Geography and Rivers
What famous circular invention did the Sumerians create to help move carts and items?
The wheel
Who was the famous Babylonian king known for his strict written code of laws?
Hammurabi
What term means the belief in many different gods?
Polytheism
What shape gave the "Fertile Crescent" its curved name and rich soil?
A crescent moon
What system of ditches and canals did farmers use to water their crops during dry summers?
Irrigation
Who created the world's first empire by uniting the city-states of Sumer?
Sargon I
What were people who trained for years to learn how to read and write called?
Scribes
What does the word "Mesopotamia" mean?
Between two rivers
What farming tool broke up hard soil and helped the Sumerians create a reliable food surplus?
The plow
What legendary king of Uruk became the main character in one of the world's oldest epic poems?
Gilgamesh
What famous phrase from Hammurabi's Code means the punishment should match the crime?
An eye for an eye
Does the Tigris River flow into the Euphrates River or does the Euphrates River flow into the Tigris River?
The Tigris River flows into the Euphrates River.
What was the first-ever writing system created in Mesopotamia called?
Cuneiform
What empire was widely feared and known for its ruthless and powerful military?
Assyrian Empire
What popular ancient beverage did Mesopotamians love and brew in large quantities?
Beer
What are the two main rivers that defined Mesopotamian civilization?
The Tigris and the Euphrates
What tall, pyramid-shaped temple did Mesopotamians build to honor their gods?
A ziggurat
What is a city that acts like its own independent country with its own government and god called?
A city-state
What religious leaders held high status in Mesopotamian society because people believed they could communicate directly with the gods to bring good harvests and favor?
Priests