A Tale of Two Civilizations Mesopotamia v. Egypt

Mesopotamian Culture Emerged (c. 4000 B.C.E.)- Sumerians (3500) Bronze, copper based society Invented: Wheel, cuneiform (1st form of writing) and a numbering system (based on the number 60) Epic of Gilgamesh (flood story = quest for immortality) Advanced agricultural technology (irrigation systems) Polytheistic (ziggurats-temples) Clay (primary building material)

Egyptian Culture King Menes (c. 3000 B.C.E.) Bronze age society (from Mesopotamians) Hieroglyphics (writing system)- papyrus (paper) Less “urban” than the Mesopotamians Invented/Utilized: 365 day calendar, medicine, math, and astronomy Traded with: Mesopotamia and Kush (iron age society of Africa) Polytheistic Book of the Dead Mummification, afterlife, Pyramids

Early Writing Systems Cuneiform Hieroglyphics

The State Mesopotamia Egypt Nile River (annual, predictable flooding) Irrigation led to organization/government Widespread trade amongst agricultural villages Pharaoh (King- living incarnation of the sun god, Ra) Geography (natural barriers offered protection form invasion) Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms Middle (culturally dynamic- pyramids) – eventually conquered by the Hyksos- warrior based, iron age society) New (focused on military dominance) Tigris/Euphrates Rivers (unpredictable flooding) City-States (controlled city + surrounding areas) Ur, Uruk Frequent conflict over water and property rights Geography (lack of natural barriers)- open to invasion = need for protective walls Akkadians (Sargon I- world’s first land empire) Babylonians (Hammurabi- world’s first written code of law)

Social Structure Mesopotamia Egypt Ruled by: wealthy elite, and religious priests Slaves (agricultural backbone)- could purchase their freedom Patriarchal (Men could: Sell wives/children to pay debts) Women could: Serve on courts, become priestesses and scribes, or own a small business Wore veils (c. 1600 B.C.E.) Social classes (commoners could enter into government service) Patriarchal Women could: Act as a regent for young rulers or priestesses (Cleopatra VII) Manage household finances/educate children Divorce husbands/alimony Own property Hatshepsut (1st female Egyptian pharaoh)