1. Section 3.2 - The First Empires
Chapter 3, Fertile Crescent

2. Key Terms Empire- a state containing several countries or territories
Ally- an independent state that works with other states to achieve a shared military or political goal
Cultural trait- an idea or way of doing things that is common in a certain culture
Hammurabi’s Code- a set of laws that governed life in the Babylonian empire
Rule of law- the idea that all members of a society must obey the law

3. The Conquest of Sumer Conflict
Sumerian city-states often fought over fertile land or other resources.
Multiple city-states under one king = empire
Lagash defeated Umma in 2450 BC, they looted and burned Umma, took their ppl as slaves
Sargon Builds an Empire
Akkadian ppl were NW of Sumer.
diff. language & culture than Sumerians
2300s BC, Sargon is King of Kish (Kish is Sumerian!)
Changes gov’t language to Akkadian
Conquered many city-states
Appointed loyal Akkadians to positions of power

4. The Conquest of Sumer Akkadian Culture
Similar to Sumerian: religious practices, cuneiform writing
Akkadian culture spread as the troops moved through the region and as people traded
Akkadian Empire Ends
Lasted more than 50 years
Sargon’s death in 2279 BC led to invasions and rebellions
Around 2100 BC, Sumer was united by Ur-Nammu

5. The Babylonian Empire The Empire Forms
Northern Amorites took control of Babylon under King Hammurabi in 1792 BC
Built up army and united south Meso. into Babylonia
Sent tax collectors & troops through empire
Oversaw public building projects
Hammurabi’s Code
He wanted the law to apply to everyone
Specific punishments
First attempt to organize laws of a society
Social class affected severity of punishments
What does severity mean?

6. The Babylonian Empire Daily Life in Babylonia
Revolved around agriculture
Canals for irrigation
Wool was collected and woven
Made tools, weapons, pottery, perfumes, bronze sculptures, gold jewelry
Legacy of Sumer
Empire faded out after Hammurabi’s death in 1750 BC
Sumerian advances in technology, farming, writing, and law lived on!