Rise of Sumerian City-States
What geographic region is known as the "Land between the Rivers"?
Mesopotamia
What invention helped Sumerians create a stable food supply?
either answer: Plow OR irrigation systems
Who founded the world's first empire?
Sargon of Akkad
What is Hammurabi best known for creating?
Hammurabi's Code of Laws
Which ruler rebuilt Babylon and built massive walls?
Nebuchadnezzar II
What major problem forced people to leave the Zagros foothills and migrate to the Sumerian plains?
Food shortages due to population growth.
What was the Sumerian writing system called?
Cuneiform
What military formation helped Sargon's soldiers win battles?
Shield-bearers in front, spear-bearers behind
What weapon and tactic made the Assyrian army feared?
Siege warfare, including battering rams and towers
What famous structure was one of the ancient world's wonders?
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
What did Sumerians build to control water during floods and droughts?
Irrigation systems; including levees, canals, and dams
What structure demonstrated Sumerian religion beliefs and was believed to house gods?
A ziggurat
How did Sargon prevent city-states from rebelling?
He destroyed their walls and replaced disloyal governors.
What innovation allowed Assyrians to bring water to Nineveh?
Aqueducts
What did the Neo-Babylonians invent to measure time?
The first sundial; also created a 60-minute hour and 7-day week
Why did villages begin to work together and form larger communities?
What technological advance did Sumerians create that improved transportation and military power?
The wheel
What famous artifact shows King Naram-Sin leading his army?
The Victory Stele.
What economic activity flourished in Babylon because of its river location?
Trade, especially grain and woven cloth traded for metals, gems, and livestock.
Why did Nebuchadnezzar build a moat and double walls around Babylon?
for defense and protection from invaders
What defensive structures did Sumerians build to protect their cities?
mud-brick wall and moats
What social group was at the bottom of Sumerian society?
enslaved people, often captured during war
The Akkadian language eventually replaced Sumerian.
How did the Assyrians use fear as a military tactic?
they spread stories of their cruelty to intimidate enemies
What empire conquered the Neo-Babylonians in 539 BCE?
The Persian Empire under Cyrus.