Early River CivilizationsMesopotamia and the Sumerians
World History
Pullen
Mesopotamia- The land between the rivers
The Tigris – Euphrates Rivers form the Fertile Crescent Silt Good weather Flood unpredictably
The Zagros and Taurus Mountains, Syrian Desert Natural barriers to keep out intruders modern day Iraq, parts of Turkey, and parts of Syria
Mesopotamia- Map
Mesopotamia: Sumer
Sumer included the cities of Ur and KishThe city state of Sumer grew as more
people began to settle in the fertile areas.Population grew along the rivers.The growth of the population encouraged
new technology: Irrigation Development of artificial lakes and ponds Why?!?
Irrigation
Irrigation is the method of getting water to specific areas of farmland through drainage pipes or ditches.
An irrigated field:
Early Governments
No boundaries. Each city is independent. Early government ruled by priests leaders in charge of irrigation systems of canals
as well as work crews, appointed inspectors, and settled arguments.
Surplus of grain kept in temples. Collection of taxes - grain, animals, farm
products. Prayed, made sacrifices to please the gods. Spent lives serving the gods.
Record Keeping
Record keeping is needed when government, religion, and economy become more complex.
Scribes: professional record keepersCuneiform: Sumerian writing with a
wedged stick and clay tablet
Sumerian Contributions: The first kings
Eventually military leaders became kings. Why? Conflict was over land boundaries and use of
water. Defended the cities against invaders Managed irrigation works, surplus grain, chief
judge in all arguments. Kingship came down from heaven. Dynasty: A series of rulers from the same family
Sumerian Contributions: Religion
Polytheism: Many godscontrolled everything immortal and all powerful. Gods would protect or destroy
Four (4) important Gods:
An: Father of all gods, God of the sky Enlil: God of the air. Gave kings their
power Enki: God of the water. Ruled city of Eridu Ninhursag: Mother goddess
Nonna: Moon God. Ruled Ur Others: sun God goddess of love and war
Each city had its own god. Why?
People of Sumeria
Social Classes (3) Highest class included: King, government officials, priests,
wealthy merchants and landowners Middle class included: Farmers, fishermen, artisans Lowest class included: slaves, prisoners, people who did not
own land and children Women had some freedom of job choice and could
hold property
Why do most civilizations (even our own) have social classes?
Mesopotamia: Division of Labor and Economy
Everyone had a job in Sumeria Examples: bricklayers, canal builders, butchers,
artists
Barter! Barter is the exchange of surplus food items for
materials that are needed.
Why don’t we use barter today?
Hammurabi
Created a written law code Unified the empire 282 specific laws
Family relations, business conduct, and crimes Different punishments for rich and poor
Government has a responsibility to organize society
Why was it important that the law code be written down?
