WH-River Valley Civilizations (unit 2)

Mesopotamia, Hebrews, Egypt, India, and China

What is the order of Mesopotamian civilizations?

Sumer(Akkadians), Babylonians, Hittites, Assyrians, Chaldeans(Neo-Babylonians), Phoenicians

Describe the Sumerian gods

Anthropomorphic, and polytheistic

Sumerian inventions

Wheel, plow, sail, base 60 number system, cities within walls (fortified) and cuneiform

Sumer time period

3000 b.c.e - 2000 b.c.e

Important king of Babylon and what did he do

Hammurabi, created Hammurabi’s code, united cities and expanded empire to Asia minor

Why was Babylon successful?

It became rich due to trade (location made it convenient)

Time period of Babylonians/Amorites

1800 b.c.e - 1600 b.c.e

Why did Babylon have its downfall

Hammurabi was a good leader but people after him weren’t able to hold the kingdom together

What were Hittites known for

Being warriors (creating 3 man chariot and having Iron weapons)

Time period of Hittites

1700 b.c.e - 1200 b.c.e

Ruthless Assyrian leader

King Sargon II

Where was Assyria located

north of Babylon; walled cities

Why did Assyrians become ruthless warriors

Their city was located in open land that was easily attacked, had to constantly defend and decided that the best attack was attacking other countries before they were attacked

What did Assyrians use to wage war

battling ram, catapults, archers

Important Assyrian King

Ashurbanipal, created royal library which housed collection of cuneiform writing (Had Gilgamesh)

Why was Assyria overthrown

conquered groups were constantly rebelling, in 612 b.c.e the Medes and Chaldeans joined to smash the Assyrian empire

Where was the Chaldean empire centered at

Babylon

Great Chaldean King

Nebuchadnezzar II, built hanging gardens of Babylon, rebuilt Babylon with massive walls, Ishtar gate

What did the New Babylonian empire become under Chaldean rule

Center of learning and science, Astronomers charted stars, people came to Babylon to share ideas and discoveries

How did the second Babylonian empire fall?

Came under attack and defeated by Persians, led by Cyrus in 539 b.c.e (spared city from destruction bcs it was so pretty :D)

Time period of Chaldeans

612 b.c.e - 539 b.c.e

How was the Phoenician empire built

collection of city states: Byblos, Tyre, Sidon, and Carthage

Religion of Phoenicians

Pantheistic: each city had its own special deity

What were the Phoenicians known for?

Sea routes, royal purple dye, alphabet (phonetics), made glass art

Harappan Civilization

An ancient civilization that developed along the Indus River, known for its advanced urban planning and architecture.

Mohenjo-Daro

One of the major cities of the Harappan Civilization, noted for its sophisticated urban design and the Great Bath.

Centralized Government

A form of governance where power is concentrated in a central authority, evidenced by the planned cities of the Harappan Civilization.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of a god; possibly applicable to the Harappan Civilization.

Indoor Plumbing

An advanced sanitation system found in Harappan cities, including private baths and sewer systems.

Standard Weights and Measures

A system used in the Harappan Civilization to facilitate trade and commerce.

Polytheistic Religion

The belief in multiple gods, practiced by the Harappan people, which influenced later Hinduism.

Job Specialization

The division of labor in the Harappan Civilization, leading to various professions such as kings, priests, and architects.

Great Bath

A significant architectural feature in Mohenjo-Daro, believed to have been used for ritual bathing.

Indus Script

The writing system of the Harappan Civilization, which remains undeciphered and limits our understanding of their culture.

Aryans

A group of nomadic Indo-European people who migrated into the Indus River Valley, influencing the region's culture and society.

Rig Veda

The most important collection of hymns within the Vedas, detailing Aryan life and beliefs.

Caste System

A social hierarchy that developed in India, initially based on occupation, including classes such as Brahmins, warriors, and peasants.

Magadha

A major kingdom that emerged from Aryan struggles for land and power, eventually dominating much of India.