-like tribesmen from Asia Minor called Hittites swept into Mesopotamia and captured Babylon. Being far from their homeland, the Hittites eventually withdrew from Babylonia, but continued to occupy the western part of the Fertile Crescent. Contributions to Civilization The Hittites were the first people to make widespread use of iron for tools and weapons. They used horse drawn chariots in battle. A system of laws was set up with punishments that were less severe than by the Code of Hammurabi.

Hebrews People/Brief History Also know as the Jews. The founder of Judaism was Abraham. He led his people out of Mesopotamia because of his belief in one god ran against the accepted practice of worshipping many gods. Moses led his people from Egypt to their homeland of Canaan (also known as Palestine or Israel). Contributions to Civilization The Hebrews practiced monotheism, the worship of one god. Judaism, stressed high moral conduct with the Ten Commandments. Judaism influenced Christianity and Islam through its emphasis on monotheism and moral principals.

Phoenicians People/Brief History The Phoenicians lived north of Palestine along the Mediterranean coast. They became skilled shipbuilders and sailors, and traded throughout the Mediterranean world. They were the greatest seafaring traders of ancient times, selling such items as woolen cloth, glassware, and beautiful handcrafted objects made of gold, silver, copper, and bronze. The Phoenicians established many colonies including the great city of Carthage in North Africa. Contributions to Civilization Phoenician traders carried the products and cultures of the Middle East to less advanced peoples. The most notable contribution of these people was the alphabet. The Greeks and Romans later made some changes that resulted in the alphabet we use today.

Assyrians People/Brief History The Assyrians were ruthless conquerors who overran Phoenicia, Palestine, Babylonia, and other parts of the Middle East. Their empire was the largest one the world had seen to that time. In battle the Assyrians used bows with iron tipped arrows, iron spears and swords, and battering rams to break through brick walls that guarded enemy cities. Their armies were the first to use men on horseback. The cavalrymen and charioteers wore helmets and breastplates. The hates Assyrians terrorized people with acts of violence and torture. The Assyrian Empire lasted 150 years before being destroyed by the Chaldeans and Persians. Contributions to Civilization The Assyrians were the first people to set up an effective system for governing an empire. A great library was built in the capital city of Nineveh. It contained thousands of clay tablets which enabled historians to learn about life in the ancient Middle East.

Chaldeans or Neo-Babylonians People/Brief History The Chaldeans helped overthrow the Assyrians. They took control of the Fertile Crescent and established the Chaldean or Neo-Babylonian Empire. The Chaldeans were led by their strong king Nebuchadnezzar. He rebuilt Babylon, which became the largest and most impressive city in the ancient world. Contributions to Civilization The Chaldeans built the beautiful “Hanging Gardens” on rooftops in Babylon. The Greeks called them one of the “seven wonders of the world.” The field of astronomy was further advanced by accurate observations of the sun, moon, planets, and stars.

Persians People/Brief History The Chaldean Empire declined after the death of Nebuchadnezzar. The new Persian Empire extended for 3,000 miles from Egypt to India. It lasted for about 200 years, reaching its height under King Darius I. Contributions to Civilization A well organized government in which: 1. the empire was divided into provinces, each directed by a “satrap” (governor) 2. roads were built to speed trade and the movement of armies. 3. conquered peoples were allowed to keep their religion, laws, and local customs. Cultural diffusion-the exchange of ways of living-took place between the various groups within the empire. The Persians accepted the teaching of the prophet Zoroaster who said that the world was a struggle between good and evil. After death, people who lived good lives would go to heaven, and those who were evil would be sent to hell. This idea of a final judgment influenced Judaism and Christianity.

Minoans People/Brief History The Minoans were a very complex sea faring culture in which the Iliad and Odyssey are based on. They traded with people throughout the Mediterranean Sea: Egyptian, Phoenician, etc. Women held high rank than other cultures. Earthquakes in 1470 BCE possible destroyed the civilization. They possibly moved to the mainland (Greece). Contributions to Civilization Dominated trade BCE. Jumped over bulls for fun. Produced fine painted pottery. Influenced Greek culture and society.