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Topic: Early History of the Middle East River Valley Civilizations The first great civilizations in the world developed along the banks of rivers. [Historians believe there were 4 cradles of civilizations… 2 here, and also in India and China] One was in Egypt, in the Nile Valley. The other was in Mesopotamia (Iraq today) between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Conditions in the area favored agriculture. The great rivers annually overflowed their banks, depositing a rich layer of soil – produced abundant harvests… increased population and cities and villages arose. These areas developed rules – the early ones dealt with irrigation and cooperation among the villages dealing with the systems of dams and canals. Trade and commerce developed because the people produced more food than they needed. Ancient Egyptians Dates back to 5,000 B.C. (7000 years) Most people were farmers. Several industries (copper mining, glass blowing, weaving, tanning, metal working) in urban areas. Had a god-king called pharaoh. Religion… immortality of the soul, mummifying the corpse to preserve the body for the “after life.” Developed the art of writing hieroglyphics (picture writing). Believed they developed the first calendar (12 months, 30 days each). Advanced in mathematics (built pyramids, precise land measurement, also understood geometry and algebra). People of the Mesopotamia (also called the Fertile Crescent) Equally important with Egypt, advances were being made in the area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers – no natural barriers to protect them from constant warfare. Sumerians – first to use wheel, number system based on 60 (60 minutes and 360°) first system of writing (cuneiform, 350 symbols) Babylonians – Code of Hammurabi Hittites – used iron Phoenicians – developed an alphabet Hebrews – religion (monotheism) Persians – built great roads Contributions of the Muslims The luxury and wealth that existed in the Muslim lands was unknown in Europe. Advances in medicine… described measles and small pox, published medical encyclopedias, built hospitals, druggists/doctors had to pass tests. Progress in algebra and Arabic numbers. Great geographers and printed maps. Built beautiful mosques for worship.