Mesopotamia- “Land Between the Rivers” Mrs. Martin 2008

I. Geography-Let’s map it! A.North and East of Egypt B.Called Fertile Crescent (see your map) C.Between Tigris and Euphrates River D.No natural barriers 1.Open to invasion 2.Easy to migrate 3.Difficult to unify E.Cradle of civilization

II. Sumer A.When? 5,000 years ago B.Religion-polytheistic- what’s the goal? 1.Worship? In ziggurats (temples) C.Government- absolute monarchies 1.City-states 2.Hereditary ruler-absolute monarchy a.Servant of the gods b.Enforces laws, collect taxes, maintain walls and irrigation systems

Ziggurats

II. Sumer (cont.) D. Social structure-similar to Egypt 1. Ruling family, 2. Priests have much power 3. Merchants and artisans, 4. Peasant farmers E. Economy- based on their geography, what do you predict? 1. Extensive trade due to geography F. Achievements 1. Cuneiform writing 2. Irrigation systems to protect from flooding 3. Arch 4. Ziggurat

Cuneiform

III. Other Empires A.Assyrians- rule entire Fertile Crescent (600s B.C.) 1.Enemies united and destroy in 612 B.C. B.Persians- united by Darius (500 B.C.) 1.Religion-Zoroasterianism a. Monotheistic b. Good will triumph 2.Darius makes professional army Why is a professional army significant?

C. Babylon 1.Hammurabi most powerful ruler 2.Hammurabi’s Code a.Harsh punishment- eye for an eye b.Social divisions - Favors upper classes c.First known collection of laws

King Darius

III. Other Empires ( cont.) D. Phoenicians- create alphabet and spread it through trade E. Lydians- money economy (vs. barter) 1. Makes trade easier