Mesopotamia civilization Flashcards
Location (modern-day countries)
located in modern-day Iraq, with parts in Turkey, Syria, and Iran
topography (geographic features - mountains, rivers, oceans, ect.)
located between the Tigris river and Euphrates river. Also surrounded by the Zagros mountains to the east
Government structure
a collection of city-states, each ruled by a king
people (social classes, jobs, ect.)
at the top were the king and priests, then wealthy merchants, followed by commoners and slaves. Jobs varied from farmers to artisans
religion
they were polytheistic, believing in a pantheon of gods. Each city-state had its own patron god or goddess
major accomplishments
they invented writing (cuneiform), the wheel, and even the concept of time divided into 60 units
military conflicts
saw many conflicts due to city-state rivalries. One important conflict was between Sumer and Akkad. Also, the Assyrian Empire was known for its military prowess
important figures
Sargon and Akkad, the first emperor in history, and Hammurabi, known for his law code
other (anything else of importance)
it was also known for its art and architecture. They built grand palaces and ziggurats, and their detailed cylinder seals were unique form of artistic expression.
