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Download Mesopotamia: the rise of civilization
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Marshland and swamps… How was Mesopotamia transformed around 3200 BC? Each city was believed to be the property of an individual god • King Gudea of Lagash C. 2150 bce • The inscription describes a temple dedicated to the goddess Geshtinanna Religion was the central force: • • • • • • Explained the workings of nature Eased the fear of death Justified rules and morality United people in a common view Bolstered the authority of rulers Promoted creativity in art, literature and science • What were the functions of a temple priest? (administrator) How did Mesopotamians define the purpose of man’s existence? Why did a mood of pessimism, uncertainty and anxiety pervade the Sumerian psyche? • Frequent floods and droughts • Windstorms • The gods were unpredictable • How did King Sargon earn a place in our history books? Third Dynasty of Ur…Ur-Nammu, 2113-2096 BC The ancient Sumerians were very smart people: • • • • • • • • • Cuneiform Law codes Literature Schools Numbering system Kiln-dried bricks & pottery Lunar calendar Potter’s wheel The wheel • • • • • • • • • The wheelbarrow Sailboats Bronze tools and weapons The plow Frying pans Razors Cosmetic sets Shepherd’s pipes harps Why were King Hammurabi’s law codes obeyed? The Hittites, 1600 bc- 1200 bc examples of Hittite iron swords… A Phoenician sailing vessel • The Phoenician Alphabet, circa 1400 bc The Hebrews • Monotheism • Removed the gods from nature • Assertion of human dignity • 10 Commandments
