Ancient Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent Chapter 8, Section 2

Mesopotamian City-State Hammurabi ruled from 1792 to 1750 B.C. Mesopotamia means “lands between the rivers.” Located in modern Iraq, northeast Syria, and part of southeast Turkey. Called the Fertile Crescent because of its crescent shape and fertile soil.

City-States Sumarians organized city-states around 3000 B.C. City-states consist of the city and the areas it controls. City-states developed because Sumarians: Protected themselves from invaders by building strong, tall walls. Created irrigation canals to gather water. Wanted to protect traders against pirates, bandits, and wild animals.

Government by Priests and Kings Mesopotamian city-states were centers of religious worship. Sumerians believed in many gods. Enlil and Utu—controlled the rain and sun. Inanna—cured disease and helped kings fight wars.

Government by Priests and Kings (Cont’d) Each city-state built a temple for a specific god. The specific god was considered the city-state’s special guardian. Temples were built on pyramid- shaped towers called ziggurats.

Government by Priests and Kings (Cont’d) Temple priests were the first governors. City-states started to argue about land and water rights so leaders were elected to defend their interests. Leaders later became kings. Kings would choose who would rule after their death.

Government by Priests and Kings (Cont’d) City-states governed by two entities: Priests controlled the religious and economic life. King controlled the political and military life.

From Kings to Emperors Sometimes kings conquered other city-states. When this happened, they might allow the conquered to: Continue worshipping their own special gods. Keep the ruling families and temple priests in control. Some kings built empires from the lands they conquered. People were required to honor these emperors as gods. Local rulers could not turn to their own gods for advice.

The Class System Society was divided into different social groups. Each group had certain rights and was protected by law. The more favored class enjoyed more rights than anyone else.

The Social Classes Upper class—Kings, priests, and wealthy property owners. Middle class—Skilled workers, merchants, and farmers. Lower class—Slaves Captured in war. Sold self and family to pay off debt.

Cuneiform One of the first systems of writing. Used to record lists, records, business letters, history, religious beliefs, and knowledge of medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. Few Sumerians learned to read and write. Scribes were trained to be society’s record keepers that met the needs of the temple, government, and business world.

Educating Scribes Only the wealthy sent their children to school. Mostly students were boys, and they studied at tablet houses. Scribes were usually children of government officials, priests, and wealthy merchants. School lasted from sunrise to sunset. Students learned about 600 characters.

A Voice from Sumeria The reckoning of my monthly stay in the tablet house is (as follows): My days of freedom are three per month. Its festivals are three days per month. Within it, twenty-four days per month (is the time of) My living in the table house. They are long days. A student scribe

Scribes Played Many Roles They wrote: Literary and scientific works. Lullabies and love songs. About people from neighboring countries. They read out loud to audiences.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

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