Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent Civilizations

Mesopotamia

Greek origins meaning “between two rivers.”

Irrigation

Using canals, ditches, pipes, and streams to deliver water to dry land.

City-state

An independent city and the farmland that surrounds it.

Empire

A nation and the other nations that it has conquered.

Cuneiform

An ancient written language that has wedged-shaped characters. A reed stylus was used to write the characters.

Scribe

A professional writer or record keeper.

Artisan

A skilled craftsman that makes things using their hands.

Manual Laborer

Physical work done “by hand” instead of machines or animals.

Polytheism

A religion that believes in many gods.

Momotheism

A religion that believes in one god.

Ziggurat

Large temples built by the Sumerians that had ramps, stairs, and several levels.