Mesopotamia
Location: Modern day Iraq
Climate: Mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, northern mountainous regions
Government: Mesopotamia was ruled by kings. The kings only ruled a single city though, rather than the entire civilization.
Religions Practiced: Mesopotamians were polytheistic, or believed in many gods and goddesses. They believed in four primary gods of the hills, sky, wind and water. There were also numerous local gods that protected individual cities and kings. They tried to keep the gods happy and satisfied. If bad events occurred, like a drought, then they knew they had upset the gods. The king and priests were required to keep in contact with the gods to make sure they remained happy.
Currency: Mesopotamians traded their surplus goods for items they may want or need. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers made it easy to travel to other cities to trade. Eventually, they were able to trade with other civilizations like Egypt and China.
Important People:
- Hammurabi - He was the king of Babylon. Hammurabi is known for his 282 laws that brought about order and safety in the city. His laws have been remembered as the "eye for an eye" laws, as he emphasized punishment that fit the crime. He was extremely strict but managed the city well. https://www.ducksters.com/history/mesopotamia/hammurabi.php
- Cyrus the Great - He was known as king of the world. Ruled Persia and made Babylon his capital city.
Great Inventions:
- Checkers
- Wheel
- Cuneiform (1st written language)
- Gilgamesh (1st superhero story)
- Laws
- Plow
- Boat
- Irrigation systems
Social Class System: The social system was divided into a pyramid-like structure. At the top were the most important people, including the king, priest and government officials. In the middle was the common class, which included merchants, farmers, fishermen and artisans. Lastly, the bottom class consisted solely of slaves.
Other Important Facts:
- Mesopotamia is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
- Mesopotamia was the very FIRST civilization.
MESOPOTAMIA links:
Journal Through History From Nomads to Farmers
Journal Through History Development Writing
Journal Through History Trade and Transportation
Ancient Mesopotamia Song by Mr. Nicky
Ancient Mesopotamia History
Ancient Iraq (Mesopotamia)
British Museum Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia for Kids
Myths of Babylonia & Assyria
Royal games of Ur
Hammurabi's Laws (all of them)
Mesopotamia The Development of Writing
Mesopotamia Gallery
Hammurabi
Cuneiform NUmbers
Mesopotamia for use with CB notes