Lesson 3: Geography of the Fertile Crescent Flashcards
What is the Fertile Crescent?
A large arc of rich soil, where a civilization began.
Define silt.
A mix of rich soil and tiny rocks.
What is irrigation?
A system of supplying water to land.
What are canals?
Man-made waterways.
What does surplus mean?
More than needed.
What is division of labor?
A type of arrangement where each worker specializes in a particular task or job.
What made civilization possible in Mesopotamia?
Civilization in Mesopotamia was made possible by rich soil, livestock, and rivers providing water.
In what general direction do the Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow on their way to the Persian Gulf?
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow in a southeast direction on their way to the Persian Gulf.
Why did the Mesopotamians create irrigation systems?
Mesopotamians created irrigation systems to control water during times of drought and flooding.
Where was Mesopotamia located?
Mesopotamia was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, between Asia Minor and the Persian Gulf.
How did the Fertile Crescent get its name?
The Fertile Crescent got its name from its crescent shape and its fertile land due to the two rivers.
How did a division of labor contribute to the growth of Mesopotamian Civilization?
Division of labor made it easier to undertake large projects and ensured smoother operation and structure.
How might running large projects prepare people for running a government?
Running large projects requires cooperation, structure, and rules, which are also essential for government operations.
Why did the first civilizations all develop in river valleys?
River valleys provided access to water and rich soil with silt, which was good for farming.
Where were the four earliest river valley civilizations located?
The four earliest river valley civilizations were located in the Indus Valley, the Yellow River valley, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.