8/11 EQ: What were the achievements of Mesopotamian Civilization? Do Now : Geography played an important role in the ancient world as it still does today. Explain what you think would be the likely impact of the following geographic features on the people of Mesopotamia. Feature Impact of the feature The region of Mesopotamia is known as the “fertile crescent” because it had the best soil There were few natural barriers surrounding the region of Mesopotamia. The Tigris & Euphrates rivers flooded unpredictably. Agricultural surplus leads to civilization Many different people attracted to the region Left the region open to invasion Many different groups influenced the region Left very fertile soil Gloomy outlook on gods/afterlife develops

The Sumerians Invented the wheel for trade, the sail, and the plow Built ziggurats Established city-states cuneiform writing Wrote “The Epic of Gilgamesh”

The Akkadians

The Babylonians Established a successful empire Improved cuneiform Hammurabi’s Code of laws – first written law code for all to see.

Essential Question! What role does technology play in bringing about change a. In society (how people live)? b. In warfare?

The Hittites Brought iron metallurgy to Mesopotamia Brought chariots to Mesopotamia Ended Babylonian rule

The (Bad) Assyrians The first to outfit their entire army with iron weapons Terrorized ancient people with battering rams Built an empire

The Neo Babylonians Defeated the Assyrians to re-establish Babylonian rule Nebuchadnezzar rebuilt the city of Babylonia - Hanging gardens of Babylon

The Phoenicians and their 22 letter alphabet

Intellectual/Technological Social Social classes develop and not treated equally under the eyes of the law– seen in laws of Hammurabi’s Code. Highly Patriarchal – Women hold no public positions; domestic caretakers Political Religious Intellectual/Technological Economic