Sargon
Sargon the Great conquered Sumer and other Mesopotamian lands to create the worlds first empire. Why did it fall? (Page 75)
His sons were unable to maintain control after he died. The city-states rebelled. Enemies from the Northeast raided the empire. Famine returned.
What were the Sumerian ziggurat and what was their purpose? (pg 70)
Ziggurats were pyramid-shaped temples where the Sumerians believed a deity, or god, lived.
The Mesopotamians built one of the first known civilizations in the world. How did they adapt to their environment in order to do this?(pg 68-69)
They used the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to gather surplus food. They then used the surplus food to trade for necessary goods, like metals for weapons.
Which of Sargon's policies helped keep peace and win the peoples loyalty in the Akkadian Empire? (page 74 - 2nd to last paragraph)
Sargon allowed people to keep their local rulers and customs. They only had to obey him and pay a protection tax called a tribute.
List the Sumerians cultural and technological innovations. (pg 72 ++)
- irrigation systems
Why did the cradle of civilization begin in Mesopotamia? (pg 66)
The two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates, created a fertile land in the surrounding areas. This allowed for abundant resources so that civilization could be "born".
How was Mesopotamia's first civilization, Sumer, organized? (pg 68)
Sumer was organized into self-governing city-states that were built on the Tigris or Euphrates rivers.
What was the name of the writing system developed by the Sumerians? Describe it. (pg 72)
Cuneiform used symbols to represent sounds rather than objects.