Geography of Mesopotamia
Why is Mesopotamia called the Fertile Crescent?
The area was known for its rich farmlands.
Who implemented one of the world’s earliest systems of laws?
King Hammurabi
What tool did Mesopotamians use to write on clay tablets?
A stylus
Mesopotamians practiced what type of religion?
Polytheistic.
What were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?
One of the original Seven Wonders; elaborate engineering; built by Nebuchadnezzar II → All of the above.
What rivers supported Mesopotamia?
The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
Who established the empire of Akkad and conquered Southern Mesopotamia?
Sargon the Great
What invention had a major impact on forming the first civilization?
Writing
What was the purpose of a ziggurat?
Temples built for the gods.
What was a city-state?
Basis of Mesopotamian government / a city and surrounding land.
The region of Mesopotamia is located in what present-day country?
Iraq
Who built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?
King Nebuchadnezzar II
Which was NOT a Mesopotamian invention — wheel, plow, writing, horse-drawn buggy?
Horse-drawn buggy.
What was the first form of government used by the Sumerians?
A monarchy with a king who ruled a city-state.
Who was directly under the king in the social structure?
Priest.
Why was Mesopotamia a good place to grow crops?
The rivers flooded and deposited rich soil.
What was the first human civilization formed?
Sumer
What two major developments around 3000 BCE helped solidify early civilization?
Creating cities and establishing writing.
What people wrote down and recorded their system of law first?
Babylonians (via Hammurabi).
What is the correct social order (most to least powerful)?
Priest, upper class, lower class, slaves.
Archaeological excavations revealed settlements dating back to what year?
10000 BCE
Who founded the Akkadian Empire?
Sargon the Great
What was the wedge-shaped writing system developed in Mesopotamia?
Cuneiform.
Why did Sumerians build ziggurats?
As temples.
How did Sumerians solve flooding problems?
They dug irrigation ditches and built levees.