Mesopotamian notes

Fertile Crescent

Area in the Middle East where flooding rivers provide rich soil and nutrient-rich silt deposits.

Mesopotamia

Meaning 'land between two rivers,' refers to the region created by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Irrigation systems

Constructed to manage river flooding and supply water for agriculture.

City-state

A self-governing state consisting of a city and its surrounding territory.

Theocracy

A form of government in which priests rule in the name of a god.

Sumer

The first known civilization developed in Mesopotamia, made up of city-states.

Hammurabi’s Code

The first written law codes established by Babylonian ruler Hammurabi.

Epic of Gilgamesh

The world’s first literature, an epic poem about the exploits of Gilgamesh.

Ziggurats

Temples built in Sumer to honor the gods.

Cuneiform

The first writing system developed in Sumer, using symbols pressed into clay.

Phoenicians

A civilization known for their sea trading and the development of the alphabet.

Akkadians

The world's first empire, established by Sargon, which conquered Sumer and parts of Egypt.

Persian Empire

An empire founded by Cyrus the Great, known for its tolerance and administrative efficiency.

Zoroastrianism

An ancient religion that includes the belief in two gods representing good and evil.

Slavery

A socio-economic system where individuals are forced to work without pay, often due to debt, war, or birth.

Irrigation

A system of watering crops by artificial means, crucial for agriculture in arid regions.

Bronze Age

The period characterized by the use of bronze tools and weapons, marked by advancements in metallurgy.

Merchants

Individuals engaged in trade, contributing to the economy by exchanging goods.

Artisans

Skilled workers who create handmade goods and crafts.

Debt slavery

A form of slavery wherein individuals work to pay off debts.

Agricultural surplus

Excess production of crops that allows for trade and market development.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple gods, central to Sumerian religion.

Cyrus the Great

The founder of the Persian Empire, known for his policies of tolerance and governance.

Nebuchadnezzar II

A notable ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, known for the Hanging Gardens.

Epic poems

Long, narrative works that recount the deeds of heroes and mythological tales.

Bireme ships

Ancient vessels used by Phoenicians, known for their speed and maneuverability.

Purple dye

A rare and valuable dye produced by the murex snail, associated with royalty.