When & Where
What is known as the “cradle of civilization”?
Mesopotamia
In what region did Mesopotamia emerge in?
The Fertile Crescent
What was the first evidence of writing found on? What were they using to write on these?
Clay tablets, they would use a reed stylus.
Name the first major code of law. Who created this code of law and ordered its engraving?
The Code of Hammurabi, created by Hammurabi (6th king of Babylon).
How did Mesopotamian culture spread?
Through trade
What did all four of the first great civilizations have in common?
They emerged in large valleys crossed by rivers that flooded regularly, making the soil fertile.
Name the two major rivers between which Mesopotamia was situated.
Euphrates and Tigris
When did the first form of writing emerge in Mesopotamia? What region of Mesopotamia did it emerge in?
The first forms of writing began around 3300 BCE in the Sumer region.
Were priests considered important in Mesopotamian society? What role did they play?
Yes, they served as intermediaries between humans and the Gods. Their duty was to beg the Gods to spare their city from misfortune and to bring good fortune upon it instead.
Why did Mesopotamians establish trade networks?
When and where did Mesopotamian civilization emerge?
Around the 4th millennium BCE (3500 BCE), between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in the Fertile Crescent (present-day Iraq).
Which modern-day country contains most of ancient Mesopotamia?
Iraq
What is a scribe, and was it hard to become one?
A professional writer; yes, it required years of study.
List some of the things people in Mesopotamia did to avoid displeasing the Gods. (minimum 4)
What major invention (which is still very important today) helped expand trade networks? Why was it important?
The wheel: it made travelling and transporting larger quantities of goods/products for trade much easier. Donkeys would pull chariots filled with merchandise.
Fill in the blank.
The first four great civilizations were known as the Fertile _____________ Civilizations
Fertile Valley Civilizations
What made the region in which Mesopotamia emerged favorable for agriculture?
Annual floods enriched the soil, rivers provided water, and marshes offered resources like fish, animals, and plants.
Name the first form of writing. What did this writing begin as?
Cuneiform, it began with drawings of animals/objects and using clay tokens for counting.
Name the people within the social hierarchy of Mesopotamia (starting from most powerful to least powerful).
- King
- Nobles
- Priests
- Officials
- Scribes
- Merchants/Artisans
- Peasants & Labourers
- Slaves
Which two innovations (important new ideas/ discoveries) changed Mesopotamian society?
Mathematics:
•Used a number system with a base of 60 rather than 10.
•Creation of the 60-minutes hour, 60 second minute.
•Circle into 360 degrees.
Astronomy:
·Divided the year into two seasons, and 12 months based on the cycle of the Moon (helped farmers know when to plant and cultivate their crop).
Explain how geography led directly to the rise of civilizations.
Specific geographical regions, such as the Fertile Crescent, had very rich soil which led to societies having surpluses in agricultural production (food surpluses) → population growth → more needs which led to larger trade networks and the development writing → expansion of civilizations
What does the word “Mesopotamia” mean?
“Land between the rivers.”
Explain why writing began within Mesopotamia? How did this impact government power?
To keep track of trade, laws, taxes, and food storage within their civilization.
It gave the government (the king) the power to have laws written down, making them permanent and "clear" for all (specific consequences for specific offenses...). Also gave the government written records of all their resources and more control over the inner workings of civilizations.
What is a city-state?
An independent city with its own government, with a king/leader, and its own institutions. It controls the city and the surrounding agricultural territory.
Which aspects of Mesopotamian culture influenced other civilizations? Give an example of something that we still have in our culture today that began in Mesopotamia.
Writing, law, inventions, and religious beliefs.