Ancient Mesopotamia Notes

Definition of Civilization

• A civilization consists of a group of people from various backgrounds.
• It encompasses entertainment, technology, homes, schools, government, and businesses.
• Ancient civilizations existed thousands of years ago and laid the foundation for modern societies.

Overview of Ancient Mesopotamia

• Considered the first civilization in the world.
• Emerged in the region of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria.
• Characterized by large cities, literacy, and organized governments.

Geography

• Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• Name "Mesopotamia" means "the land between rivers."
• Originally had a fertile environment conducive to agriculture due to rich soil and rainfall.
• Presently, the area has a dry climate with limited rainfall.

Early Societies

• Initial inhabitants were hunters and gatherers, relying on natural food sources.
• Transition to agriculture began around 8,000 BC with the discovery of planting seeds.
• Crops included barley, wheat, onions, garlic, and lettuce.
• Livestock raised included sheep, cows, pigs, donkeys, and oxen.

Development of Farming

• Farming led to surplus food, allowing people to settle in one location.
• Development of irrigation systems for watering crops during dry periods.
• Increased population led to the formation of villages and eventually cities.

Sumerians and City-States

• Sumerians were the people of Mesopotamia who built the first cities.
• Cities were called city-states; Eridu was one of the oldest known.
• City-states often fought for resources, leading to the construction of city walls for protection.

Government and Religion

• Each city-state had its own ruler, often a king or religious leader.
• The government was established by the Sumerians to oversee city projects and maintain order.
• Central to each city was a ziggurat, a large temple dedicated to the main god of the city.
• Sumerians were polytheistic and believed their rulers descended from the gods.

Social Structure

• Emergence of social classes based on wealth.
• Classes included upper, middle, and lower classes, with lifestyles varying significantly.

Rise of Other City-States and Empires

• Akkad and Babylon became powerful city-states that conquered Sumer.
• King Hammurabi created an empire from Sumer and Akkad, with Babylon as the capital.
• Hammurabi's Code consisted of 282 laws inscribed on a stone pillar, illustrating early legal systems.

Military Power and Trade

• Assyria became the first military power, known for their strong army.
• Persia eventually rose to power, creating a vast empire and improving trade through the Persian Royal Road.

Major Inventions and Contributions

• The Wheel: First used for wagons, aiding transportation and trade.
• Number System: Based on 60; influenced time and degrees in circles.
• Writing: Development of cuneiform for recording information.
• Astronomy: Recorded celestial movements, aiding in calendar creation.
• Medicinal Practices: Early medical records for treating illnesses.
• Glasswork and Other Technologies: Innovations in pottery, textiles, and tools.

Conclusion

• Ancient Mesopotamia lasted for thousands of years, influencing subsequent civilizations.
• Ongoing archaeological discoveries continue to shed light on this early civilization.