Mesopotamian history
What does the word Mesopotamia mean?
It means “land between two rivers” — the Tigris and Euphrates
What famous architectural structures did Mesopotamians build to worship their gods?
Ziggurats — stepped temple towers.
Between which two rivers was Mesopotamia located?
The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
What type of religion did Mesopotamians practice?
They believed in many gods (polytheism)
What type of leader ruled most Mesopotamian city-states?
A king, who controlled the government, army, and religious duties.
Which civilization is considered one of the earliest in Mesopotamia?
The Sumerians, who developed early cities in southern Mesopotamia.
What invention improved transportation and trade in Mesopotamia?
The wheel
In which modern-day country was ancient Mesopotamia mostly located?
Mostly in what is now Iraq
What was the main occupation for most Mesopotamians?
Farming and agriculture.
What is the name of the famous set of laws created by King Hammurabi?
Hammurabi Code
Who was one famous ancient king known for creating laws in Mesopotamia?
King Hammurabi of Babylon was known for a famous law code (the Hammurabi Code).
Which early Mesopotamian text is one of the oldest known creation myths?
The Enūma Eliš, a Babylonian creation myth.
Why was the soil in Mesopotamia good for farming?
Flooding from the rivers left fertile soil that helped crops grow.
What was the name of the script used for writing in Mesopotamia?
Cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems.
On what material were many Mesopotamian laws written?
They were carved into stone stele or written on clay tablets using cuneiform.
What major empire succeeded the city-states of Sumer around 2300 BCE?
The Akkadian Empire, founded by Sargon of Akkad.
What legal development helped later civilizations understand Mesopotamian society?
Early law codes like the Code of Hammurabi and the Laws of Eshnunna
What major region is Mesopotamia a part of, known for early civilizations?
The Fertile Crescent, a fertile area linking the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean
Who in Mesopotamian society was responsible for writing and record-keeping?
Scribes, who learned to write on clay tablets.
What was one main principle of the Code of Hammurabi?
The idea of “an eye for an eye,” meaning punishments were based on the harm caused.
Around what time did cities first develop into larger Mesopotamian civilizations?
Urban civilizations emerged during the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Ages (around 3300–1900 BCE).
Name one major contribution of the Sumerians beyond writing and farming.
They developed mathematical systems, astronomy, and formal schools for learning
How did Mesopotamians manage water for crops because rivers flooded unpredictably?
They developed irrigation systems like canals and levees.
Why was trade important in Mesopotamia besides farming?
Because the region lacked many resources like wood and metals, so they traded for them.
Why is the Code of Hammurabi considered important in world history?
It is one of the earliest written law codes, showing that Mesopotamian society had a structured legal system that influenced later civilizations.