Mesopotamia and city life

Flashcards about Mesopotamia and its civilization.

Mesopotamia

A historical region in Western Asia situated within the Tigris-Euphrates river system.

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Rivers that defined the location of Mesopotamia, providing water and fertile soil.

Civilization Formation

The process of settlements growing into larger, more complex urban centers.

Uruk

One of the first cities in Mesopotamia, with a population between 40,000 and 50,000 people and diverse occupations.

Occupations/Division of Labor

Specialized jobs that emerged in Mesopotamian society, leading to social classes and hierarchies.

Institutions

Established organizations with a specific purpose that endure over time, such as government or religious institutions.

Technology/Tools

Inventions and advancements that helped Mesopotamians adapt to their environment and improve their lives.

Irrigation

The process of diverting water to crops, making Mesopotamia a fertile and prosperous region.

City-State

Independent political entities that consisted of a city and the surrounding territory, each with its own king.

Cuneiform

A form of writing developed in Mesopotamia, characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets.

Bronze

A mixture of copper and tin that was used to make tools and weapons.

Epic

A long narrative poem celebrating the achievements of a hero.