Ancient Mesopotamia

What does Mesopotamia mean?

“Land between rivers” → Tigris & Euphrates (Iraq)

When did farming in the Fertile Crescent begin?

~9800 BCE

Challenges for farmers in Mesopotamia:

• Tigris + Euphrates rivers overflow unpredictably

• Hot weather = dead crops

Solutions to flooding in Mesopotamia:

• irrigation canals

• plows (repaired damaged fields + efficiency

• conserving rainwater

What was the world’s first civilization?

Sumer (~3500 BCE), formed to manage farmland + trade natural resources. Fertile land + food surpluses allowed permanent settlements.

What was a city-state?

A city + surrounding farmland, independent government.

What was the Sumerian social class order?

Status based off of power + wealth:

Rulers → priests → scribes/merchants/artisans → farmers/workers → slaves.

What was Sumer’s writing system?

Cuneiform (~3200 b.c). wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets to represent sounds. Began written history

What is the world’s oldest story?

Epic of Gilgamesh (Uruk king seeking immortality).

Sargon the Great accomplishments:

• United Sumerian city-states→ world’s first empire

• Expanded Akkadian control across Mesopotamia (first empire)

• Controlled woodmmetal,stone trade routes

• Replaced Sumerian → Akkadian language

How did Akkadian Empire collapse?

Too large → rebellions, famine, invasions (~2200 BCE).

which clan conquered Akkadian empire and when?

1.) The Amorites (led by Hammurabi) (2000, west Mesopotamia)

How long did Hammurabi rule Babylon?

1792–1750 BCE.

How did Hammurabi conquer all of Mesopotamia in 8 years?

Alliances with neighboring lands

What is the Code of laws + why was it created

1.) Organized, written list of rules for Babylonians (“constitution)

2.) Ensures justice + unite people under 1 rulebook

What was Hammurabi’s Code known for?

“Punishment fits the crime,” laws varied by social class.

Who ruled Assyrian empire + when was it founded?

4 kings (650–625 BCE)

Assyrian military technology:

• Iron weapons

• chariots

• bows

Why did the Assyrian Empire fall?

Harsh rule → rebellions, civil war → conquered by Chaldeans (~625 BCE).

Rise and fall of Chaldean’s rule over Assyrian empire

(612–539 BCE)

What was Assyrian empire called after Chaldean takeover?

Neo-Babylonian emprie

Most famous Chaldean king + accomplishments

• Nebuchadnezzar II (ruled 605–562 BCE).

• Rebuilt Babylon (Hanging Gardens, Tower of Babel.)

What scientific advances did the Chaldeans make?

Astronomy → mapped stars, developed calendar.

Who conquered the Chaldeans?

The Persians (539 BCE).

Where did the Phoenicians live?

Mediterranean coast (modern Lebanon).

What was their main achievement in writing?

22-letter alphabet (influenced Greek & Latin).

What were the Phoenicians known for trading?

Purple dye, wood, glass, metals.

Who founded the Persian Empire?

Cyrus the Great (~550 BCE).

What was Cyrus known for?

Conquering Babylon & ruling with tolerance.

Who expanded the Persian Empire to its largest size?

Darius I (522–486 BCE), 2,800 miles wide (Afghanistan to Argaen Sea)

How did Darius organize his empire?

20 provinces (satrapies), ruled by governors (satraps).

What road system did Darius build?

The Royal Road (for trade & communication).