Geography
Give 2 reasons why Mesopotamia was a good place for people to settle
- fresh water
-fertile soil
- rivers for transportation and trade
To believe in many gods and goddesses
polytheism
What was cuneiform used for?
- to keep written records
- communication
- write down laws
- record history
How did kings believe they got their power?
from the gods
What social class could women NOT be a part of?
Women could not be king
What made Mesopotamia a difficult region to live in?
- unpredictable rivers... they could flood too much and cause destruction or there could be a drought and not enough water
- they were surrounded by deserts and mountains
Who communicated with the gods for the people?
priests and priestesses
Why didn't everyone learn to read and write using cuneiform?
Cuneiform was a difficult language to learn and it was not necessary for most jobs.
Explain what a monarchy is.
A single ruler who inherits their power. (the oldest son becomes king when their father dies)
What social class has the MOST power?
The upper class... mainly the king
How did the Mesopotamians overcome the geographical difficulties?
- Irrigation - to water crops
- Dams and canals to control flood waters
- sailboats to travel
- carts to carry goods
- 12 month calendar to help them know when to plant/harvest
What was the purpose of a ziggurat?
They were temples to honor the gods/goddesses
List a mathematical achievement and tell how it change life.
- Geometry to help measure fields and plan buildings
- Tables for division and multiplication
- 60 min hour / 60 second minute to keep track of time
What was the purpose of Hammurabi's code?
For people to know the laws and what the punishments were if they broke them.
What was the role of the merchants?
To barter (trade) items that they had for items that they needed
What are the benefits to a surplus of food?
- specialization
- trade - towns begin to grow
What impact did the religious beliefs of Mesopotamians have on agriculture?
If the gods were happy, there would be a good harvest. If the gods were unhappy, their crops would not do well.
List a technological achievement and tell how it changed life.
Wheels - made the first carts, chariots for the military
Wooden plow
Potters wheel
Made bronze out of copper and tin used for tools, weapons, and jewelry)
What does Hammurabi's Code tell about life in Babylon?
- It was important for people to follow the laws.
-They believed that harsh punishments would encourage people to obey laws
What was the role of the craftspeople?
They made goods that were needed and that could be bartered for items they could not provide for themselves.
What does the word Mesopotamia mean?
It is Greek for "land between two rivers"
What was special about being a scribe?
Only a few people - mostly boys from wealthy families - were trained. They were valued and important in society for their knowledge.
List an achievement that you haven't already listed and explain how it changed life.
Wheels
Wooden plow
Potters wheel
etc
What was the cause of conflict between city-states along the rivers?
They fought over control of farmland and the water from the rivers.
Which large social class is responsible for a consistent food supply?
Farmers