Humanities: Chapter 1

Urbanization

The process by which cities grow and societies become more urban, leading to increased specialization of arts and professions and expanded trade.

City-State

An independent city that has its own government and controls the surrounding territory, as seen in early Sumerian Mesopotamia.

Sumerians

The dominant ethnic group in the early Mesopotamian cities, known for establishing the first cities and developing key aspects of the civilization.

Ziggurat

A massive stepped pyramid structure, typically with a temple at the top, that evolved from early shrines and represented a sacred mountain in Mesopotamian religion.

Myth

In a scholarly context, an orally passed-down story based on historical events but existing outside of "sacred time," representing a society's deepest truths preserved through ritual.

Cuneiform

The system of writing developed by the Sumerians, characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on soft clay tablets with a reed stylus.

Epic

A long narrative poem recounting the heroic or superhuman deeds of a mortal hero, often involving gods, the underworld, or divine realms, such as The Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

The most important work of Mesopotamian literature, considered the oldest written epic and perhaps the oldest written story in the world.

Akkadians

The people who assumed control of Mesopotamia after the Sumerians, establishing an empire under King Sargon that expanded to include Syria and Anatolia.

Hammurabi

The first ruler of the Babylonian Empire, known for creating the Hammurabi Code, a collection of 282 laws inscribed on a basalt stone block.

Assyrians

A tough and warlike people from Northern Mesopotamia who supplanted Hittite control, building one of the largest empires of the ancient world through military might and ruthlessness.

Nebuchadnezzar II

A ruler during the Second Babylonian Empire, known for building a magnificent palace and for the Babylonians' lasting contributions to astronomy.

Sacred Time

A concept used by students of mythology to refer to the period in which mythical events are believed to have occurred, distinct from historical time.