What do you think life was like 6000 years ago at the beginning of human civilization? How do you think these early humans viewed their surroundings and their reality?

Mesopotamia: Sumerian and Babylonian Mythology Religion lay a the center of Mesopotamian life. It was their frame of reference for understanding nature, society, and themselves. Life was harsh and cruel, and filled with uncertainty and danger, so these ancient people viewed their deities as unpredictable and malicious. They did not look forward to death: They believed they would either be confined to a dreary underworld whose rulers would inflict pain on them or be transformed into mean spirits, flying about and tormenting the living.

Ziggurat Mesopotamians built ziggurats—huge multi-level structures—on which temples were constructed a the top. They were the religious and economic heart of the city.

The Epic of Gilgamesh Theme: Human Protest Against Death Written: BCE in cuneiform World’s First Tragic Hero in oldest narrative poem in literary and human history. Found on numerous fragmented clay tablets

Ancient Egypt Complete opposite in Worldview and Outlook on Life compared to Sumerians Longest Lasting Civilization in Human History! Why?! How Long?

Learned how to control the river: Gave them food, fertile soil, means of transportation, and barrier. Over 3000 years! Because.... Civilization flourished in Nile Valley. Over 4000 miles long! Flows from South to North More than half their civilization was lived in peace: Protected by Mediterranean, the Nile, mountains, and desert.

Egyptian Pantheon Over 2000 deities! Religion was omnipresent in Egyptian life. Egyptians expressed compassion for the poor, widows, and handicapped. Believed gods manifested themselves in animal shapes. In the heavens, Egyptians found answers to the great problems of human existence. To Egyptians, the other world contained the same pleasures as those on Earth. Divine Kingship: Through the pharaoh, the gods made known their wishes.