2. In 2300 BC, Sargon the ruler of Akkad conquers Sumer This begins the first Empire known to history Does not last long, and city states revive, but starts a pattern of conquest

6. In 1790 BC Hammurabi, the King of Babylon Conquered most of the Fertile Crescent Creates the “Code of Hammurabi” to unite the Empire under it’s law

8. Wanted people to know the legal principals his government would follow Carved the 300 laws on a stone pillar for all to see The Code listed criminal laws and civil laws “An eye for and eye” Much more orderly than past laws Only applied to people of equal status

10. The Code tries to protect the powerless –Including women and slaves –Set out divorce laws –Women had MUCH less freedom and status than in Egypt or Sumer

11. Improved Irrigation Systems Organized a well-trained Army

12. The Fertile Crescent is invaded and conquered many times Some conquerors like the Hittites brought important new skills that advanced society

14. The Hittites were less advanced than other peoples but learned to extract iron ore Heat Iron Ore and pound out imperfections Put hot iron ore in cold water creates a very hard substance Many weapons and tools made with this technology

16. One of the most warlike people in History Pleased their God Assur

17. Well-ordered society even though it was warlike Huge palaces were paid for through trade and war King Assurbanipal started the first library in Nineveh Death of Assurbanipal leads to revival of Babylon

20. Led by Nebuchadnezzar Empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea Rebuilt much of what the Assyrians had destroyed Built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, on of the 8 wonders of the Ancient World

23. Conquerors of the Babylonian Empire The Persians were tolerant with people they conquered

24. Brought much of the Persian Empire together Divided the Persian Empire into provinces headed by a Satrap – a governer who paid taxes to Darius

25. Adapted laws from people that he conquered Built hundreds of miles of road –Enabled communication and control Moved from one royal capitol to the other, celebrating traditions in each

26. Set up common set of weights and measures Introduced coins as currency, but mostly used a barter economy

27. Zoroaster set the standard for beliefs in Persia Dismissed many of the old Persian Gods Believed in Ahura Mazda who was always battling Ahriman (prince of lies and evil) Each person had to choose sides in the fight

28. Brave Sea Traders –Set up colonies –Spread the Eastern Civilization around the Mediterranean Sea –Made the first real alphabet