The Geography of Ancient Mesopotamia
How did the flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers both help and hurt farmers?
Floods carried soil (silt) that settled on the land. The silt was fertile, which means it was good for growing crops. Although the region was dry, ancient people could still grow crops because of the rivers and the fertile soil. But, violent floods could wash everything away making it hard for farmers to water their crops.
What are the five traits of civilization?
Five traits characterize civilization: advanced cities, specialized workers, complex institutions, record keeping, and improved technology.
Why were the Assyrians able to build such a large empire?
Assyrian soldiers used the latest inventions for war. Such as iron swords and iron-tipped spears, battering rams and ladders to scale the walls of cities. With these technological advancements the Assyrians conquered many lands.
Surplus of
The amount that remains when use or need is satisfied
Mesopotamia
An ancient region located in the eastern Mediterranean, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
Why was irrigation so important to Mesopotamian farmers?
Irrigation helped Mesopotamian farmers to control the water supply. They could hold back excess water during floods and carry water from the rivers to their fields.
What role did the temple play in Sumerian society?
Temples functioned as a sort of city hall. This was because the priests ran the irrigation system and other important aspects of city life. People came to the temple to pay the priests for their services with grain and other items. As a result, the priests managed the storage of surplus grain and controlled much of the city-state’s wealth.
Why was Hammurabi's Code a step toward better government?
Hammurabi's Code was a step toward better government because it created clear, written laws that applied to everyone, helping ensure fairness and order in society.
Ziggurat
(ZIHG•uh•RAT) temple built atop a series of increasingly smaller platforms
Sumerians
The Sumerians were one of the first ancient civilizations, living in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 5,000 years ago.
How did the Mesopotamians overcome their lack of resources?
The Mesopotamians used mud to build houses and defensive walls. They also mixed mud and straw together to make bricks and hardened the bricks by drying them in the sun. Also, they traded surplus grain for stone, wood, and metals from other regions.
What roles did women and slaves play in Sumerian society?
In early Sumer, women had more rights than in later Mesopotamia. Some upper-class women became priestesses, and free women could own land, work as merchants, or be artisans. Most women’s main role was raising children. Slaves were at the lowest class but had some rights, like doing business, borrowing money, and buying their freedom.
What policies did Cyrus and Darius use to keep the Persian Empire under control?
Cyrus promoted tolerance, allowing conquered peoples to keep their customs and religions. Darius organized the empire into provinces, each with a governor, and built a strong road system for communication.
Satrap
(SAY•TRAPS) governors of provinces in the Persian Empire
The Hanging Gardens
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, said to be beautiful terraced gardens built by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BCE.
How was irrigation connected to trade?
Thanks to irrigation Mesopotamians grew a surplus of crops. Making it possible to obtain stone, wood, copper, and tin through trade with people throughout Southwest Asia. They also traded for luxuries, such as gold, ivory, ebony, and precious stones. In exchange for these goods, the Mesopotamian merchants offered grain, dates, and other farm products.
Why do historians identify the beginnings of history with the beginning of writing?
History is impossible without the written word since it records the lives of a people, names and places, temporal order, habits, emphasis and interpretation and so is the first necessary step in the written history of a culture or civilization. Whereas, oral traditions are not considered to be very reliable accounts, because they often change with the telling.
Why is the development of Hammurabi's Code an important landmark in the growth of civilization?
It established clear laws for justice and fairness.
Minted coins
coins that are issued by the government and are official money
Fertile Crescent
A region in the Middle East known for its rich, fertile soil and early developments in agriculture and civilization.
How did Mesopotamians create a successful society?
Mesopotamia was one of the first places to farm. They used irrigation, traded for resources, grew extra crops, and organized people to solve problems, adapting their environment to meet their needs.
How does the role of Sumerian priests compare to the role of clergy today?
In early Sumerian society, priests provided spiritual guidance, led ceremonies, and helped maintain social order, much like modern clergy. However, Sumerian priests also managed temple wealth and resources, giving them strong political and economic influence. Today, clergy typically focus more on caring for people, teaching, and building community, with less involvement in politics or economics.
How did the policies of Cyrus and Darius contrast with those of the Assyrians?
Cyrus and Darius of Persia used policies of tolerance and local autonomy to maintain control over their empire, allowing conquered peoples to keep their customs and religions. In contrast, the Assyrians were more brutal and harsh, often using fear and violence to suppress rebellions. While the Persians focused on cooperation and organization, the Assyrians emphasized military strength and terror to control their empire.
Cuneiform
(KYOO•nee•uh•FAWRM) first known writing system, which used wedge-shaped symbols
The Code of Hammurabi
One of the oldest and most famous written codes of law in history. Created around 1754 BCE by King Hammurabi of Babylon