1. Chapter 1 Lesson 3
The Fertile Crescent

2. Fertile Crescent Land between the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf
Mesopotamia “between the rivers”
Tigris and Euphrates River
Unpredictable
Irrigation and drainage ditches
Assyria, Akkad, Sumer
Mesopotamia had little rain, but over the years its soil had been enriched by layers of silt—material deposited by the two rivers. In late spring, the Tigris and Euphrates often overflowed their banks and deposited their fertile silt. This flooding was unpredictable. It depended on the melting of snows in the upland mountains where the rivers began. People in the valley could not predict the timing and size of the floods. Therefore, they learned to control the flow of the rivers. By using irrigation and drainage ditches, farmers were able to grow crops regularly. 

4. City-States
City State – A state with political and economical control over the surrounding countryside
Sumerians
First Mesopotamian civilization
Eridu, Ur, Uruk
Uruk
Surrounded by 6 mile wall (defense towers every feet)

5. UR

6. City-States Sun-Dried bricks Mud Bricks No stone or wood Plenty of mud
Left to dry in the sun until ready to be used for building
Invented Arch and Dome

7. Religion Polytheistic Ziggurat Belief in many gods
3,000 gods and goddesses
Obey and serve the gods
Ziggurat
Massive stepped tower on which was built a temple dedicated to the chief god or goddess
Devoted most of wealth to the temples and elaborate houses for the priests/priestesses
Served as storehouses for surplus food and crafts

8. Religion & Rulers
Theocracy – Government established by divine authority
King
Led armies
Supervised the building of public works
Organized workers for irrigation projects
Army, gov’t, and priests aided the kings

9. Economy Trade and industry became important Bartered
Woolen textiles and pottery
Metalwork
Founded bronze
Bartered
Wool, barley, fried fish, wheat and metal good for copper, tin and timber

10. Society 3 major group Nobles Commoners Slaves
Royal and priestly officials
Commoners
Farmers (90%), merchants, fishers and craftspeople
Slaves
Building projects, farm land
Females weave cloth and grid grain,

11. Inventions Cuneiform (wedge-shaped) Writing Wagon Wheel Made Bronze
Reed stylus
Clay tablets
Record keeping
Train scribes
Will hold the most important positions in society
Wagon Wheel
Made Bronze
Number system based on 60
Charted the constellations

12. Cuneiform and Stylus