Cuneiform
What is the earliest known writing system?
Cuneiform
What technique did Mesopotamians develop to control water flow?
Advanced irrigation techniques using canals and levees
What was the original purpose of the wheel?
Initially used for pottery making
What are ziggurats?
Massive stepped pyramid structures
Who is the main character in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
Gilgamesh, king of Uruk
What were cuneiform characters made of?
Wedge-shaped characters impressed on clay tablets
What is a shaduf?
A lever device for lifting water
When was the wheel first invented?
Around 3500 BCE
What materials were used to build ziggurats?
Mud bricks with an outer layer of baked bricks
What themes are explored in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
Friendship, mortality, and the human condition
For what purposes was cuneiform primarily used?
Record-keeping, laws, and literature
How did irrigation impact population growth?
It increased food production, supporting larger populations.
How did the wheel impact trade?
It allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of goods, expanding trade networks.
What was the primary purpose of ziggurats?
They served as temples and administrative centers.
Why is the Epic of Gilgamesh significant in literature?
It is one of the oldest literary works and has significant influence on later literature and mythology.
Name one literary work written in cuneiform.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Explain how agricultural innovations contributed to complex societies.
They led to increased food surplus, which allowed for the development of complex societies and cities.
Describe the military advantages provided by the wheel.
Chariots in warfare provided mobility and speed in battle
Name one famous ziggurat and its location.
The Great Ziggurat of Ur, located in Ur.
How does the Epic of Gilgamesh address the concept of mortality?
It explores the quest for immortality and the acceptance of human mortality.
Describe the significance of cuneiform in administration.
It enabled complex administration and trade.
What role did food surplus play in the development of cities?
Food surplus allowed for population growth and the establishment of urban centers.
What were the different types of wheels used in Mesopotamia?
Solid wheels, spoked wheels, and chariots.
How did ziggurats reflect the power of Mesopotamian city-states?
They demonstrated advanced architectural and engineering skills and reflected the wealth and power of city-states.
What influence did the Epic of Gilgamesh have on later myths?
It influenced later myths and literary works by introducing themes of heroism, friendship, and the search for meaning.