Sumerian Civilization
What was the first major civilization in Mesopotamia?
Sumer
Define a city-state.
An independent city that governs itself and the surrounding territory.
How did Sumerians trade with limited resources?
By bartering goods with neighboring regions.
What type of religion did Sumerians practice?
Polytheism (belief in many gods)
What is the Code of Hammurabi?
A set of laws created by King Hammurabi for his people.
What river system was crucial for the Sumerians?
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
Name one reason city-states went to war.
Competition for resources or land.
What was a bullae?
A clay container used by merchants to keep track of trade tokens.
Name one of the main Sumerian gods.
Enki
Enlil or Ellill
What does "eye for an eye" mean in this context?
The punishment should fit the crime. Fairness for an offense.
What invention helped control water flow in agriculture?
Irrigation systems
What was the role of ziggurats in city-states?
They served as temples and centers for worship.
Describe the Sumerian economy.
Based on agriculture, trade, and bartering.
How did priests influence Sumerian society?
They controlled irrigation, settled disputes, and managed religious activities.
Give an example of a law from Hammurabi's Code.
If a builder causes a death due to a house collapse, he shall be put to death.
Describe the climate of Mesopotamia.
Dry, hot, desert-like climate
What were the social classes in Sumer?
Rulers, priests, merchants, craftsmen, farmers, and slaves.
What inventions helped Sumerian agriculture?
The plow and the wheel/cart.
What was the purpose of sacrifices in Sumerian religion?
To please the gods and ensure good fortune.
Why is Hammurabi’s Code significant in history?
It is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes.
What was the significance of the term "Fertile Crescent"?
It refers to the fertile land that was essential for agriculture in ancient times.
How did city-states manage their resources?
Through irrigation and trade.
Explain the barter system used in Mesopotamia.
A system where goods and services were exchanged directly for other goods and services without using money.
Describe the role of priests in early city-states.
They acted as intermediaries between the gods and the people, managing religious and civic duties.
How did citizens feel about the Hammurabi Code's compared to the rule of King Sargon?
King Sargon was cruel and was a tyrant, the people did not like his rules and tried to rebel.
Hammurabi created codes by using the city states laws and putting them together. The people felt that he was a fair and wise man, and they did not rebel.