Exploring the Four Empires of Mesopotamia

The Akkadian Empire For 1,500 years, Sumer was a land of independent city-states. For 1,500 years, Sumer was a land of independent city-states. Around 2,300 B.C.E., the Akkadians conquered all of the Sumerian city- states and maintained an empire for 200 years. Around 2,300 B.C.E., the Akkadians conquered all of the Sumerian city- states and maintained an empire for 200 years. The Sumerian king, Sargon, was a great military leader who ruled for 56 years. The Sumerian king, Sargon, was a great military leader who ruled for 56 years. Sargon destroyed the walls of his enemies’ cities, demanded loyalty from those who served under him, and was the first king who demanded that his sons rule after his death. Sargon destroyed the walls of his enemies’ cities, demanded loyalty from those who served under him, and was the first king who demanded that his sons rule after his death.

Akkadian Rule The capital of the Akkadian Empire was Agade. The capital of the Akkadian Empire was Agade. Sargon demanded that the city-states he conquered pay him tributes in the form of money or goods. Sargon demanded that the city-states he conquered pay him tributes in the form of money or goods. The Akkadian language replaced Sumerian, but the Akkadians kept Sumerian writing, religion, and irrigation techniques. The Akkadian language replaced Sumerian, but the Akkadians kept Sumerian writing, religion, and irrigation techniques. Akkadian art was based on beautiful three- dimensional sculptures known as steles (the most famous example is known as the Victory Stele). Akkadian art was based on beautiful three- dimensional sculptures known as steles (the most famous example is known as the Victory Stele). The Akkadians also produced great works The Akkadians also produced great works of literature such as the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Babylonian Empire The next ruler to conquer and unite all of Mesopotamia was Hammurabi. The next ruler to conquer and unite all of Mesopotamia was Hammurabi. The capital of Hammurabi’s empire was Babylon. The capital of Hammurabi’s empire was Babylon. Under Hammurabi’s rule people were encouraged to trade (wood, livestock, gold, and silver) Under Hammurabi’s rule people were encouraged to trade (wood, livestock, gold, and silver) write great pieces of literature, write great pieces of literature, And treat to each other fairly (slaves and women had many rights compared to other early empires). And treat to each other fairly (slaves and women had many rights compared to other early empires).

Hammurabi’s Code The first written laws in the history of mankind, and the first code of laws to apply to everyone in a civilization. The first written laws in the history of mankind, and the first code of laws to apply to everyone in a civilization. Hammurabi used his code of laws to preserve order and unify his empire. Hammurabi used his code of laws to preserve order and unify his empire. Hammurabi’s code was based on the idea of, “An eye for an eye”. Hammurabi’s code was based on the idea of, “An eye for an eye”. The punishment had to fit the severity of the crime. The punishment had to fit the severity of the crime. Example- Crime: Stealing Punishment: Hand Cut Off Punishment: Hand Cut Off There were 282 laws There were 282 laws According to Hammurabi, the laws were based on the gods’ will and could never be changed. According to Hammurabi, the laws were based on the gods’ will and could never be changed. The laws treated different social classes differently. The laws treated different social classes differently. Hammurabi’s code was written on a stele and Hammurabi’s code was written on a stele and placed in the center of a temple.

The Assyrian Empire The Assyrians rose to power around 900 B.C.E. The Assyrians rose to power around 900 B.C.E. The Assyrians were great warriors who used iron weapons, horses in battle, moveable towers and battering rams. The Assyrians were great warriors who used iron weapons, horses in battle, moveable towers and battering rams. The Assyrians perfected siege warfare, a tactic in which the Assyrian army blockaded a city and continued to attack until their enemies surrendered. The Assyrians perfected siege warfare, a tactic in which the Assyrian army blockaded a city and continued to attack until their enemies surrendered. The Assyrians were known for their cruelty… one famous story showing this is after defeating a particularly tough enemy the Assyrians cut off all of the leaders’ heads and made the defeated soldiers wear them as they marched away from their conquered city. The Assyrians were known for their cruelty… one famous story showing this is after defeating a particularly tough enemy the Assyrians cut off all of the leaders’ heads and made the defeated soldiers wear them as they marched away from their conquered city.

Assyrian Rule Assyrians were the first builders of aqueducts, pipes and channels that transported water from distant places to areas that needed water. Assyrians were the first builders of aqueducts, pipes and channels that transported water from distant places to areas that needed water. The capital of the Assyrian Empire was the city of Nineveh. The capital of the Assyrian Empire was the city of Nineveh. The Assyrians were renowned for their sculptures known as bas- reliefs, in which an image projects out from a flat surface. The Assyrians were renowned for their sculptures known as bas- reliefs, in which an image projects out from a flat surface. The Assyrian Empire lasted 300 years until they were conquered by a combined force of many different people (Babylonians, Scythians, and the Medes) in the year 612 B.C.E. The Assyrian Empire lasted 300 years until they were conquered by a combined force of many different people (Babylonians, Scythians, and the Medes) in the year 612 B.C.E.

The Neo-Babylonian Empire The Neo-Babylonians ruled only 75 years, from 605 to 562 B.C.E. The Neo-Babylonians ruled only 75 years, from 605 to 562 B.C.E. Nebuchadrezzar II was the most famous leader of the Neo-Babylonians, building many beautiful structures including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate, and one of the most famous ziggurats of the ancient world. Nebuchadrezzar II was the most famous leader of the Neo-Babylonians, building many beautiful structures including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate, and one of the most famous ziggurats of the ancient world. The Neo-Babylonians were skilled in mathematics and astronomy and created the first sun-dial, a device used for telling time. The Neo-Babylonians were skilled in mathematics and astronomy and created the first sun-dial, a device used for telling time.