Bell Ringer Where was Mesopotamia? Why was the region of Mesopotamia so well suited for the growth of a civilization?

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA- “ THE LAND BETWEEN TWO RIVERS”

Objective - Global Citizens can identify cultural elements of Mesopotamia - Global Citizens can evaluate the importance of government in Mesopotamia

Agenda Vocabulary Review geography and life in Mesopotamia Discuss Government

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA- Vocabulary CivilizationIrrigationCity-StateArtisanCuneiformScribe Write the definition of each word in your OWN words and draw a picture underneath

Mesopotamia’s Civilization Rivers were important because they made for good farming conditions. They also made it easy for people to travel and trade. Civilizations are complex societies with cities, governments, art, religion, class divisions, and a writing system. (pages 17–20) Governments were formed because someone had to make plans and decisions for the common good. Mesopotamian Civilization

Floods in Mesopotamia were frequent and unpredictable. Farmers learned to control the rivers with dams and channels. Mesopotamia is a flat plain bounded by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Mesopotamia’s Civilization (cont.) They also used the rivers to irrigate, or water, their crops. (turn to pg 18 for definition) Mesopotamian Civilization (pages 17–20)

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA- GEOGRAPHY LOCATED BETWEEN THE TIGRIS- EUPHRATES RIVERS BOTH RIVERS FLOW INTO THE PERSIAN GULF LOCATED IN PRESENT DAY IRAQ Hot and Dry Climate

Fertile Crescent

Mesopotamia

Which two rivers is Mesopotamia between?

What is an advantage of living near a river?

Which modern day country used to be Mesopotamia?

What is the name of the first civilization to live in Mesopotamia?

City-States Independent state made up by a city and the surrounding land and villages Had its own government and was not part of any other larger unit

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA- SUMERIAN CITY-STATES ALWAYS IN CONSTANT CONFLICT OVER WATER RIGHTS AND LAND Went to war with one another Wanted glory, land, and water CREATED WALLS FOR PROTECTION, WITH MOATS ALONG THE OUTSIDE FARMS WERE LOCATED ALONG THE OUTSIDE OF THE CITY

City States With the rise of cities came the need for Government. THINK-Write- DISCUSS “I agree with this statement because…” “I disagree with this statement because…” Though _______makes a good point, I respectfully disagree because…”

Religion

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA- SUMERIAN RELIGION Ziggurats: pyramid site of the temple of the main gods. –Each city-state had their own gods and goddesses –Sun god – most important. Life after death was an extension of life.

ZigguratZiggurat – Mountain of God Ziggurat

Sumerian Religion Monotheism: worshiping one god. –“Mono” – means one Polytheism: worshiping many gods. –“Poly” – means many

Ziggurat Large pyramid shaped structures Connected to heaven and earth Ziggurat: “center for learning and religion”

Life in Sumer Ordinary people lived in mud-brick houses Most were farmers but some were artisans –Skilled workers 3 social classes –Upper: Kings, Priests, and Government –Middle: artisans, farmers, dishers –Low: Slaves

Check for Understanding Think Pair Share: Describe the government of Mesopotamia Describe the Religion of Mesopotamia

Exit Ticket: Use the ACES method A: Answer the question C: Cite details (use details that support your Answer) E: Explain how these details support your answer S: Summarize your answer

Sample: Exit Ticket What was life like for farmers in Mesopotamia?: A: The life of the farmer in Mesopotamia had its fair share of problems until they figured out a system for controlling water C: According to the text, “The Tigris and Euphrates rivers surrounding Mesopotamia were unpredictable and would flood without warning, so the farmers designed irrigation systems that controlled the water.” E: Because the rivers were unpredictable, the flooding could wipe out villages or leave the crops without water for months, so when farmers learned to control the water, they did not have to worry as much about flooding. S: The irrigation system in Mesopotamia helped farmers learn to control the rivers and helped make them more successful

Exit Ticket: