Mesopotamia Flashcards
Silt
Fine particles of fertile soil
Surplus
A surplus describes the amount of an asset or resource that exceeds the portion that’s actively utilized.
Irrigation
To irrigate is to water crops by bringing in water from pipes, canals, sprinklers, or other man-made means, rather than relying on rainfall alone.
Bartering
Exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services without using money.
City-State
A city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.
Polytheism
The belief in or worship of more than one god
Ziggurat
Pyramidal stepped temple tower that is an architectural and religious structure characteristic of the major cities of Mesopotamia
In what modern-day country did Mesopotamia begin?
Iraq
What were the names of the two rivers which surrounded Mesopotamia?
Euphrates and Tigris
What two major environmental problems did farmers face in dealing with these rivers throughout the year?
Floods and Droughts
How did the Sumerians overcome these “natural” issues with the rivers?
Dams and Canals
What did having extra food allow the Sumerians to do?
The Sumerians used their plows in farming. because they had food surpluses that allowed people to do other work than farm
Explain the concept of a barter economy. Why do you think this type of economy is barely used today?
They traded, we have money.
Describe a typical Mesopotamian city-state, and how each city-state interacted with one another.
In a circle, Ziggurat in the middle, Traded in times of peace, Fought in times of war
Explain the 3 social classes and who was included in each in this society.
Upper class: Kings, Priests, Warriors, Middle class: Merchants, Farmers, Fisherman, Lower class: Slaves
