1. Babylonians (2000 BC - 1550) - One of the worlds first empires (a state in which the ruler also controls other lands) Babylon was the capital city Hammurabi was the great king Needed a set of laws to govern all the people -- Hammurabi’s Code - eye for an eye - the law applied differently to different people - government had the responsibility of the people

2. Phoenicians (1100 BC - 850 BC) - Very powerful traders and merchants Traded purple dye that came from snails Phoenicia is the capital city -- poor in natural resources -- had to trade Excellent sailors -- may have traveled around Africa Created trading colonies (300) Created an alphabet to keep records –- 22 letters -- adopted by the Greeks

3. Jews (2000 BC) Began with Abraham traveling to Canaan. Monotheists-- worshiped one god Never had lots of political power Moses - Led Jews out of Egypt Was given the 10 Commandments –Demanded a high standard of morality –King Solomon was greatest of the kings –Kingdom -- Israel –Built temple -- later destroyed

4. Assyrians (850 BC -612 BC) Assurbanipal -- most powerful king Very good fighters –Iron weapons –Most disciplined army -- marched in formation –Tortured and sent away the people they conquered –Nineveh was the great city and prospered from all of the war

5. Persians (550 BC - 350 BC) Empire based on tolerance and wise gov. Let local customs and religion remain the same Cyrus -- first king, Cambyses, Darius Divided empire into 20 provinces –Governor to each province (satrap) –Built a road system –Manufactured metal coinage

6. Egyptians (3300 BC - 300 BC) Nile River and desert provided protection Nile R. -- worshipped as a god, flooded regularly, their lifeline. Pharaoh - god king; worshipped many gods - polytheist. Achievements: hieroglyphics, pyramids, number, calendar, Medicine Religion: Osiris judged for afterlife. Had concept of afterlife and living forever.