Look closely at the satellite images above Look closely at the satellite images above. Where would you choose to start a civilization? Why?

Mesopotamian History 3200 B.C. 2300 B.C. 1790 B.C. 1100 B.C. 612 B.C.

3200 B.C. - Sumerian City-States Emerge - Cuneiform become an organized system of writing. 3200 B.C.

2300 B.C. Akkad conquers Sumer and builds the world’s first known empire. Sargon, the ruler of Akkad 2300 B.C.

Hammurabi leads the Babylonians to conquer much of Mesopotamia. 1790 B.C. Hammurabi leads the Babylonians to conquer much of Mesopotamia. 1790 B.C.

The city of Assur rises to power to create the Assyrian Empire. 1100 B.C. The city of Assur rises to power to create the Assyrian Empire. 1100 B.C.

612 B.C. Babylon is revived and defeats the Assyrians thanks to the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar 612 B.C.

539 B.C. The Babylonians fall to the armies of Cyrus the Great of the Persian Empire 539 B.C.

Inventions of the Sumerians Cuneiform writing The wheel Potter’s wheel Sailing ship Pick-axe Brick mold Glass 60-based counting system: - 60 minutes to an hour, 360 degrees to a circle Epic poetry