Sumer and Mesopotamia
What was the first known civilization in Mesopotamia?
Sumerian Civilization
What is an empire?
A group of territories or peoples controlled by one ruler or government
What farming technique brought water to crops in dry areas?
Irrigation
What is a city-state?
An independent city with its own government and surrounding land
Who created Hammurabi's Code?
King Hammurabi
What belief system involves worshipping many gods?
Polytheism
What famous Mesopotamian city-state was known for its wealth and powerful rulers?
Ur
What was Hammurabi's Code?
A collection of laws used to govern Babylonian society
What were the three main occupations in Mesopotamia?
Farming, trading, and craftsmanship
What are the main features of a Mesopotamian city-state?
A central city, government, surrounding farmland, walls, and a temple
Why were walls built around Mesopotamian cities?
To protect the city from enemies and invasion
Why was writing important in ancient Mesopotamia?
It allowed people to keep records, create contracts, and record laws
Why did Sumerian city-states often develop independently of one another?
They had their own governments and were separated by distance and competition for resources
What is an alliance?
An agreement between groups or nations to help and protect one another
What were ancient contracts used for?
To record agreements involving trade, property, business, or services