“THE LAND BETWEEN THE RIVERS” Tigris / Euphrates MESOPOTAMIA “THE LAND BETWEEN THE RIVERS” Tigris / Euphrates
The Fertile Crescent Why settle here? The Geography is ideal for one of the first civilizations.
SUMER Possible first civilization Born hating each other. Why? Separated into City-States. What are they?..\..\My Videos School\World Cultures\Mesopotamia\Development_of_the_Sumerian_City_State.asf
What are the traits of this civilization? Growth of cities: Near center of trade.
Specialized Workers: Known as Artisans- People that make goods by hand.
Writing: Cuneiform - 1st known writing symbols Writing: Cuneiform - 1st known writing symbols. The symbols stood for what they wanted to trade. Up to 2000 different symbols. ..\..\My Videos School\World Cultures\Mesopotamia\Development_of_a_Written_Language_.asf
Advanced Technology: Wheel, Plow, Sailboat, Bronze
Complex Institutions: Government, Religion, Social Patterns.
Lets read Pg 34-35 together.
Religion Polytheists: Many gods (3000 gods) The soul went to the land of no return, a gloomy place, with no joy. No sense of the life after...\..\My Videos School\World Cultures\Mesopotamia\Religious_Beliefs_of_the_Ancient_Sumerians_.asf
Sumerian Society Priests and Kings ruled Sumer. Wealthy Merchants made up the next class. Artisans Slaves
Geographic Problems Water: Floods and Lack of water Defense: No natural barriers for protection. In a flat desert region. Resources: Tough to make tools or buildings.
Solutions Irrigation City Walls Trade
Sumer’s Downfall Warfare Internal Conflict