Untitled Flashcard Set

Fertile Crescent

An arc of land that stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf, known for its rich soil and abundant crops.

Mesopotamia

Located at the eastern end of the Fertile Crescent, bounded by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Tigris and Euphrates rivers

The two rivers that overflow their banks, depositing fertile silt which enriches the soil of Mesopotamia.

Irrigation and drainage ditches

Practices employed by Mesopotamian people to control the flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Sumerians

The creators of the first Mesopotamian civilization who established cities such as Eridu, Ur, and Uruk by around 3000 B.C.

City-state

The basic unit of Sumerian civilization, having political and economic control over surrounding countryside.

Sun-dried brick

The material used to build city dwellings in Sumerian cities, often enclosed by walls.

Polytheistic religion

The belief system of the Mesopotamian people characterized by the worship of many gods and goddesses.

Ziggurat

A massive stepped tower that served as the most prominent building in a Sumerian city, functioning as a temple for the chief god or goddess.