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Name:_______________________________ Civilization / Era: MESOPOTAMIA Date:_______________________________ Political Characteristics Time Period: 5000 BC – 1600 BC Related Key Concepts 1.2. The Neolithic Revolution and Early Agricultural Societies 1.3. The Development and Interactions of Early Agricultural, Pastoral, and Urban Societies Most Important Thing to Remember: A Tale of Two Rivers Fertile Crescent started it all… Technological Characteristics (Cultural) Ist evidence of use of: Wheel Canals Road systems City-wall building Calendar Code of Laws Bronze-working (copper alloy) Mathematics – Number system based on 60 Standardized weights & measures Writing – Cuneiform (wedge-shaped symbol language pressed into clay tablets) Chariots – transportation and war Full-time trained army of warriors City-states – self-governing urban centers that controlled surrounding agricultural lands Ziggurat – heart of city-state. Site of festivals, palace of king, high temple to god) Often competitive and at war with each other, but could also become allied trading partners Sumerians (5000 BC – 2350 BC) are the dominant cultural influence Sargon of Akkad unites the city-states in 2350 BC to bring Akkadians to political prominence. He does so by razing city walls, installing governors backed by Akkadian garrison. 120 yr dynasty will follow. 3rd Dyansty of Ur – (2112 BC – 2004 BC) 5 kings from that city-state dominate through marriage/alliances Babylonians – (1900 BC – 1600 BC) Establish capital at Babylon. Hammurabi most notable king (1792 BC – 1750 BC) Era referred to as Old Babylonian Kingdom Achievements (Cultural) Interaction with Environment Hot, dry climate Unpredictable river flooding Open centralized area very prone to crossovers/invasions of peoples Epic of Gilgamesh – early story of superhero Uruk king with great abilities (shows reverence for god-like king) Hammurabi’s Code – strict and harsh set of laws that established an early system of justice (Ex: “eye for an eye”) Religious Characteristics (Cultural) Economic Characteristics River region provided extensive opportunity for mud bricks (building) and clay tablets (record keeping) Barter Economy – trading items for items Cuneiform writing inscribed in clay tablets allowed for record keeping of standard weights and measures (Ex: 10 grain bushels = 1 lb. copper) Major trading hub between nearby civilizations Creation Myth – Idea that gods created man, the environment, and unexplainable natural phenomena (river floodings, droughts, etc) Polytheistic Beliefs – Many gods that represented nature Ziggurat – pyramid-like stepped tower in center of city-states very likely a temple Social Characteristics Class hierarchy in place: 1. City-state king 2. Wealthy landowners (administrators, priests, scribes) 3. Middle Class (farmers, craftsmen, laborers) 4. Slaves New job types now available due to agricultural surplus (farmers can provide for many) Women can work jobs outside home, own land, some marriage rights (divorce, dowry decisions). However, women’s place became domestic to raise children, and men had complete authority at home