Mesopotamia: the rise of civilization

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Marshland and swamps
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How was Mesopotamia transformed around 3200 BC?
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• Each city was believed to be the property of an
  individual god

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• King Gudea of Lagash C. 2150 bce
• The inscription describes a temple dedicated to
  the goddess Geshtin-anna

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Religion was the central force

• Explained the workings of nature
• Eased the fear of death
• Justified rules and morality
• United people in a common view
• Bolstered the authority of rulers
• Promoted creativity in art, literature and science

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• What were the functions of a temple priest?
  (administrator)

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How did Mesopotamians define the purpose of mans
existence?
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Why did a mood of pessimism, uncertainty and
anxiety pervade the Sumerian psyche?

• Frequent floods and droughts
• Windstorms
• The gods were unpredictable

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• How did King Sargon earn a place in our history
  books?

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Third Dynasty of UrUr-Nammu, 2113-2096 BC
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The ancient Sumerians were very smart people

• Cuneiform
• Law codes
• Literature
• Schools
• Numbering system
• Kiln-dried bricks pottery
• Lunar calendar
• Potters wheel
• The wheel

• The wheelbarrow
• Sailboats
• Bronze tools and weapons
• The plow
• Frying pans
• Razors
• Cosmetic sets
• Shepherds pipes
• harps

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Why were King Hammurabis law codes obeyed?
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The Hittites,1600 bc- 1200 bc
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examples of Hittite iron swords
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A Phoenician sailing vessel
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• The Phoenician Alphabet, circa 1400 bc

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The Hebrews

• Monotheism
• Removed the gods from nature
• Assertion of human dignity
• 10 Commandments