History

Mesopotamia

Situated between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, it saw the development of the first states, with agriculture driven by irrigation techniques.

Irrigation

A technique necessary for agriculture in arid conditions, requiring organized cooperation and social cohesion.

Uruk

Grew to become the world's first city around 3800 BCE.

Polytheism

Dominated Mesopotamian religion, with gods associated with natural forces such as the sun, moon, water, and storms.

Ziggurats

Stepped pyramids that became prominent features of temples in Mesopotamia.

Kingship

Initially temporary power gained by leaders during crises, which later became permanent through hereditary dynasties.

Social Hierarchy

Consisted of kings and nobles owning land worked by clients and slaves, with the royal family and priests at the top.

Cuneiform

Writing that evolved from pictographs into ideograms and eventually phonetic writing, emerging around 3200 BCE.

Base-60 System

A mathematical innovation developed by the Sumerians, leading to 60 minutes in an hour and 360° circles.

Epic of Gilgamesh

The world's first epic poem, contributing to the development of written storytelling.

Sargon of Akkad

Unified Mesopotamian city-states into the Akkadian Empire around 2300 BCE through military conquest and alliances.

Enheduana

Sargon's daughter, recognized as the first named author, who wrote hymns in honor of the gods.

Hammurabi

Rose to power in Babylon, which became strategically important for trade after the decline of the Akkadian Empire.

Decline of Akkad

Caused by extended drought and internal strife, leading to the rise of Babylon.

Sumer

The southern part of Mesopotamia that faced arid conditions and necessitated irrigation for agriculture.

Scribal Schools

Institutions that trained male students to record property, laws, and royal decrees using cuneiform.

Social Class Structure

Included a royal family and priests at the top, with slaves at the bottom, considered property of their owners.

Marriage and Inheritance Laws

Reflected gendered divisions but allowed women to control dowries.

Environmental Challenges

Included the need for irrigation in the arid conditions of Southern Mesopotamia.

Hydraulic Projects

Large-scale constructions such as reservoirs, dams, and dikes to prevent flooding, necessitated by irrigation.

Hammurabi

Consolidated power through military force, alliances, and religious symbolism from 1792-1750 BCE.

Hammurabi's Code

A legal framework established in 1755 BCE meant to bring uniformity and justice to Babylonian society.

Punishments in Hammurabi's Code

Examples include 'eye for an eye' and differentiated punishments based on social hierarchy.

Family matters in Hammurabi's Code

Laws regarding marriage, inheritance, and divorce.

Importance of agriculture in Hammurabi's Code

Emphasized in laws about business contracts and property rights.

Marriage and Divorce Laws

Men could divorce women for barrenness or neglect, returning dowries and supporting children.

Consequences for women's behavior

Infidelity or disrespect could result in severe penalties, including drowning.

Male behavior norms

Linked to maintaining the household and respect for family roles.

Female behavior norms

Expected to be caregivers, with actions impacting family structure.

Cuneiform

The first writing system, initially pictographic, later adapted for phonetic use.

Ziggurat

A stepped temple tower in Mesopotamian cities.

Polytheism

Belief in multiple gods controlling various aspects of life.

Patriarchy

A system where power is held by men, particularly in kingship and inheritance.

Akkadian Empire

The first true empire in Mesopotamia, created by Sargon of Akkad.

Hammurabi's Code on Marriage and Divorce

Husbands must return dowries and support children; wives may return to their family if wronged.

Consequences for a wife not wronged

May face severe consequences if she does not meet expected behavior.

Social structure reflected in Hammurabi's Code

Men were expected to support families; women were expected to be faithful.

Irrigation and agriculture's role

Contributed to the development of states in Mesopotamia.

Religion's role in Sumerian governance

Played a significant role in the governance of Sumerian cities.

Differences of Akkadian Empire

Differs from earlier city-states of Mesopotamia in terms of structure and governance.