Ancient Mesopotamia Overview

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and information about Ancient Mesopotamia, including geography, religion, achievements, and social structure.

What does Mesopotamia mean?

It means 'Land between the Two Rivers,' referring to its location between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

What are the two major rivers in Mesopotamia?

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

How did geography affect the development of Mesopotamian civilizations?

The Fertile Crescent provided rich soil for agriculture, which allowed for permanent settlements and increased food production.

What was the main religion practiced in Ancient Mesopotamia?

Polytheism, the worship of many gods.

What significant achievements are attributed to the Sumerians?

They invented the wheel, developed cuneiform writing, and created a calendar.

What was the Code of Hammurabi?

The earliest written law code that included 282 laws governing various aspects of society.

What did the Phoenicians contribute to civilization?

They were skilled shipbuilders, developed a wide trading network, and created the first alphabet.

What social structure existed in Ancient Mesopotamia?

Society was divided into four classes: King/Priests, Nobles, Merchants/Professionals, and Farmers/Slaves.

How were women treated in Ancient Mesopotamia?

Women were not considered equal to men and were primarily responsible for home tasks; some upper-class women had certain rights and freedoms.

What was the significance of the Ziggurat in Mesopotamia?

Ziggurats were monumental architecture that served as religious temples and showcased the civilization's architectural skills.