Do Now Copy the HW: Which empire spent their wealth in a better way? Why? 4+ sentences with details Complete a class participation form. Put face down on back table. Discuss with your group: Why would a ruler or government want to take over a larger area? Be specific.

Rulers of Mesopotamia The Babylonians were the 1st empire of Mesopotamia. For a while they ruled most of Mesopotamia. Then, the Assyrians took over the Babylonians for a few hundred years. Eventually, they became the New Babylonian Empire.

Babylonians & Assyrians Brainstorm with your group and write down major differences between the Assyrians and second Babylonian Empire. Include at least 6 notes for each empire for differences, & if you find any similarities write then down too. Individually, read pages 40 and the paragraph on your activity sheet about the Assyrian empire. Then, read page 41 about the second Babylonian Empire. Focus on the differences between the empires.

Assyrians Skilled warriors Developed new war strategies (siege warfare) Battering ram Slings Archers Chariots Armor and helmets Created a large library

aqueduct

Babylonians Rebuilt the city of Babylon Gigantic walls, palace, garden Became a center of learning and science Math, astronomy- figured out the length of a year (366 days)

Any similarities? Learning?

Do Now Take out the HW from last night: Copy the HW: Which empire spent their wealth better? Why? Copy the HW: Section 2 quiz on Thursday! Copy the definition for Zoroastrianism Page 38

Zoroastrianism A religion that developed in ancient Persia Believed in only one god

The Persian Empire and Its Influence Today With your group, read about the last great Fertile Crescent empire- the Persian empire! Page 42. Think about the things the Persians did that were important and that influenced later empires. On your activity sheet, list 5 important accomplishments and influential things that the Persians did. For each accomplishment, draw a symbol to represent each. Bureaucracy- having different government offices for different jobs

The Persian Empire Built lots of roads for trading. Worshipped only one god- Zoroastrianism. Supported Babylonian math and science. Development a government with many different offices- bureaucracy. Tolerated other cultures.

A bureaucracy (many leaders and rulers) is a BETTER form of government than having only one ruler.

IF there was a really really fair, once in a lifetime leader, it would be better for him/her to rule independently rather than have a bureaucracy.

Persian Empire’s Influence

Do Now Copy the HW Section 2 quiz tomorrow! WHIL due Friday! Think about this question and share with your group: How were the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians different?

Historical Conference Imagine that you are a world famous historian. You have been asked to present a report at an important historical conference on this topic: Which Mesopotamian empire had the most important accomplishments? You are going to prepare a presentation/report that: Pick Babylonia, Assyria, or Persia Describe 3 specific examples to support your position Anticipate at least 1 argument that someone in favor of a different empire might use, write a response to that argument

Evidence & Elaboration The Babylonians built a network of roads throughout their empire. ELABORATION WHY is this an accomplishment? Roads encouraged trade. People can get more trade items and travel faster. Armies can move faster to protect and attack.

Historical Conference 2016 I will separate you into groups based on your decisions. Each group will have 10 minutes to discuss their evidence and counter arguments. Each group needs to pick a 3 speakers, 3 recorders, and the rest are researchers. Researchers: Come up with your group’s top 3 evidence & 2 counter arguments Recorders: Write down researchers notes Speakers: Prepare for dialogue

Historical Conference Deliberation/Dialogue Each group will have 3 minutes to present their reports (top 3 examples). Researchers should develop additional arguments from the other groups and their responses. Recorders- record arguments/responses from researchers After each group presents, we will open the floor up to debates.

Closure After the deliberation, has your opinion changed? Why or why not? Name one thing you learned from this activity (other than something about the Babylonians, Assyrians, or Persians).