Early Civilizations of the Middle East

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to the early civilizations of the Middle East, including significant groups, terms, and key concepts discussed in the lecture.

Sumerians

The first major civilization in what is now the Middle East, thriving for about 2500 years.

Pastoralists

Groups that rely on raising livestock rather than agriculture, often seen as a threat to settled agricultural societies.

Akkadians

A Semitic pastoralist group that invaded Sumerian cities around 2100 BC.

Civil War

A prolonged conflict between factions within the same country or region, such as the one between Sumerians and Akkadians.

Amorites

A Semitic pastoralist group that entered the region and established control over the area formerly ruled by the Akkadians.

Babylon

The city established by the Amorites that became a significant center of power and culture.

Hammurabi

The sixth king of Babylon, known for creating one of the first written legal codes, the Code of Hammurabi.

Code of Hammurabi

A comprehensive set of laws consisting of 282 rules governing various aspects of life in Babylon.

Enslaved Labor

Labor performed by people who are legally owned by others, a common institution in ancient societies.

Cuneiform

An ancient writing system used in the Middle East, primarily by the Sumerians and later by other civilizations.

Semitic

Referring to a group of languages and peoples originating in the Middle East, including Akkadians, Amorites, and Hebrews.

Monotheism

The belief in a single, all-powerful god, a concept that the Hebrews brought back from Egypt.

Torah

The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, encompassing both history and commandments.

Phoenicians

A Semitic civilization known for their maritime trade and the development of one of the first alphabets.

Naval Technology

The technology developed by the Phoenicians, allowing them to navigate and trade across the Mediterranean Sea.

Carthage

A prominent trading city founded by the Phoenicians, which became a major power in the Mediterranean.

Indo Europeans

A group of pastoralists from the Steppe, known for their spread into various cultures across Europe and Asia.

Hittites

An Indo-European group known for their advanced metal technology and military strength.

Steppe

A vast, open plain in Eurasia, home to the Indo-European pastoralists.

Iron Weapons

Weapons made from iron, giving cultures like the Hittites a significant military advantage.

Egyptians

The civilization located to the south of the Hittites, which played a crucial role in ancient history.

Hebrews

A Semitic pastoralist group that settled in the Eastern Mediterranean, known for their monotheistic faith.

Solomon's Temple

A significant religious structure built during the reign of King Solomon, a symbol of Jewish faith.

Yahweh

The name of the singular god worshipped by the Hebrews, representing their monotheistic belief.

Akkadian Invaders

The pastoralist group that raided and ultimately attempted to control the Sumerian cities around 2100 BC.

The Exodus

The departure of the Hebrews from Egypt, traditionally led by Moses.

Mediterranean Sea

The body of water that the Phoenicians navigated for trade and colonization efforts.

Phonograms

Symbols that represent sounds, which were utilized to create written records in phonetic alphabets.

Hellenes

Indo-European pastoralists who formed the core of ancient Greek civilization.

Italics

A group descended from the Indo Europeans that laid the foundation for the Roman Empire.

Celts

Indo European peoples who populated much of Europe, particularly in areas like Ireland and Scotland.

Consequences of Enslavement

Differences in how various social classes experienced punishment and labor based on the Code of Hammurabi.

Pictograms

Symbols that represent ideas or objects, often complicated to learn, used in ancient scripts.

Phonetic Alphabet

An alphabet where symbols represent sounds, allowing for easier communication and record-keeping.

Assyrians

A powerful group that utilized brutal force to conquer and expand their territory in the ancient Near East.

Hammurabi's Pillars

Stone pillars inscribed with the Code of Hammurabi, displayed publicly for societal reference.

Divine Law

The concept that Hammurabi's rules are presented as commands from the gods, not just human laws.

Social Status

The hierarchical ranking of individuals in society that influenced how laws applied to them under Hammurabi.

Civilization Collapse

The phenomenon of civilizations declining due to internal and external pressures, such as invasions or civil strife.

Cultural Exchange

The process of exchanging ideas, goods, and technologies between different cultures, as seen with Phoenician trade.

Colonial Strategy

The practice of establishing colonies to manage resources, populations, and expand influence.

Sumerian Cities

Independent city-states that flourished in Mesopotamia, each with its own governance and culture.

Fertile Crescent

A region in the Middle East, including parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, known for its agriculture.

Invasions

Attacks by external groups, often leading to the downfall of existing societies, such as those by the Akkadians on the Sumerians.

Abraham

A patriarch in Hebrew tradition, often associated with the covenant between God and the Hebrew people.

Akkadian Empire

The first known empire in history, established by Sargon of Akkad around 2334 BC.

Cultural Foundations

The underlying beliefs, practices, and languages that shape a society's identity.

Divine Rights

The idea that rulers derive their authority from a divine source, often used to justify their power.

Cultural Unity

The shared identity and values that bind a civilization together amid diversity.

Social Contracts

Agreements within societies that determine the expectations of behavior and justice.