1. Mesopotamia
ACTUAL HISTORY

2. Mesopotamia Mesopotamia means between two rivers
the Tigris and Euphrates
Unpredictable
Also known as the fertile crescent
The first civilization, known as Sumer, emerged here about BCE

3. Sumer Early cities formed around taming the rivers
Practiced a form of socialism
Farmers contributed food to the community
This stored food gave rise to new occupations

5. Social Structure Ruler and High Priest Merchants and Artisans
Organized as City- States
Priests originally ruled these cities
Military men took power = Kings
Ruler and High Priest
Merchants and Artisans
Peasant Farmers/ Slaves

6. Sumerian Religion Polytheistic
Unpredictable and violent, like the rivers
Monumental Temples called Ziggurats built to appease the gods
Did not have an “afterlife” outside of a box filled with ash

7. Inventions Epic of Gilgamesh first literature
Writing – Called Cuneiform
For trading purposes
Base 10 and 60 mathematic system
10 = Decimals
60 = time, degrees of circles
The Wheel
Originally pottery, later transport
Epic of Gilgamesh first literature

8. Fall of City-States Kings start conquering other cities
Sargon of Akkad united most the cities
After his death, conquered by nomads
Established the Kingdom of Babylon
Famous ruler was Hammurabi

9. Hammurabi's Law Code First written law code
Displayed in public so all would know the rules
Known for its eye for an eye principle
Included presumption of innocence