Ancient River Valley Civilizations MESOPOTAMIA Essential Questions How

Ancient River Valley Civilizations MESOPOTAMIA

Essential Questions • How did geography impact early civilizations? • How did changes in the Agricultural/Neolithic Revolution lead to the development of River Valley Civilizations?

Mesopotamia 3500 BCE-1700 BCE • The land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. • Also known as the “Fertile Crescent” • The first civilization was Sumer

Mesopotamia--Government • City-States • Each with its own rulers who were also the head of religion (theocracy) • They were eventually united under a single ruler • King Hammurabi created the first written law code • Pertained to all aspects of life • Did not apply equally to all people

Mesopotamia--Economy • Farming—agriculturally based economy • Grains, veggies, dates, flax • Domesticated sheep, goats, oxen, cows, and donkeys • Research and evidence show they also traded with other civilizations. • Merchants • Artisans

Mesopotamia—Religion • The king was the head of religion as well as the government • Each city-state had its own chief deity. • Sumer was poly-theistic…many believing in almost over 2, 000 gods! • They build complex temples known as Ziggurats to honor their many gods.

Mesopotamia--Society • Three Social Classes: • King and Nobles • Merchants and artisans • Peasants and slaves • Women had few legal rights in Sumerian society.

Mesopotamia--Technology • Developed the first writing system called Cuneiform. • They developed arches, ramps, sewage systems, and the wheel. • They also had a number system based on 60 and they had a lunar calendar.

Assignment • Create ONE test question for each section of your Cornell notes. • Write a summary of what you have learned in the bottom section of your Cornell notes.