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28 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Mesopotamia
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Means "the land between the rivers"
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droughts
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Long periods of time without rain
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silt
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Loose, rich soil that is carried by water
Makes farmland fertile |
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levee
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A wall that is built to keep a river within its banks
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irrigation
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A system of canals to bring water to crops
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cuneiform
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A system of writing developed in Sumer
Symbols were scratched into a wet, clay tablet with a reed pen |
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ziggurat
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A tall flattened pyramid made of mu brick in the center of Sumerian cities.
A temple for religious worship was at the top. |
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scribe
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A trained, official writer
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city-state
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A self-governing city that also governs nearby cities.
Each is ruled by a king. |
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empire
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A group of lands and people that were ruled by one government
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What two rivers is Mesopotamia located between?
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The Euphrates River and the Tigris River
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What is the land like in Northern Mesopotamia? Southern Mesopotamia?
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Northern - Mountainous with rocky soil that is not good for farming. Did get enough rain to farm.
Southern - Hot, dry land suitable for farming. Little rain. Droughts. Rivers would flood each fall |
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How did the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers affect life in Mesopotamia?
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Provided water and silt for farming.
Led to the development of levees and canals. |
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What is the land like in modern Mesopotamia (Iraq)? Why?
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Desert - in ancient times people cut down the trees for buildings and firewood and over time the fertile soil eroded
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What happened because Mesopotamian farmers were able to raise a surplus of crops?
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Since they grew more food that they needed for themselves, they were able to trade and sell it. Not everyone had to be a farmer and could become scholars, leaders and soldiers.
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Sumer
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Area of 12 small city-states in southern Mesopotamia. All Sumerians worshiped similar gods and had similar customs but had different kings.
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List what was invented in Sumer.
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First irrigation system
sailboats wheeled vehicles pottery wheel writing system - cuneiform ideas in math and science |
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Why was writing such an important development for Sumerians?
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Made it possible to keep records
Allowed leaders to write and communicate laws |
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Why were city-states often at war with each other? What did they do to try to protect themselves?
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They wanted to control the rivers.
Thick, mud-brick walls were build around each city-state for protection. |
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Who created the first empire in 2300 B.C.?
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Sargon
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How did Sargon change life in Mesopotamia?
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He created the first empire and was a strong leader.
This was the first time there were the same laws and customs for all people. |
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Explain what daily life was like for people living in Sumer.
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Families were poor - everyone worked
Kids traded goods for their family Played board games Enjoyed music, festivals and storytellers |
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What were the two most powerful city-states in Mesopotamia?
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Babylon and Assyria
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Who was the king of Babylon aroun 1750 B.C.?
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Hammurabi
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How did Hammurabi gain control of Mesopotamia?
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He controlled the Euphrates River by building dams so the people downstream would have to cooperate with what he wanted(so he didn't flood their land or cause a drought).
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What is the Code of Hammurabi?
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A collection of over 200 laws carved in cuneiform that applied to all people ruled by Hammurabi. Included divorce, doctors fees, pay, slavery, clumsy barbers
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Why did the Babylonian Empire weaken after Hammurabi died?
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He was a strong leader that enforced his laws and his empire was weakened by wars and poor leaders after his death.
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Why was Assyria able to conquer other city-states easily?
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Strong Army and Military leaders
New equipment - horse drawn chariots, battering rams, towers on wheels |
