Chapter 2 Lesson 1 Mesopotamia

Geography of the Fertile Crescent Southwest Asia Land between rivers (Tigris and Euphrates) Floods at least once a year, receded waters leave silt. Grains planted in this region. Wheat and barley

Geography of the Fertile Crescent Environmental Challenges (Sumerians) Unpredictable flooding, then little to no rain. Defenseless Limited natural resources

Solving Problems Through Organization Solutions Irrigation ditches carried water from the river to the fields Built city walls Traded goods for raw materials Laws Created Settle disputes over land and water Beginning of organized government

Sumerians Create City-States First Civilization Built cities Rulers for each city-state (independent country) Priests and Rulers Share Control Early government controlled by temple priests Ziggurat (temple) served as a trading place Priests managed irrigation and collected crops as taxes

Sumerians Create City-States Priests and Rulers Share Control (con’t) During war the priests did not lead the city Commanders gradually gained more control of armies due to growing fighting Military leaders became full-time rulers creating dynasties.

Sumerians Create City-States The Spread of Cities Food surplus allowed Sumerians to increase long-distance trade. Exchanged products, ideas – cultural diffusion

Sumerian Culture A Religion of Many Gods Polytheism Offered sacrifices No afterlife

Sumerian Culture Life in Sumerian Society