5 Chapter 2.1: Introduction to Mesopotamia
INTRODUCTION TO MESOPOTAMIA
The development of agriculture and animal husbandry allowed people to create settlements in the Neolithic period. Mesopotamia has often been considered the world’s first civilization. It emerged in the southern part of Mesopotamia – ancient Sumer.
Mesopotamia TASK 1
The following video is an introduction to the region of ancient Mesopotamia. After viewing the video, please answer the accompanying questions.
Ancient Mesopotamia 101 | National Geographic
Mesopotamia TASK 1 prompts:
Describe the geographical location of Mesopotamia.
What conditions made Mesopotamia favorable to agriculture?
How did the political structure evolve over time?
What are their significant contributions?
THE SUMERIANS
The history of ancient Mesopotamia began with the southern part of the region called ancient Sumer. The Sumerians built large cities ruled by kings and had a structured religion and developed writing.
The Sumerians TASK 1:
The videos below provide general information on many aspects of Sumerian society, including its organization, religion, and achievements. After viewing the videos, please respond to the accompanying prompts.
Ancient Sumer and the Sumerians (Ancient Mesopotamia in Minutes)
A Short History of Sumer and the Sumerian Civilization from Mesopotamia – Ancient History Encyclopedia
Mesopotamia: Crash Course World History
The Sumerians TASK 1 prompts:
Important cities:
Political Formation:
Dates of Early Dynastic period:
Type and placement of religious monument:
Religious beliefs as they relate to the king, city-state and individual:
Rulers:
Innovations:
Type of Writing:
Influence on later Mesopotamian peoples:
Stylistic commonalities of Mesopotamian art (Crash Course):
ASPECTS OF CIVILIZATION
The sources on the history and development of Mesopotamia and ancient Sumer emphasized the introduction of writing – a hallmark of civilization. Also contributing to civilization was the development of law codes. The Babylonian leader, Hammurabi, contributed one of the most significant law codes, although his was not the first. Before examining Sumerian art in depth, the video on the law code of Hammurabi emphasizes this important achievement.
Aspects of Mesopotamian Civilization TASK 1
After viewing the video below, please answer the accompanying questions.
The Law Code Stele of Hammurabi
Aspects of Mesopotamian Civilization TASK 1 prompt:
How is the object divided?
How is the text divided?
What is the scene at the top and what does it demonstrate about the laws?
How are the laws presented and to what extent do they reflect society?
