In our study of Mesopotamia, SWBAT explain how conquests and innovations affected and transformed civilizations,evaluate the role of key historical figures and compare and contrast legal and social systems over-time by reading selections to draw conclusions as they create a resume, analyzing primary sources and by writing from multiple perspectives. NCSCOS 6H2.1, 6H2.3, 6H2.4, and 6C&G 1.4

“If a man put out the eye of another man, his eye shall be put out.” Does this sound familiar? Do you know where it comes from? What does it mean?

Babylonia was located in southern Mesopotamia, near the Persian Gulf Babylonia was located in southern Mesopotamia, near the Persian Gulf. Babylonia had a long history. The people achieved a high level of civilization. 3500 years ago, Babylon was an impressive place. It was a massive walled city, with a network of canals and vivid green crops. Even from a distance, visitors could see the top of the 300-foot high ziggurat long before they reached the huge city gates. The great King Hammurabi ruled the Babylonian empire. Babylonian culture was based on law. Everybody had to obey the law. Hammurabi wrote down and unified all the laws of ancient Babylonia so that everyone had to obey the law equally, rich and poor alike. The ancient Sumerians worshiped Marduk, but to the ancient Babylonians, Marduk was the most important god of all. When King Hammurabi declared Babylon to be the capital of Babylonia, he built the city of Babylon in Marduk's honor. Babylonia religious activities were centered around the temple, theziggurat. Like the Sumerians, the Babylonians held elaborate festivals and had many different kinds of priests. Their priests spent most of their time driving away evil spirits. Babylonia was a fascinating place with its comfy homes, fair laws, flourishing crops, and gods.

Homework: Study guide 23-28