Week 4 Flashcards
Early Dynastic Period
A historical era in Mesopotamia (c. 2900–2350 BCE) characterized
- the formation of city-states
- increased complexity in social hierarchies
- the development of writing.
It marks the transition from simple agricultural societies to more organized political entities with kings and centralized administration.
City-State
A small independent state consisting of an urban center and the surrounding agricultural territory. City-states have their own governments and often function autonomously. Examples include Sumerian cities like Ur, Uruk, and Lagash.
Territorial State
A political entity that extends authority over a large geographical area, encompassing multiple cities or regions. It is generally larger than a city-state and has more centralized governance structures, often with a king or ruler overseeing multiple cities and regions.
Territory
A defined geographical area under the jurisdiction of a ruler or government. It includes all land, cities, and resources within its borders that are governed by an authority.
Population
The total number of inhabitants living within a specific area, such as a city, state, or country. Population size can affect a society’s economy, culture, and political structures.
Sovereignty
The supreme authority within a territory to govern without external interference. It involves complete control over laws, policies, and administration within a defined boundary.
Government
The organization or system through which a community, region, or nation is ruled. It involves creating laws, enforcing them, and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.
Corruption
The misuse of power by government officials or others for personal gain, often through bribery, fraud, or unethical behavior.
Umma, Iraq
An ancient Sumerian city-state in southern Mesopotamia, located in what is modern-day Iraq. It was involved in ongoing conflicts with its neighboring city-state, Lagash, particularly over land and water rights.
Lagash, Iraq
Another important Sumerian city-state, located in what is today southern Iraq. It was known for its prosperity and monumental architecture and often had conflicts with Umma. It reached its peak under rulers like Gudea.
Akkad
An ancient city and the center of the Akkadian Empire, established by Sargon of Akkad around 2300 BCE. It was the first known empire in history, unifying Mesopotamian city-states under one ruler.
Nippur
Nippur was significant as a religious center dedicated to Enlil, the chief deity of the Sumerian pantheon. It held great cultural and spiritual importance in Mesopotamia.
Ur
An ancient city-state in southern Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq. Ur was one of the most important cities in Sumer, known for its great ziggurat and its role as a major economic and trade hub, especially during the Early Dynastic and later periods.
