Ancient Mesopotamia and Related Cultures

These flashcards cover key concepts, historical figures, architectural structures, and significant advancements related to Ancient Mesopotamia, preparing students for exams on this topic.

What significant technological advancements occurred in Mesopotamia between 6000-5000 BCE?

The development of agriculture, including the wheel, plow, irrigation canals, and writing.

Who were the main political powers that ruled over Mesopotamia in chronological order?

Sumerians, Akkadians, Neo-Sumerians/Babylonians, Hittites/Assyrians, Neo-Babylonians/Persians, Greeks/Romans, Sasanians.

What is cuneiform and why is it significant?

Cuneiform is a system of writing developed by the Sumerians characterized by wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay, marking one of the earliest forms of written documents.

What is a ziggurat and its purpose in Mesopotamian architecture?

A ziggurat is a massive terraced structure that served as a temple or shrine, signifying religious and political authority in ancient cities.

What was the primary deity worshiped in the White Temple of Uruk?

The sun god Anu.

What is the significance of the Standard of Ur?

It is the earliest known work incorporating pictorial conventions that dominated ancient narrative art for over 2000 years.

What does the term 'hierarchic scale' mean in the context of ancient art?

Hierarchic scale is the use of relative size to denote the importance of figures, common in Mesopotamian art.

Who was Hammurabi and what is he known for?

Hammurabi was a Babylonian king known for establishing one of the first written legal codes, known as the Code of Hammurabi.

What are the key features of the Ishtar Gate?

The Ishtar Gate is known for its glazed brick construction, decorative reliefs of dragons and bulls, and significance as a ceremonial entrance to Babylon.

How did the conquest by Alexander the Great impact Persia?

His victory in 334 BCE marked the beginning of Greek and subsequently Roman rule over large parts of Mesopotamia and Persia.