Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Civilization

Introduction to Mesopotamia

• Definition: Mesopotamia means "between two rivers" in Greek.
• Location: Situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Historical Significance

• Time Period: Developed around 4000 BC.
• Major City-States: Ur, Uruk, and Lagash.

Characteristics of City-States

• Independence: Each city-state was independent and surrounded by protective walls.
• Ziggurat: Central temple where priests resided; center for trade, agriculture, and taxes.
• Governance: Supreme priest held political and religious power.

Society and Economy

• Agriculture: Main economic activity with irrigation channels from rivers.
• Occupations: Majority were farmers and shepherds; artisans sold products at markets.
• Growth and Conflict: Cities grew leading to conflicts over land, prompting military developments.
• Rise of Kingship: Military leaders evolved into monarchs and kings.

Conquests and Empires

• Timeframe: Between 3000 and 1000 BC.
• Empires:
  • Arcadian Empire
  • Babylonian Empire
  • Assyrian Empire
  • Persian Empire

Contributions to Humanity

• Writing:
  • First written language around 3500 BC.
  • Initial use of pictograms evolving into cuneiform writing.
  • Written with a wooden punch on clay boards.
• Architecture and Art:
  • Innovations like the Ark and Vault.
  • Constructed temples and palaces with decorative art.
  • Example: Painting depicting King Ashurbanipal hunting lions.

Modern Day

• Contemporary Relevance: Modern-day Iraq is where ancient Mesopotamia was located.

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