Mesopotamian Empires
Objectives: Define cuneiform Identify Hammurabi, Sargon, Sumer Babylonia. Describe the new Babylon.
Sumer Southern Mesopotamia was also known as Sumer. People in Sumer’s cities valued their independence, worked hard to control the rivers, worshiped similar gods, and made some of the first wheeled vehicles and pottery wheels.
A System of Writing The ancient Sumerians developed a system of writing called cuneiform. They used sharp reeds to scratch their writing into wet clay tablets, which were sun-baked into permanent records. Tablets date back to around 3500 BC. About 500 signs were regularly used, and they could stand for sounds and ideas, as well as objects.
C. School in Sumer (p. 109) Few people in Sumer could read or write, including the king. Scribes (even occasionally girls) first learned to make clay tablets and reed “pens.” The sturdy tablets were more durable (long-lasting) than Egyptian papyrus.
Uniting the City-States The city-states of Sumer were eventually united under one ruler—Sargon. He rose to power around 2300 BC and expanded his empire into the northern end of the Fertile Crescent. The Sumerians traded with the Phoenicians of the Mediterranean region, who, in turn, traded with Egypt. Cuneiform enabled Sargon to control this vast region.
The Rise of Babylon Sargon’s rule lasted about 56 years, ending around 2279 BC. The city-states, which Sargon had held together, rebelled against the empire. Chaos and confusion reigned for the next 500 years. Eventually a group from the Syrian desert moved into northern Mesopotamia and created a small kingdom around a city-state called Babylon.
A Northern Empire Around 1800 BC Babylon’s king, Hammurabi, began taking over the old city-states of Sumer. He dammed the Euphrates river, which gave him the power to cut off water downstream or create terrible flooding. Then he attacked the weakened Sumerians and conquered them. He created a huge empire called Babylonia.
Babylonia The empire of Babylonia under Hammurabi became rich and powerful. Trade goods like silver, copper, and timber poured into Babylonia in exchange for grain and fruits. Ice from distant mountains was even floated downstream to refrigerate food and drink.
D. Sumerian Traditions (p. 112) Power under Hammurabi shifted north to Babylon. However, many Sumerian traditions survived. Babylonians used cuneiform to communicate in writing. The world’s first dictionaries were created so Babylonians could adopt Sumerian culture and language.
The “New” Babylonia Hammurabi died around 1750 BC. Things fell apart once again. Southern city-states rebelled and new armies from the north and east began invading. New powers overthrew old ones.
Traditions Survive Despite these changes, Babylon remained one of the most powerful cities in the Fertile Crescent. The new rulers respected the history of “Old Babylonia.” They worshiped its gods and passed down its legends, many of which originated in Sumer.
Babylon Destroyed Babylon was destroyed in 689 BC by powerful rulers from Nineveh, a northern Mesopotamian city. It was rebuilt about 60 years later.
The “New” City of Babylon The new Babylon soon became the world’s largest city, famous for its great beauty and technology. It was protected by two massive walls and a moat. The Euphrates was spanned by a movable bridge and an underwater tunnel. It had a huge ziggurat, grid-style streets, sewer and water systems, and was famous for its “hanging gardens.”
E. The Wheel (p. 116) Most archaeologists believe that ancient Mesopotamians invented the wheel. Some of the first wheels were used on farm carts and war chariots. Over time, people found other uses for the wheel.
Review What was the name of the Sumerian writing system? What were the huge Sumerian temples called? Define polytheism. Who united the Sumerian city-states?
Review What were some of the impressive features of the “new” Babylon? Who is credited with inventing the wheel?