The First Empires Chapter 3 Lesson 5

Objectives Describe how the first empires developed. Explain the significance of the Code of Hammurabi. Describe the accomplishments of the first empires.

Vocabulary Conquer - to take over Empire – vast lands and varied people under the control of a single government Emperor – the leader of an empire Standing Army – a permanent army Tribute – a required payment from one ruler to a more powerful ruler Code of Hammurabi – the collection of laws that Hammurabi organized for the people of Babylon to follow

The Akkadian Empire In about 2350 BC a leader named Sargon led his army to conquer the Sumerian city-states Sargon began the first empire called the Akkadian Empire

Hammurabi and the Babylonian Empire Hammurabi, king of Babylon, ruled the Babylonian Empire, which included most of Mesopotamia He compiled a set of laws known as the Code of Hammurabi

Kassite and Assyrian Rule After the fall of the Babylonian Empire, the Hittites raided the region, and then the Kassites conquered it Later, the Assyrians conquered Mesopotamia, creating the largest empire in the world at the time

Summary Competition for resources gave rise to early empires in Mesopotamia Sargon built the regions first empire, the Akkadian Empire. The Babylonian Empire grew under Hammurabi, who is remembered for his code of laws. Over time, the Kassites and the Assyrians also built empires in the region