The Ancient Fertile Crescent Area The Middle East

The Ancient Fertile Crescent Area The Middle East: “The Cradle of Civilization”

Mesopotamia n Land between two rivers (Tigris & Euphrates Rivers) n Located in southern Iraq n The flat land was vulnerable to attackers – City states: cities that had control of surrounding land – EX) Sumer by 3000 B. C. E. had 12 city states

Sumerians

Sumerian Religion Polytheistic Enki Innana

Deciphering Cuneiform

Empire of Hammurabi 1792 B. C. -1750 B. C. n Great warrior; conquered most of Mesopotamia Code of Hammurabi: earliest code of law – collection of 282 laws; based on JUSTICE – Laws focused on the family – “Eye for an Eye” and “A tooth for a tooth” – Penalties differed for the same crime

Empire of Hammurabi 1792 -1750 n Based in the city-state Babylon n Patriarchal society: dominated by men – Women’s duties were in the home

The Babylonian Empires

Egypt A. Stable civilization B. Lasted a long time 2700 B. C. -1085 B. C. C. Very advanced; Nile flooded regularly 1. People planned for this, and felt secure 2. History divided into 3 periods

Old Kingdom 2700 B. C. -2200 B. C. Pharaohs: powerful monarchs presided over the kingdom § Egyptians believed kingship was divine 1. Pharaoh was equal to deity 2. Polytheists: believed in many Gods § Middle Kingdom 2200 B. C. -1652 B. C. § Egyptians learned to make bronze weapons and war chariots New Kingdom 1652 B. C. - 1085 B. C. § The Egyptians built a large empire 1. For a while the most powerful in SW Asia 2. But it grew too large 3. A number of people invaded

Egyptian Social Hierarchy

An Egyptian Woman’s “Must. Haves” Mirror Perfume Whigs

Preparation for the Afterlife

Materials Used in Mummification 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Linen Sawdust Lichen Beeswax Resin 6. Natron 7. Onion 8. Nile Mud 9. Linen Pads 10. Frankincense

Abraham’s Genealogy HAGAR ABRAHAM Ishmael 12 Arabian Tribes SARAH Isaac Jacob 12 Tribes of Israel Esau

Abraham 1900 B. C. E • Father of Israel- led his people out of Ur to Canaan • Prophet: religious teacher sent from God • Made a covenant (2 -way promise with God) • Monotheistic: belief in one god • There was a DROUGHT -some fled to Egypt & were enslaved

Moses: leader of the Israelites “Prince of Egypt” “Shepherd of His People”

The Exodus Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt “I am the Lord thy God…Thou shalt have no other gods before me. ” –Exodus 20: 2 -3

Judaism • 1 st monotheistic religion – belief in 1 god • Most live in Israel or US • 14, 535, 000 followers • Symbol – Star of David • Place of worship synagogue in Karlsruhe, • Leaders - rabbis Germany

Yahweh • Jewish God • Creator & Ruler of the world • Watches over, cares for/loves & protects his people • holds them accountable for their actions • Serve God by studying Torah & living by its teachings

The Torah § The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible. (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) § The most sacred text in the Jewish religious tradition. Yahweh’s “Covenant” With His People §Contains laws & practices