9/20 Focus: –Hammurabi established the Babylonian Empire in Mesopotamia. –Hammurabi created one of the first code of laws that would apply to everyone in his empire. Do Now: –What was one effect of a lack of natural barriers in Mesopotamia

Review

Mesopotamia

Sumerian Decline Frequent warfare and foreign invasions weakened the Sumerian City States

Ruler from the city of Akkad –Located on the Euphrates River Conquered all of Sumer and northern Mesopotamia –Established the world ’ s first empire –Last about 140 years until tribes invaded from the east

Amorite tribe invaded Mesopotamia from the East Hammurabi –Amorite king that united all of Mesopotamia into the Babylonian Empire in 1792 B.C.E Capitol was Babylon

Hammurabi’s Rule Under his rule the empire grew wealthy through expansion of trade Expanded public works projects Kept elements of the Sumerian culture –Honored Sumerian gods –Allowed priests to retain power –Continued to teach Sumerian language and cuneiform

The Code of Hammurabi The first major collection of codified laws in history –282 written laws Dealt with everything from trade to murder Laws written for all to see –Established standards of justice for all classes –Harsh Punishments “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”