Vocabulary 1
Ziggurat
a temple where Sumerians
believed gods and goddesses
ruled the city.
______________worked for the nobles and palaces. They were farmers, fishermen, and crafters.
commoners
Priests, Officials, and Royals. They were a
very small group compared to the total
population.
Nobles
Describe how the invention of the wheel changed society:
It changed society because it is now used for almost all forms of transportation and machinery. The invention of the wheel is considered one of the greatest achievements of man-kind.
cuneiform
wedge-shaped writing on clay
tablets - writing system of
Sumerians.
Cuneiform was the first________ __________ ___________.
known recorded language
They were the workers for
the nobles and palaces. The
commoners and craftsmen
held jobs involving farming,
fishing, and crafting.
Commoners
/ Craftsmen
What were the most prominent buildings in the Sumerian city-states? What were their purpose?
The most prominent buildings in the Sumerian city-states were the Ziggurats. The Sumerians believed that the gods and Goddesses were in charge of the cities. Sumerians worshipped them and devoted their wealth to the Ziggurat temples. The buildings were at the center of the city-states.
nomad
a wanderer
Mesopotamia was known as the ________ _________ _____ _____________.
land between two rivers.
1. 90% of the Population.
2. Mostly worked on Palace building projects and were owned by the palace.
1. Farmers
2.Slaves
Describe the Code of Hammurabi. Give at least three facts about the laws.
The Code of Hammurabi was a collection of 282 laws. They were severe and strict, with rules that can be described as “An eye for an eye”. Hammurabi was a cruel and unjust leader, causing the Sumerians to live in fear. Punishments were distinguishable between different classes, individuals were not treated equally.
If caught stealing from the temple or from court, a Sumerian would be put to death and also the person who received the stolen item would be put to death as well.
Code of Hammurabi
a strict and harsh set of laws in
ancient Mesopotamia
______ _________were developed between 3300-3000 B.C.
city states
Why did nomads decide to stay in Mesopotamia? What was unique about the location?
Humans need food and water in order to survive. The land had rich soil and many crops. It was able to sustain life and civilization.
fertile crescent
an area of land in the Middle East,
located around the Tigris and
Euphrates Rivers.
polytheistic
worshiping multiple gods
or deities
Mesopotamia was locate between the ___________ and _________ rivers.
Euphrates Tigris
Describe the Sumerian economy.
Economy was based on farming. Trade and industry became important later. The supplies the Sumerians used and traded included stone, wood, mud, clay, reeds, rivers, soil and crops.