Marshland and swamps…
How was Mesopotamia transformed around 3200 BC?
Each city was believed to be the property of an individual god
King Gudea of Lagash C bce The inscription describes a temple dedicated to the goddess Geshtin- anna
Religion was the central force: Explained the workings of nature Eased the fear of death Justified rules and morality United people in a common view Bolstered the authority of rulers Promoted creativity in art, literature and science
What were the functions of a temple priest? (administrator)
How did Mesopotamians define the purpose of man’s existence?
Why did a mood of pessimism, uncertainty and anxiety pervade the Sumerian psyche? Frequent floods and droughts Windstorms The gods were unpredictable
How did King Sargon earn a place in our history books?
Third Dynasty of Ur… Ur-Nammu, BC
The ancient Sumerians were very smart people: Cuneiform Law codes Literature Schools Numbering system Kiln-dried bricks & pottery Lunar calendar Potter’s wheel The wheel The wheelbarrow Sailboats Bronze tools and weapons The plow Frying pans Razors Cosmetic sets Shepherd’s pipes harps
Why were King Hammurabi’s law codes obeyed?
The Hittites, 1600 bc bc
examples of Hittite iron swords…
A Phoenician sailing vessel
The Phoenician Alphabet, circa 1400 bc
The Hebrews Monotheism Removed the gods from nature Assertion of human dignity 10 Commandments