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Mesopotamian Arts and Science Writing – Cuneiform first appeared around 3000 BCE in Sumer (it is believed that this form of writing was developed to fulfill the need for accurate trade records) – Cuneiform evolved over time: originally the Sumerians used pictographs to represent concrete things (ox, wheat, stone) – Text was read from right to left – As need for efficiency rose, scribes began to rotate symbols to allow for easier record keeping. More symbols were developed to represent both concrete and abstract ideas. – In 1835 Henry Rawlinson discovered the Behiston Rock. The discovery of this rock and its ancient carvings led archaeologists and historians to its translation – Carvings on Behiston Rock were in three languages. One (Old Persian) could be translated by Rawlinson and the other was cuneiform. The carvings were a testament to Darius I supreme power and authority. It was written in three languages to prove to his enemies what a great king he was. Literature – Evidence of literature in Mesopotamia is found in the form of epics (narrative poems). Their epics pass on information about life, religions, and the legends of Mesopotamia. – It is believed that most epics were passed down orally from generation to generation until they were actually written on clay tablets Ex: Epic of Gilgamesh Art and Sculpture – In Mesopotamia it would have been rate to find a house without a sculpture. Nearly every house had a sculpture of a god in varying sizes – Sculptures were made from a variety of materials – It is believed that most epics were passed down orally from generation to generation until they were actually written on clay tablets Copper Terra Cotta Stone – Mosaics (picture designs made out of small pieces of coloured stone pieced together) were often created to tell a story – Many kings had Standards (mosaics) created to represent themselves – The Standards often pictured great accomplishments of the King. Standards were like modern day flags Flag represents the country the standard represented the King and his people Science – Wheel The Sumerians first developed the wheel – It is not known exactly when the wheel was created, our knowledge of the wheel comes from historical studies and archaeological digs. – We know the wheel was widely used throughout Ancient Mesopotamia – The wheel was used for: Transport (wagons and chariots) Pulleys Potters Wheel (led to creation of fine pottery) – Metallurgy originally the Mesopotamians used copper to make tools and jewelry, however copper is not very strong – From copper the Mesopotamians used Bronze (a copper tin combination) – Bronze was more durable and harder, however, the materials needed to make copper were not always accessible copper from Egypt and tin from Anatolia (Turkey) – Bronze was time consuming to produce and still not a sturdy metal – By 1200 BCE we had moved into what is known as the Iron Age – The Hittites introduced iron to Mesopotamia – Iron was relatively weak metal however when it was reheated and beaten (wrought) it became very strong (this is where we get the term wrought iron) Math – The Mesopotamians used 60 as their basic mathematical unit – Math was needed to build canals, maintain accurate farm and trade records and to record taxes collected – From ancient Mesopotamia we received: The 360 degree circle 60 minute hour 60 second minute Time Mesopotamians mapped the stars and used this information to develop the lunar calendar with 12 months They had two seasons: They calculated 29 ¼ days between each new moon (354 days in a year) however this left 33 ¼ days (from the solar calendar) unaccounted for. To make up the time a new month was added. The King would decide when to add the month (with the help of his astrologers)