Mesopotamia Civilization (soc. sci.)

Mesopotamia

The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as "The Land Between the Two Rivers." Now known as IRAQ

Tigris & Euphrates Rivers

The two main rivers of ancient Mesopotamia, which served as the cradle of urban civilization.

Fertile Crescent

An ancient region in Asia known for its rich and fertile soil, of which Mesopotamia was a part.

Polytheistic Belief

The belief in multiple gods, with Mesopotamians worshiping 3600 gods and demigods.

Ziggurat

A form of temple common to the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, where they worshiped their gods and goddesses.

Cuneiform

A system of writing first developed by the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia, using a reed stylus as the main writing tool.

Scribe

Experts in cuneiform writing.

Code of Hammurabi

A well-preserved Babylonian code of law, the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world.

Ruled by kings

Mesopotamia was governed by kings, with each king ruling a single city.

Gilgamesh

Fifth ruler of the first dynasty of Uruk, known for his building projects, judgment, and divine-human heritage.

Sargon the Great Emperor

Founder of the Akkadian Empire, the world's first empire, through the conquest of Sumerian city-states.

King Hammurabi of Babylonia

Sixth king of Babylon, known for establishing the Hammurabi Code, a written code of laws.

Nabopolassar

Overthrew the Assyrian Empire, established the second Babylonian Empire, and ruled for 20 years.

Nebuchadnezzar II

Expanded the Babylonian Empire, conquered Judah and Jerusalem, and built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Shamshi Adad I

Conquered surrounding city-states, established the first Assyrian Empire, and was an excellent leader and organizer.

Economy of Mesopotamia

Developed a trade system based on the exchange of goods without using money.

Upper Class

Consisted of the king and priests.

Middle Class

Included scribes, merchants, artisans, and commoners.

Lower Class

Comprised slaves.

Social Structure: