Ancient Mesopotamia Flashcards
How does the phrase “capricious gods” relate to Ancient Mesopotamia?
Gods that have no justifiable reason for their actions.
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers were out of control which effected their gods.
In what ways was the concept of the gods and goddesses reflected in Mesopotamian art? Literature? Architecture? Religious practices?
Gods and people were often depicted with large eyes because they were alert.
How are Mesopotamians and egyptians similar? How do they differ?
Similar: polytheistic, water in river contributed to identity
Differences: different views of gods
What does the Mesopotamian creation story tell us about the culture of this area?
When women ruled it was chaos, when men ruled there was order. They didn’t have a lot of trust in their gods of their people
Why does the myth tell us that humans were created?
The gods needed someone to help them (slaves)
What is a city-state? Who ruled them?
Small independent state with an urban center and agricultural surrounding. Central leaders or Kings rule each city-state
Who is Sargon? Why is he significant?
First ruler of most of mesopotamia who united the city-states
What is jurisprudence?
A system of laws
Who is Hammurabi? Why is he significant? In what ways did Hammurabi’s code change government and jurisprudence?
King of Babylon. Crested the Hammurabi code which started the idea of a set of laws with consequences.
Who is Gilgamesh? Where did he rule?
The renowned king of Uruk. Known for being a cruel leader.
Who is Enkidu? How is he related to Gilgamesh and his quest?
Enkidu is the wild man who lives among the beasts of the forest. Gilgamesh befriends Enkidu and decides to go on a journey with him to kill Humbaba
Why don’t people recognize Gilgamesh along his journey?
His physical appearance has changed through grief and exhaustion.
Why is the Epic of Gilgamesh such a significant work of literature?
Deals with death and nonexistence
Retell the plot of The Epic of Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh was a cruel leader in Mesopotamia. His people found Enkidu living among the animals in the forest. After fighting Gilgamesh and Enkidu became friends. They decided to fight when Humbaba in the forest. They kill Humbaba. Enlil wants to marry Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh says no. Enlil is mad and sends the Bull of Heaven. They kill the Bull of Heaven. The gods are angry so they kill Enkidu. Gilgamesh is sad and decides he does not ever want to die. He goes to find eternal life. He meets utnapishtim who makes him stay awake for several days to become immortal. Gilgamesh does not pass the test. Utnapishtim tells him to go to the river to find the flower. Gilgamesh finds it but then the serpent steals it. He goes home and decides he is lucky for what he has and does not need to have eternal life.
Who is Utnapishtim? What is the different about him than any other man?
He is the equivalent of Noah in Noah’s Ark. He is an immortal human being.
