Vocabulary
the nickname for the curved strip of fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
fertile crescent
bronze
Identify the most important geographic feature that made Mesopotamia successful. *there are 2
the Rivers & fertile soil
What is the name given to the region of Mesopotamia that developed first near the Persian Gulf?
Sumer
The word "Mesopotamia" means _____.
the land between the rivers
this term means to bring water to crops and farm fields by constructing ditches and canals
irrigate
Which invention helped people transport goods on land faster to sell at local markets
the wheel
Mesopotamians worshipped many gods. What word best describe this type of religion?
polytheistic
Who were the professional writers of Mesopotamia?
Scribes
Mesopotamia was between which two rivers?
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
a pyramid-shaped building with a temple built for the god of the city-state
ziggurat
Mesopotamians had an abundance of clay. What is one use of this clay that we discussed in class.
What region of the Eastern Hemisphere is Mesopotamia apart of?
Middle East
What invention allowed Mesopotamians to trade along the river in the opposite direction it was flowing?
Sails for sailboats!
Identify one reason Mesopotamian city-states traded.
to get materials, goods, products they did not have in their own city state
independent state with its own government, laws, chief god, and traditions
city-state
What is Mesopotamian writing called?
Cuneiform
Identify two geographic features that helped PROTECT Mesopotamia from invasion.
deserts and mountains
the fine, fertile sediment deposited by the river's flood waters onto the farm fields
silt
Aside from other city-states, identify one trade partner of Mesopotamia.
Afghanistan, Lebanon, Asia Minor, Egypt, Indus Valley
a trading system in which people exchange goods and services without money
barter
Identify two items needed to write in Mesopotamia.
a stylus and wet clay tablets
The governments of Mesopotamia most closely resembled what two general forms of government?
monarchy and theocracy
What tool did Mesopotamians make out of reeds for writing in clay.
stylus
Identify one job of the upper class.
priest, priestess, scribe