Mesopotamia- “Land Between the Rivers”

Mrs. Martin2008

I. Geography-Let’s map it!

A. North and East of EgyptB. Called Fertile Crescent (see your map)C. Between Tigris and Euphrates RiverD. No natural barriers

1. Open to invasion2. Easy to migrate3. Difficult to unify

E. Cradle of civilization

II. Sumer

A. When? 5,000 years agoB. Religion-polytheistic- what’s the goal?

1. Worship? In ziggurats (temples)C. Government-absolute monarchies

1. City-states2. Hereditary ruler-absolute monarchy

a. Servant of the godsb. Enforces laws, collect taxes, maintain walls and irrigation

systems

Ziggurats

II. Sumer (cont.)D. Social structure-similar to Egypt

1. Ruling family, 2. Priests have much power3. Merchants and artisans, 4. Peasant farmers

E. Economy- based on their geography, what do you predict? 1. Extensive trade due to geography

F. Achievements1. Cuneiform writing2. Irrigation systems to protect from flooding3. Arch 4. Ziggurat

Cuneiform

III. Other EmpiresA. Assyrians- rule entire Fertile Crescent (600s B.C.)

1. Enemies united and destroy in 612 B.C.

B. Persians- united by Darius (500 B.C.)1. Religion-Zoroasterianism

a. Monotheisticb. Good will triumph

2. Darius makes professional armyWhy is a professional army significant?

C. Babylon1. Hammurabi most powerful ruler2. Hammurabi’s Code

a. Harsh punishment- eye for an eyeb. Social divisions - Favors upper classesc. First known collection of laws

King Darius

III. Other Empires ( cont.)

D. Phoenicians- create alphabet and spread it through trade

E. Lydians- money economy (vs. barter)1. Makes trade easier