Invasions of Mesopotamia & The Phoenicians Chapter 3, Section 4 Notes

Building Background Many peoples invaded Mesopotamia. A series of kings conquered the lands between the rivers. Each new culture inherited the earlier achievements of the Sumerians. Some of the later invasions of the region also introduced skills and ideas that still influence civilization today, such as a written law code.

Hittite Advantages: 1.first people to mastered ironworking=stronger weapons 2.created the chariot—a wheeled horse-drawn cart used in battle Hittites Came from an area in modern day Turkey First group to capture Babylon around 1595 BC Hittite rule did not last long, however. Kassites Assassinated the Hittite King to gain control. The Kassites, a people who lived north of Babylon, captured the city and ruled for almost 400 years.

Invader: The Assyrians Strengths: Strong army—every soldier knew his role. Iron weapons and chariots were used. FIERCE in battle—before attacking, they looted villages and burned crops. They killed anyone who dared resist them. Ruled from Nineveh and demanded heavy taxes. Anyone resisting was severely punished. Kings appointed local leaders. Road network was built.

The Assyrian Army The Assyrian army was the most powerful fighting force the world had ever seen. It was large and well organized, and it featured iron weapons, war chariots, and giant war machines used to knock down city walls.

Invaders: The Chaldeans Destroyed Nineveh in 612 BC Ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, who rebuilt Babylon into a beautiful new city (Most famous King) Constructed the Hanging Gardens (one of the seven ancient wonders) Admired Sumerian culture—studied language and built temples for gods Accomplishments in astronomy, developed calendar, solved problems in geometry

The Hanging Gardens- One of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

Phoenicians- Not Invaders The Geography of Phoenicia Located in modern day Lebanon Mountains in north & east Western boarder is the Mediterranean Sea- will lead to trade by sea Resources were few BUT valuable- CEDAR TREES The Expansion of Trade Traders traveled to Egypt, Greece, Italy, Sicily, and Spain. Established colonies all across the Mediterranean for trade. CARTHAGE was the most famous Traded lumber, blown glass, dyed cloth, silver, ivory, and slaves. Most important achievement: Developed an alphabet to keep track of records. It spread throughout the world due to trade. Our alphabet today is based upon this.