Sumer and Babylon Flashcards
What created larger harvests?
The new technology including hoes, sickles, plow sticks, irrigation systems, and ox-drawn plows.
What led to the rise of civilizations?
Prosperous farming villages, food surpluses, and new technology led to the rise of civilizations.
With the larger harvests, what came of this?
Larger populations
When the farming villages grew, what happened?
The social system went from Nomadic Hunting to village life.
When the irrigation systems were developed, what could other people do?
Learn to do different jobs that were referred to as specialised jobs.
What did the wheel and the sail do?
It allowed goods to be moved to further away places.
What were the new social classes like?
The new social classes were based on wealth because of the new jobs.
How did the religion change?
The religion was more focused on gods and goddesses that they felt controlled nature, wind, and rain. Before it was focused on nature, animal spirits, and some idea of an afterlife.
Where was one of the first civilizations?
Sumer which is in Mesopotamia, a region that is now part of Iraq.
What is a civilization?
A place with advanced cities, specialised workers, complex institutions, record keeping, and advanced technology.
What was unique about cities?
They were the Center for trade.
What are specialised workers?
Traders, government officials, and priests.
Why were there specialised workers?
The food surpluses created more time and jobs.
What are examples of institutions?
Government, religion, and economy
Who did Sumerians believe watched over each city?
They believed that one god looked over each city and was in charge of it.
What happened at the temple?
Government and religious affairs were there. Trading was also done there.
Why did they keep records?
Life was very complex.
What was recorded?
Documents of taxes, laws, and storage of grain
What did priests use record keeping for?
Calendar and rituals
What is a quipu?
It is a record system that uses coloured strings and knots.
What was the form of writing called in the New Stone Age?
Cuneiform that was done on a clay tablet.
What did the Sumerians start writing about?
Dramatic events that happened at that time.
What is the Bronze Age?
The time period when copper and tin were melted together to create bronze for weapons and jewelry.
What was one important city in Sumer?
Ur
