Religion & Ziggurats
Mesopotamians believed in many gods. What is this belief called?
Polytheism
Who created the first written set of laws?
Hammurabi
What is the Epic of Gilgamesh known as?
The world’s first epic/long poem
What writing system was invented in Mesopotamia?
Cuneiform
What does “Mesopotamia” mean in Greek?
"Land between rivers” (Tigris & Euphrates)
What was the main religious building in Mesopotamian cities?
Ziggurat
What phrase is often used to describe Hammurabi’s laws?
“An eye for an eye”
Who was Gilgamesh’s best friend in the story?
Enkidu
What farming innovation helped bring water to crops?
Irrigation
Why was Mesopotamia called the “Cradle of Civilization”?
First place where complex civilizations developed
Why were ziggurats built so large?
To show the importance of religion and honor the gods
Why were Hammurabi’s laws written down on a stone stele?
So everyone could see and know the laws
What theme does the story of Gilgamesh & Enkidu show?
Friendship and loyalty
What is one invention from Mesopotamia still used today?
The wheel, plow, or written laws
Which Mesopotamian achievement do you think is most important today? Why?
Opinion-based, but must connect to contributions like laws, writing, technology
What role did priests play in Mesopotamian society?
They led rituals, communicated with gods, and held power
What do the laws tell us about Mesopotamian society?
They valued property, family honor, and class differences
What lesson did Gilgamesh learn about life?
That humans are mortal and must accept death
What was the purpose of keeping written records?
To track trade, laws, and history
Compare Mesopotamian religion with religion today. Name one similarity or difference.
Opinion-based, but should connect to polytheism vs monotheism, rituals, or sacred buildings*
Give one reason why religion was central to Mesopotamian life.
Explained nature, united people, justified laws/leaders
Fair or Unfair? A law says: “If a builder’s house collapses and kills the owner, the builder shall be put to death.” Explain your answer.
Opinion-based but must connect to fairness and accountability*
How does the Epic of Gilgamesh help us understand Mesopotamian values?
Shows importance of gods, friendship, bravery, and searching for meaning
Name TWO ways Mesopotamia influenced later civilizations.
Laws, writing, farming technology, city-states, religion
If you lived in Mesopotamia, would you want to be a priest, farmer, artisan, or scribe? Why?
Opinion-based, but must explain role and importance