Mesopotamia and Egypt Test Review

A compilation of vocabulary terms and their definitions related to Mesopotamia and Egypt, designed for exam preparation.

Mesopotamia

Greek for 'Land between the rivers', historically situated between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

Pyramids

Initially built as tombs in Egypt to honor and house the deceased pharaohs.

Epic of Gilgamesh

An important piece of Mesopotamian literature that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the quest for immortality.

3100 BC

Around this year, Egypt developed as a civilization.

Iraq

The present-day country where ancient Mesopotamia was located.

Farmers

The majority of people worked as farmers in both Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Polytheism

Religion characterized by the belief in multiple gods, prevalent in Mesopotamian culture.

The flooding of the rivers

Agriculture in both Egypt and Mesopotamia mainly depended on river flooding for irrigation.

Papyrus

Plant used by Egyptians to make items such as paper, mats, ropes, and boats.

Cuneiform

The writing system developed by the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia.

Nebuchadnezzar

The king responsible for the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Re

The name of the Egyptian sun god, worshiped as a primary deity.

Ziggurats

Massive structures built in Mesopotamia that served as temples to the gods.

Hammurabi's Code

One of the earliest and most complete written legal codes from ancient Babylon.

Sumerians

The people of ancient Sumer who developed cuneiform and were among the first civilizations.

Dynasty

A line of hereditary rulers of a country, significant in both Egyptian and Mesopotamian history.

Iron

A metal utilized in tools and weapons, marking advancements in ancient civilizations.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system used in ancient Egypt that used symbols and pictures.

Calendar

An essential tool used by ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians for agricultural, religious, and civic planning.

Astronomy

The study of celestial bodies, which was significant in both societies for navigation and calendar making.

Claid tablets

Materials used by ancient Sumerians for writing using cuneiform.

Corvee Duty

A form of unpaid labor imposed by the state, often for public works in ancient civilizations.