Key Concepts of Mesopotamian Civilization

Gregorian Calendar Start

the birth of Jesus Christ

B.C.E. and C.E. Usage

B.C.E. and C.E. refer to 'common era' and are more secular terms

Domestication

This is the process by which plants and/or animals become controlled by humans for the benefit of humans.

Subsistence Agriculture

This is a situation in which farmers grow only enough food to support themselves and their families.

Reason for Decrease in Hunting Societies

people learned how to grow crops and domesticate animals.

Paleolithic Era Characteristics

Cave dwellers, Nomadic, Hunter-gatherers

Farming Importance for Civilizations

Communities could grow a surplus of food.

Climate Change for Neolithic Age

the end of the last ice age

Sumerian Farming Development

irrigation systems

Sumerian Inventions

wheeled carts

Political Structure of Sumer

City-state

city-state

A city that is also an independent state with its own government.

empire

A group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor or a king.

development of writing and religion

The creation of systems for communication and belief systems.

the Ice Age

A period of time when temperatures were much colder than they are now.

the Agricultural Revolution

A period of agricultural development resulting in increased food production.

Surplus of food made it easier for

trade and new jobs.

Silt left behind by floods made

Fertile soil and allowed for increased agricultural output.

The development of irrigation systems allowed water into drier areas and helped the population grow.

Introduction of irrigation brought water to arid regions, supporting population expansion.

Cuneiform

the world's first system of writing; developed in Sumer

barter

Exchange of goods or services without using money.

ziggurats

Pyramid-shaped temples dedicated to Mesopotamian deities.

polytheistic

Belief in or worship of multiple gods.