Geography
Which two rivers made farming possible in Mesopotamia?
What tool helped farmers dig and plant more easily?
The plow
What was the first successful civilization?
Sumer
What is the oldest story ever written?
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Who created the first written legal code?
Hammurabi
Why was the Fertile Crescent important for early civilizations?
Its fertile soil supported agriculture and cities
How did the domestication of animals help Mesopotamians?
Provided food, labor, and increased population
Who was the first ruler to unite Mesopotamian city-states?
Sargon of Akkad
What was Mesopotamian writing called?
Cunieform
Why were Hammurabi’s laws written on stone monuments?
So everyone could see the laws and punishments
What type of climate did Mesopotamia have?
Semi-arid
What is the trading system where people exchange goods without money?
Barter system
What empire was created by Sargon?
Akkadian Empire
What material did Mesopotamians write on?
Clay tablets
How were punishments decided under Hammurabi’s Code?
Based on social class
What farming system was developed to control water?
Irrigation
Name two inventions that improved farming in Mesopotamia.
Wheel, plow, irrigation, sailboat (any two)
How were Sumerian religion and government connected?
Kings were believed to get power from the gods
What was the purpose of a ziggurat?
Religious temple/government center to honor the gods
How did Hammurabi’s Code impact Mesopotamian society?
Established common laws and order in society
How did geography and climate encourage settlement in Mesopotamia?
Fertile soil and rivers made agriculture possible
How did metallurgy improve Mesopotamian life?
Created stronger tools/weapons and job specialization
What type of government did Mesopotamia have?
Monarchy- kings ruled city-states; later empires formed under monarchs
How did cuneiform help with epics like Gilgamesh?
It preserved and recorded stories
What principle of justice is known as “an eye for an eye”?
Punishment should fit the crime