Lesson 3/Conquests and Empires Flashcards
conquer
to take over
empire
a conquered land of many places and people
emperor
a ruler
taxation
a system whereby people are required to pay taxes to a ruler to support the government
Code of Hammurabi
a collection of laws compiled by the Babylonian leaders
equal justice
fair treatment within a social class under the law
phalanx
a formation of soldiers that attack closely together
protected by overlapping shields and projecting spears
What were the two major causes of wars among the people of Mesopotamia?
To get water rights
To defend farm land
Because warfare was so important, what new technology was developed to support war and how was it used?
War chariots. They let soldiers throw spears or shoot arrows at enemy footmen.
Why did Sargon (first emperor of the Akkadian Empire) tear down boundary pillars and city walls?
He wanted it to be a sign of his conquest over the huge area
What are the 3 important accomplishments of Sargon’s reign?
Appointed nobles as governors
Paid soldiers to serve for long periods
Expanded his empire westward from what is now Iran to the Mediterranean Sea
Why did Hammurabi (ruler of the Babylonian Empire) need tax collectors?
To be able to have everyone pay and support the government
Where did Hammurabi collect the laws and how many were there?
The Code of Hammurabi. There were 282 laws.
What did laws did the Code of Hammurabi cover?
marriage, divorce, adoption, slaves, murder, lands, loans, business, military service, stealing, prices, wages
What were the 3 main types of punishment for breaking the law?
penalty of death
and eye for an eye
fines
What is meant by equal justice in the Code of Hammurabi?
Laws should be fair but equal justice was limited to social classed. Wealthy people were favored.
What were 2 improvements made by the Assyrians?
They made roads
They improved buildings
Why did the Assyrians seek more land and conquer Mesopotamia?
To control trade routes
Who did the Assyrians conquer to control Mesopotamia?
the Kassites
Who defeated the Assyrians in 612BC?
The Medes
Where did the Medes come from and what is it called in present time?
They came from Media which is now in Northwest Iran
