Download Basic Facts of Mesopotamia Location

Basic Facts of Mesopotamia
Location: Modern day Iraq in the Middle East near the Persian Gulf
Climate: Mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless
summers; northern mountainous regions experience cold winters with
occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, often causing extensive
flooding in the central and southern parts of the country
Type of Government: Mesopotamia was ruled by kings. The kings only
ruled a single city though, rather than the entire civilization. For example,
the city of Babylon was ruled by King Hammurabi. Each king and city
designed the rules and systems that they thought would be most beneficial
for their people.
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 content.
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:
1. Hammurabi - He was the ruler 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.
Great Inventions:
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Checkers
Wheel
Cuneiform (1st written language)
Gilgamesh (1st superhero)
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:
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Mesopotamia is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Mesopotamia was the very FIRST civilization.
A picture of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which was built as a gift to
King Nebuchadnezzar II's wife.
The original Code of Laws made by King Hammurabi of Babylon. All 282
laws were written on this stone for the people of the city to see.