1. Chapter 2

2. The Fertile Crescent
Piece of land from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea.
First civilization was Mesopotamia, which means “land between two rivers.”
Tigris and Euphrates

4. Sumerian Civilization
Cities – rectangular cities with high walls to protect them from invaders.
Ziggurats – temples shaped as pyramids.
Economy – Depended heavily on trade that was done on the rivers.
Government – Ruled by a strong leader who maintained security.
Scribes – Kept official records of society.
Cuneiform - oldest form of writing
Religion – Polytheistic and their gods were part of all aspects of life.

6. Early Empires

7. Persians United Many People Economic life
Darius I – divided Persia into provinces to make them easier to rule.
Set up central government for empire
Economic life
Most people took part in the barter system or trading of goods.

8. The Phoenicians Sea traders Created an alphabet with 22 letters
“Carriers of Civilization”—spread the Middle Eastern culture throughout the Mediterranean region

9. The Israelites Nomadic
Started around 2000B.C. migrating with their flocks.
Famine (lack of food) sent them to Egypt
Israel
1000 B.C. established the kingdom of Israel.
Jerusalem - Built a capitol with a huge temple.

10. Hebrew Beliefs Religion Monotheistic believe in one ultimate God.
Yahweh-God
Ten Commandments – rules for religious and moral conduct.
Covenant-agreement between people and God
The Torah – set out the rest of Jewish laws.
Prophets- holy leaders

11. Babylonians Hammurabi
King of Babylon who started the first set of written laws.
Criminal and Civil laws
Set up punishment for both.
Codify-write down a set of laws

12. Hammurabi’s Code (TicketOut)
Now that you have read and discussed a portion of Hammurabi’s Code, write a paragraph addressing your thoughts on the following questions: 1. Do you feel Hammurabi’s laws were fair? Why or why not? 2. Do you believe Hammurabi’s punishments “fit the crime”? Why or why not? 3. Do you think Hammurabi’s punishments effectively deterred the commission of crime? Why or why not? 4. Many of today’s laws are similar to Hammurabi’s, but the punishments are vastly different. Explain how today’s punishments are different and what effect you think the difference has on the amount of crime in society.

13. Notes Review Which group spread culture and how?
Who used cuneiform and what is it?
The Hebrews were nomadic. What does that mean?
Which group developed an alphabet?
What is King Hammurabi known for?
Explain how a barter system works.

14. Akkadians Sargon-famous conqueror
Created the 1st empire--previously independent states united under 1 ruler
Spread Sumerian ideas throughout his empire

15. Hittites “Melting Pot People” Excelled in Technology
Blend their traditions with other civilizations
Adopt the Akkaidian language
Use a modified version of Hammurabi’s code of laws
Excelled in Technology
Iron weaponry
Superior chariot
Made charcoal from iron ore and wood

16. The Assyrians Sophisticated military organization
State-of-the-art weapons
Savage treatment of enemies
Advanced war tactics
Ladders, tunnels, armor, shields