1. Civilization begins in Mesopotamia
What do you think life would be like if you did not have
a system of writing? How would you communicate?
What problems would result?

2. Impact of Geography
Mesopotamia “between the rivers” The valley between the Tigris and Euphrates.
Fertile Crescent
The land between the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf.

3. Impact of Geography cont.
The soil in Mesopotamia was rich because of the two rivers. Each spring, the rivers overflowed and left layers of silt.
The people of Mesopotamia learned how to control the flow
of the rivers by creating Irrigation and ditches.

4. The Impact of Geography (cont.)
Consider the area where you live. What roles has geography played in how your area has developed physically, commercially, and culturally?

5. Where was Mesopotamia located?
Review Question
Where was Mesopotamia located?
The fertile crescent, between the Tigris and Euphrates.

6. Cities
Eridu, Ur, Uruk
by 3000 B.C. Sumerians started several in Mesopotamia
walls made out of mud bricks surrounded cities
Sumerians also used mud bricks to build houses
they also invented the arch and dome

7. Government Theocracy (government by divine authority)
Sumerians believed that gods ruled cities
eventually, kings began to rule city-states
Sumerians believed kings got there power from the gods

8. Religions
The climate of Mesopotamia was harsh. There were heavy rains, scorching winds, famines.
Floods were unpredictable and deadly.
Because of this lifestyle people believed that supernatural forces controlled their world.
They believed there were different gods for almost everything. There were 3000 gods and goddesses.
Polytheism (belief in more than one god)

9. Review Question
Why did the people of Mesopotamia believe that supernatural forces controlled their world?
There living conditions were so harsh and unpredictable.

10. Social Structure Sumerian city-states had three major social groups
nobles, commoners, and slaves
Nobles
Kings and priests and there families
Commoners
Farmers, fishers, merchants, and craftspeople
Slaves
Belonged to temple and palace officials
Rich landowners used them to farm

11. Review Question
Which people had the most power in the Sumerian city-states?
The nobles, they were kings, priests and their families

12. Cuneiform (wedge shaped writing by the Sumerians)
Used to keep records, made on clay tablets.
The most famous piece of literature during this time period is the Epic of Gilgamesh

13. Review Question Why was writing important to the Sumerians?
They used writing to keep accurate records and communicate

14. Architecture and Art Ziggurat (massive stepped tower)
the most important building in the city was the temple
it was built for the chief god or goddess of the city
the temple was often on top of the ziggurat

15. Empires in Ancient Mesopotamia
Akkadians
in 2340 B.C. Sargon overran the Sumerian city-states. He set up the first empire (a large political unit or state, usually under a single leader).
Babylon
in 1792 B.C. a new empire controlled Mesopotamia. The king of Babylon was Hammurabi.

16. What two empires gained control of the Sumerian city-states?
Review Question
What two empires gained control of the Sumerian city-states?
Akkadians and Babylon

17. The Code of Hammurabi
Hammurabi’s most important achievement was his collection of laws.
Hammurabi’s Code
The principle of retribution (eye for an eye, tooth for tooth)
lower class people were punished more severely than upper class people
a large category of laws focused on marriage and family.
Mesopotamia was patriarchal (dominated by men).
Men ruled wives and children
A woman who neglected her home could be drowned
A child who struck his father could have his hand cut off

18. What principle was the basis for many of the laws in Hammurabi’s code?
Review Question
What principle was the basis for many of the laws in Hammurabi’s code?
Retribution (eye for an eye, tooth for tooth)

19. Creativity of the Sumerians
System of writing
to keep accurate records
Wagon wheel
transporting goods
Potter’s wheel
better products
Sundial
time records
Arch
stability for buildings
Bronze
better tools