1. Aim: Why Did the World’s First Civilization Begin in Mesopotamia?

2. Civilization can only begin if…
Favorable Geography
Agricultural Surplus
Natural Resources
High Population

3. Mesopotamian Geography
Two River System – Tigris and Euphrates
Fertile Crescent
Warm Climate
No Geographic Barriers

4. Mesopotamian Government
City-States (Not Unified Like Egypt)
Theocracy – Ruled by Divine Authority
Why do they need kings at all?
Defense
Public Works
Law and Order

5. Economy
Agriculture
Trade by land and sea
Wheel

6. Social Structure
Priest-King
Noble Class (Hereditary)
Commoners
Slaves

7. Intellectual Written Records Astronomy Cuneiform Epic of Gilgamesh
Calendars

8. Religion Polytheistic People Serve Gods
Each City-State had a protector God

9. Empires Akkadians Babylonians
Sargon Creates First Empire (Ends 2100 BCE)
Babylonians
Hammurabi (1792 – 1750 BCE)
The Code
Based on Retribution – “An Eye for an Eye”