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Explore the achievements of the ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia, including their development of writing (cuneiform), creation of the first law code (Hammurabi's Code), and contributions to literature (Epic of Gilgamesh).
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Ancient Mesopotamia Mr. McEntarfer Global History *HSLPS
Aim: What have the Sumerians done for us? • Do Now: Copy Notes • Mesopotamia – Greek word which means the land between two rivers. • The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers flooded regularly to help irrigate crops. • Also called the Fertile Crescent and is in present day Iraq
Ancient Sumer Sumer was the first civilization beginning in Mesopotamia about 3500 B.C. Government: • It consisted of city-states • Led by priest-kings who had dynasties (family rule) Religion: • Polytheistic • Gods acted like people, controlled everyday life and demanded sacrifice • Buildings called Ziggurats were built for the gods Traditional Economy: Based on Barter (direct trade, no money)
Sumerian Achievements • First to Write • The earliest writing called cuneiform • Scribes used a stylus to inscribe wedge-shaped characters on clay tablets
Activity • Write your name in Cuneiform on the paper provided.
Activity • Create a math problem with an answer in Cuneiform. +,-,x or ÷
Epic of Gilgamesh • Sumerian Poem • The Epic of Gilgamesh • oldest works of literature • stories about a hero named Gilgamesh • travels the world in search of eternal life • he meets the survivor of a great flood • By the end of the story, Gilgamesh has learned the greatest truth of all- that even heroes must die
Summary • Share out as a class • Answer Aim: What have the Sumerians done for us?
Homework • How should the law deal with drunk drivers? What should be the punishment is someone is drinking and driving? Explain.
The Babylonian Empire M.r McENtarer * HsLPS * Global I
Aim: How did Hammurabi rule the Babylonian Empire Do Now: Copy Empire: When one group brings together several peoples, nations or previously independent states under the control of one ruler.
The Babylonian Empire • Around 1792 BCE , after years of chaos a new leader emerged named Hammurabi. • Hammurabi created the Babylonian Empire. • Hammurabi created the first written law code. • The code of laws is based on an “eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth” • The punishments must fit the crime and was based on social rank. (A slaves punishment would be worse than a nobles punishment).
Create a Law Code for our School • What laws should be made? • What should be the punishment for these crimes? • Create a law code of 5 laws that you would impose on our school using the chart paper. Remember creativity, color and neatness count. • Be specific about what the crime is, who they apply to and the punishments. Use complete sentences.
Hammurabi's Code What would you do? Directions: Tags have been placed in each corner of the room death, corporal punishment, prison, fine. For each crime go to the corner for which punishment you believe fits the crime, then we will discuss what how Hammurabi’s Code handled each crime.
Theft – Shoplifting • What should be the punishment if a person is caught shoplifting? Do we have a similar law today?
How Hammurabi Handled Shoplifters • If a man works or shops at a place of business and that man steals from that business he shall have his fingers cut off What aspect of life does this law affect?
Grand Theft • What should be the punishment if a person steals a car?
How Hammurabi Handled Grand Theft • If a man has stolen an ox or a boat that belonged to a temple or palace, he shall pay thirty times its cost. If it belonged to a private citizen he shall pay ten times its cost. If the thief cannot pay he shall be put to death. How does this law demonstrate a difference between social classes?
False Accusations • What should be the punishment if a person falsely accuses someone of a crime?
How Hammurabi Handled False Accusations • If any one bring an accusation of any crime before the elders, and does not prove what he has charged, he shall, if it be a capital offense charged, be put to death.
Assault and Battery • What should be the punishment if a person intentionally physically injures another person?
How Hammurabi Handled Assault and Battery • If a man put out the eye of another man of his equal, his eye shall be put out. • If he put the eye of a man of lesser rank or break the bone of that man he shall pay one piece of silver • If he put out the eye of a man’s slave or break the bone of a man’s slave he shall pay one half of its value. Is this law unfair?
Adultery (Cheating) • What should be the punishment if a person cheats on their spouse (marriage partner)?
How Hammurabi Handled Adultery • If a man's wife be surprised with another man, both shall be tied and thrown into the water, but the husband may pardon his wife and the king his slaves. • If the "finger is pointed" at a man's wife about another man, but she is not caught sleeping with the other man, she shall jump into the river for her husband.
Word Slam ! • Take out a sheet of paper and tear it into eight pieces • Write one of the following terms on each of the pieces. • City-State, Dynasty, Cultural Diffusion, Polytheism, Hammurabi, Cuneiform, Fertile Crescent, Mesopotamia and Empire
Questions • The belief in many gods • Independent metropolis • Family Rule • Usually happened through trade • Babylonian law maker • Land between two rivers • Best farming area in South West Asia • Many cultures under one government.
Homework Write a paragraph in which you discuss the difference between the laws of the U.S. and the Hammurabi’s Code.