Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia – “The land between the rivers.” Refers specifically to the fertile valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern-day Iraq. First large scale society Water from the rivers was used to irrigate fields of barley, wheat, and peas.

Mesopotamia Sumer Land in the Southern half of Mesopotamia By 3000 B.C.E almost one hundred thousand people Sumerians dominated Mesopotamia Many people migrated there (Semitic Migrants)

Mesopotamia Sumerian City-States Dominated public affairs in Mesopotamia Controlled public affairs in cities and surrounding agricultural regions Coordinated projects to benefit the community (Defense walls, temples, etc) Irrigation systems especially important Kept the peace… prevented conflicts b/t residents Ziggurat in Uruk

Mesopotamia Sumerian Kings By 3000 B.C.E. most Sumerian cities had kings. Most of which had come to power through military valor.

The Course of Empire Some kings attempted to exert control over larger regions by taking over other cities and placing their own governors in control.

The Course of Empire Hammurabi and the Babylonian Empire Dominated Mesopotamia until 1600 B.C.E. Ruled through centralized bureaucracy (in Babylon) and regular taxation

The Course of Empire Hammurabi’s Laws Compiled extensive list of laws to regulate behavior and promote welfare High standards for behavior and stern punishments for violators Relied heavily on the principle of lex talionis, “the law of retaliation.” Punishments fit the crime – i.e. penalty for murder is death Only for even classes though i.e. if a noble murdered a noble the penalty would be death, but not if a noble murdered a slave

The Course of Empire Babylon fell about 1595 B.C.E. to the Hittites Chaos ensued for several centuries following

Later Mesopotamian Empires Assyrian Empire – 1300 B.C.E. – 600 B.C.E. Nebuchadnezzar and the New Babylonian Empire – 600 B.C.E. – 550 B.C.E.

Economic Specialization and Trade Mesopotamia developments Bronze Metallurgy Iron Metallurgy The Wheel Shipbuilding Trade Networks

The Emergence of a Stratified Patriarchal Society Social Classes Kings (Hereditary) Priests and Priestesses Free commoners (owned property) Dependent clients (no property) Slaves (Prisoners of War, Convicted Criminals, indebted individuals)

Patriarchal Society Men In charge of public and private affairs Head of households Women A few priestesses Some scribes Sexual and social behavior strictly controlled (Viels)

The Development of Written Cultural Traditions World’s earliest known writing came from Mesopotamia Cuneiform – Depends on graphic symbols, one of the earliest writing forms (p. 44) Led to formal education Led to rapid expansion of knowledge, especially in Mathematics and Astronomy

The Epic of Gilgamesh Famous piece of Mesopotamian literature and the earliest piece of human literature written about a demigod name Gilgamesh.

Influence of Mesopotamia Judaism – From the area of Palestine (present day Israel). Believed in one God known as Yahweh. Phoenicians – Famous for maritime trade networks and alphabet. Indo-Europeans – Spoke Indo-European language. Migrated throughout much of Eurasia and had profound impact on southwest Asia. Moved into Europe (Celts… Dominant North of Mediterranean) and India and Iran Hittites – Most powerful Indo-Europeans. Conquered Mesopotamia in 1595 B.C.E. Horses domesticated… WAR CHARIOTS!