Early River Civilizations Mesopotamia and the Sumerians World History Pullen

Mesopotamia- The land between the rivers The Tigris – Euphrates Rivers Fertile soil Good weather The Zagros and Taurus Mountains, Syrian Desert, Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Natural barriers to keep out intruders Today this area is modern day Iraq, parts of Turkey, and parts of Syria

Mesopotamia- Map

Mesopotamia- Map (current day)

Mesopotamia: Sumer Sumer included the cities of Ur and Kish The city state of Sumer grew as more people began to settle in the fertile areas. Population grew along the rivers. The growth of the population encouraged new technology: Irrigation Development of artificial lakes and ponds Why?!?

Irrigation Irrigation is the method of getting water to specific areas of farmland through drainage pipes or ditches. An irrigated field:

Mesopotamia: Division of Labor and Economy Everyone had a job in Sumeria Examples: bricklayers, canal builders, butchers, artists Barter! Barter is the exchange of surplus food items for materials that are needed. Why don’t we use barter today?

Early Governments No central power control. No boundaries. Each city is independent. Church ruled through priests. Government leaders in charge of irrigation systems of canals as well as work crews, appointed inspectors, and settled arguments. Surplus of grain kept in temples. Collection of taxes - grain, animals, farm products. Prayed, made sacrifices to please the gods. Spent lives serving the gods.

Sumerian Contributions: The first kings Military leaders became kings. Why? Conflict was over land boundaries and use of water. Defended the cities against invaders Managed irrigation works, surplus grain, chief judge in all arguments. Kingship came down from heaven. Important task: Oversee the building and repair of temples. Ziggurats.

Sumerian Contributions: Religion Polytheism: Believed in many gods, who controlled everything in the peoples lives. Gods were immortal and all powerful. Believed gods would protect them as the people served them. Each city had its own god. Why?

People of Sumeria Social Classes (3) Highest class included: King, government officials, priests, wealthy merchants and landowners. Middle class included: Farmers, fishermen, artisans Lowest class included: slaves, prisoners, people who did not own land and children