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Early River Civilizations Mesopotamia and the Sumerians

Early River Civilizations Mesopotamia and the Sumerians. World History Pullen. Mesopotamia- The land between the rivers. The Tigris – Euphrates Rivers Fertile soil Good weather The Zagros and Taurus Mountains, Syrian Desert, Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

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Early River Civilizations Mesopotamia and the Sumerians

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  1. Early River CivilizationsMesopotamia and the Sumerians World History Pullen

  2. Mesopotamia- The land between the rivers • The Tigris – Euphrates Rivers • Fertile soil • Good weather • The Zagros and Taurus Mountains, Syrian Desert, Tigris and Euphrates Rivers • Natural barriers to keep out intruders • Today this area is modern day Iraq, parts of Turkey, and parts of Syria

  3. Mesopotamia- Map

  4. Mesopotamia- Map (current day)

  5. Mesopotamia: Sumer • Sumer included the cities of Ur and Kish • The city state of Sumer grew as more people began to settle in the fertile areas. • Population grew along the rivers. • The growth of the population encouraged new technology: • Irrigation • Development of artificial lakes and ponds • Why?!?

  6. Irrigation • Irrigation is the method of getting water to specific areas of farmland through drainage pipes or ditches. • An irrigated field:

  7. Mesopotamia: Division of Labor and Economy • Everyone had a job in Sumeria • Examples: bricklayers, canal builders, butchers, artists • Barter! • Barter is the exchange of surplus food items for materials that are needed. Why don’t we use barter today?

  8. Early Governments • No central power control. No boundaries. Each city is independent. • Church ruled through priests. • Government leaders in charge of irrigation systems of canals as well as work crews, appointed inspectors, and settled arguments. • Surplus of grain kept in temples. • Collection of taxes - grain, animals, farm products. • Prayed, made sacrifices to please the gods. • Spent lives serving the gods.

  9. Sumerian Contributions: The first kings • Military leaders became kings. Why? • Conflict was over land boundaries and use of water. • Defended the cities against invaders • Managed irrigation works, surplus grain, chief judge in all arguments. • Kingship came down from heaven. • Important task: Oversee the building and repair of temples. Ziggurats.

  10. Sumerian Contributions: Religion • Polytheism: Believed in many gods, who controlled everything in the peoples lives. • Gods were immortal and all powerful. • Believed gods would protect them as the people served them. Each city had its own god. Why?

  11. People of Sumeria • Social Classes (3) • Highest class included: King, government officials, priests, wealthy merchants and landowners. • Middle class included: Farmers, fishermen, artisans • Lowest class included: slaves, prisoners, people who did not own land and children

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