Chapter 2 - Mesopotamia Flashcards
What does the word Mesopotamia mean?
It means “the land between rivers.”
Where was Mesopotamia located?
It is located in modern-day Iraq.
Where was Sumer located?
It was located in the Southern Mesopotamia region.
What were some disadvantages or challenges of living in Sumer?
Some disadvantages were limited resources, no natural barriers, and unpredictable floods.
How did Sumerians overcome their disadvantages?
They overcame their limited resources by trading. Climate problems were overcome by building dikes and ditches as well as constructing irrigation networks. With no natural barriers, Sumerians turned to hardened clay for walls. Armies were also formed for protection.
What is the Stele of Vultures?
It is a monument that depicts a post-battle celebration and a leader (king) waving to his people. The king is riding an early chariot.
What is Coup d’état?
It is the quick overthrow of governmental power.
What does “Lex talionis” mean?
Lex means law and talionis means retaliation.
What is cuneiform and what does the word mean?
Cuneiform is an early system writing that means “wedge shaped”.
Who built the Hanging Gardens?
Nebuchadnezzar built the Hanging Guardians.
What caused the fall of the Babylonian Empire?
The Hittites caused the fall of the Babylonian Empire.
Who organized a coup against the king, seized trade routes, and eventually held all of Mesopotamia?
Sargon of Akkad eventually held all of Mesopotamia.
What was Hammurabi’s Code?
It was a set of laws that Hammurabi claims to have received from the gods. The code contains of an aspect of “eye for an eye” (punishments for bad acts are to a similar degree of the act that earned the punishment) among equals. There were lesser penalties for the privileged.
