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City-States of Ancient Sumer and Mesopotamia

City-States of Ancient Sumer and Mesopotamia . Chapter 2; Sections 1 & 2. Influences of Geography. Civilizations arose in the fertile Crescent (Middle East); region on rich soils Mesopotamia means “land between two rivers”– Tigris & Euphrates

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City-States of Ancient Sumer and Mesopotamia

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  1. City-States of Ancient Sumerand Mesopotamia Chapter 2; Sections 1 & 2

  2. Influences of Geography • Civilizations arose in the fertile Crescent (Middle East); region on rich soils • Mesopotamia means “land between two rivers”– Tigris & Euphrates • World’s first civilization developed in Southeast Mesopotamia - Sumer.

  3. Tigris Now

  4. Tigris Now

  5. Euphrates now

  6. Euphrates Now

  7. Floods & Irrigation • Both rivers frequently flooded that proved catastrophic • Villagers cooperated with one another in the construction of dikes and irrigation ditches • A hierarchy developed in order for projects to work efficiently • The Epic of Gilgamesh – describes the great flood that destroys the world • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEeW1tx5QrQ&feature=related

  8. Building of Cities • Mesopotamia had little as far as natural resources • Had ample amounts of clay/sand/water • Created sun-dried bricks from a mixture of clay and water • Sumerians were said to have invented the first wheeled carts

  9. Sumerian Civilization • Civilization arose out of competition • Land and water were competed for • Protection was needed to ensure stability • Leaders evolved out of hereditary rule

  10. Government • City-states had there own rulers • Responsible for enforcing laws, irrigation systems and maintaining city walls • Specific functions include keeping records and collecting taxes

  11. Social Structure • Hierarchy – ruling family, leading officials, and high priests • Middle-class -- consisted of scribes, merchants, and artisans • Peasants – farmers who worked the land for higher social classes • Some peasants were also slaves captured during war

  12. Role of Religion • Polytheistic • Controlled every aspect of life, especially forces of nature • Sacred duty was to keep the gods happy • Built ziggurats (Holy Mountain) – large, multi-stepped platform w/ a temple atop • Sumerians also believed in an afterlife (underworld)

  13. System of Writing • Invented cuneiform – wedge-shaped marks • A system of pictographs, eventually developed into symbols • Took scribes many years to perfect • Schooling was strict; students were caned for disrespect

  14. Legacy of Sumer • Conquering neighbors overwhelmed the Sumerians • Sumerians were proficient in math and astronomy • Developed a number system based on units of six, 60 minute hour, and 360 degree circle

  15. Invaders, Traders, and Empire Builders Chapter 2 section 2

  16. Empires of Mesopotamia • Sargon, ruler of Akkad conquers Sumer • Establishes first empire in history • In 1790 B.C. Hammurabi (Babylon) took control of Mesopotamia • Established (codified) Hammurabi’s Code • Civil Law & Criminal Law

  17. Hittites • Originated in Asia minor • Knowledge of extracting iron from ore • Bronze & copper become obsolete • This new knowledge brings civilizations into the Iron Age

  18. Assyrians • Lived in the northern portions of the Tigris • Feared warriors – often used cruel tactics • Often boasted of successful war campaigns • Built cities and palaces to show off their wealth and power

  19. Babylonians • Under the control of Nebuchadnezzar in 612 B.C. • Oversaw the rebuilding of canals, temples, and palaces • Babylon grew into a powerful empire under their king • May have built the “Hanging Gardens”

  20. Ishtar Gate

  21. Persians • Babylon fell to the Persian armies of Cyrus the Great • Successfully controlled the largest empire in Mesopotamia • Followed a policy of tolerance for conquered peoples (respected customs) • Greatest emperor of Persia was Darius I

  22. Darius I • Ruled from 522 B.C. to 486 B.C. • Set up a bureaucracy • Divided his empire into provinces, ruled by a satrap (governor) • Ordered the building of roads to improve communication • Encouraged the use of coins - barter economy v. money economy

  23. Zoroaster • Helped unite empire for Darius through a new religion. • One god, Ahura Mazda • Ahriman = evil • Good will win

  24. Phoenician Sea Traders • Proficient sailors and traders • Occupied present-day Syria and Lebanon • Set up colonies all over the Mediterranean Sea • Greatest contribution was that of the 22 symbol alphabet

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