Life before writing
What did early humans mainly do to get food before agriculture?
Hunting, fishing, and gathering.
What was the Neolithic Revolution?
The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and animal domestication.
What does the word “Mesopotamia” mean?
“Land between rivers.”
Who created the Akkadian Empire?
Sargon of Akkad.
What invention improved transportation and was used with carts?
The wheel.
What discovery provided warmth, light, cooked food, and protection?
Fire
Name one crop early farmers grew.
Wheat or barley.
Which two rivers were important to Mesopotamia?
The Tigris and Euphrates.
Why was an empire different from a single city-state?
An empire controlled many cities and peoples under a larger government.
What writing system used wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets?
Cuneiform.
What did early humans use to hunt, cut food, build shelters, and protect themselves?
Tools
How did agriculture change where people lived?
People began living in permanent settlements instead of constantly moving.
Who were the Sumerians?
One of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia.
Who was Hammurabi?
The king of Babylon who is famous for his written code of laws.
What were ziggurats?
Large stepped temple structures used as religious centers.