Humanities Mesopotamia Terms to Know

Civilization: a complex human society characterized by the development of cities, social stratification, and a governing structure

Cuneiform: an ancient system of writing developed by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets

Epic Poem: a long narrative poem that often details heroic deeds

Fertile Crescent: crescent-shaped region in Middle East known for rich soils and good climate that was important for agriculture

Gilgamesh: a legendary figure and hero of the earliest form of literature.

Epic of Gilgamesh: Narrarates Gilgamesh’s adventures for immortality, friendship, and the human condition

Hammurabi: 6th king of the first Babylonian dynasty

Hammurabi’s Code: an ancient legal code created by Hammurabi compromising of a system of laws

Hierarchy of Scale: an artistic/cultural concept where the size of figures in art denotes their importance. Larger=more important and vice versa.

Inanna/Ishtar: In Mesopotamian religion, Inanna is the goddess of war, love, and fertility. Ishtar is the Babylonian counterpart.

Mesopotamia: an ancient civilization considered the first recognized for its early development of writing, urbanization, & complex societies

Monumental Architecture: large & impressive structures built to commemorate significant events/deities/leaders such as temples & palaces

Polytheism: the belief/worship of multiple deities

Stele: a stone/wooden slab engraved with inscriptions of events or messages used in ancient cultures as a monument, gravestone, or marker

Stylistic Conventions: methods employed by artists to convey themes, emotions, & ideas in their works

Tigris & Euphrates Rivers: supported the rise of ancient civilizations by providing a water source for farming

Ziggurat: a massive, terraced structure of ancient Mesopotamia served as temples to worship deities tho its not a public house of worship