Ancient Mesopotamia
The word 'Mesopotamia' comes from the Greek language and means 'between the rivers'. The area known as Mesopotamia lies between two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates. It now makes up part of modern Iraq and Syria. This area was home to several ancient civilizations: Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia and Assyria.
Mesopotamia used one of the most ancient forms of writing, called cuneiform. This script was incised onto many different materials including stone and clay. When it was discovered by archaeologists they were unable to read it. It was finally deciphered in the nineteenth century.
Mesopotamia did not have many natural resources so had to trade with other countries to get things that were needed, such as timber and precious metals.
During the Sumerian period monumental buildings were constructed as part of religious complexes. These took the form of stepped towers which are called ziggurats. They were also built by the Babylonians and Assyrians.
As part of the religious beliefs of the people of Mesopotamia, stories were produced that explained how gods created humans. These stories are called creation myths and they later found their way into many other cultures.
Mesopotamia used one of the most ancient forms of writing, called cuneiform. This script was incised onto many different materials including stone and clay. When it was discovered by archaeologists they were unable to read it. It was finally deciphered in the nineteenth century.
Mesopotamia did not have many natural resources so had to trade with other countries to get things that were needed, such as timber and precious metals.
During the Sumerian period monumental buildings were constructed as part of religious complexes. These took the form of stepped towers which are called ziggurats. They were also built by the Babylonians and Assyrians.
As part of the religious beliefs of the people of Mesopotamia, stories were produced that explained how gods created humans. These stories are called creation myths and they later found their way into many other cultures.
Religion In ancient Mesopotamia, they were polytheistic. The gods were so called described as doing human-like activities. The gods could fall in love, have children, and could even be quarrelsome. The gods were believed to be immortal and powerful. The humans were nothing but the gods's servants. If the gods became mad the could send fire, flooding, and or an enemy to destroy any city. To keep the gods content, the Mesopotamians would build huge temples called ziggurats. Inside the would sacrifice animals, food, and wine. The Mesopotamians did not believe in an afterlife. They believed the gods would not protect them. The souls of people would go to the "land of no return." There was nothing pleasurable in this place.
Science & Technology To erect city walls, buildings, and plan irrigation systems the Mesopotamians created a number system based on 60. From that stem our modern units 60 seconds=1 minute, and the 360 degrees of a perfect circle.
The Mesopotamians had many architectural innovations. The arch, columns, ramps, and pyramid shaped ziggurats influenced Mesopotamian civilization. The Sumerians created a system of writing called cuneiform. Ancient tablets contain old written records of scientific investigations in the fields of astronomy, chemistry, and also medicine. |
Hammurabi's Reign From 1792 B.C. TO 1750 B.C. Hammurabi was in control of the Babylonian Empire. Hammurabi came up with a code of laws called Hammurabi's Code. He thought that a uniform code would bring together the diverse groups in his empire. Hammurabi had his code engraved in stone and put copies everywhere around the empire. The 282 laws that had everything to do with community, family, relations, business, conduct, crime, and property issues. There were different punishments concerning the rich and the poor, and men and women. The code mostly applied to "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth", to punish crimes. Hammurabi's code reinforced the principle that government had responsibility for what occurred in it's society.
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