MESOPOTAMIACradle of Civilization

UNIT CONCEPTS

Called the beginning of civilization and began c. 8000 B.C. in the ancient near east.It was composed of many cultures which rose and fell, each with a distinct art form entirely their own.Each culture’s art form was great influenced by those of the preceding empires.

Began where and why?

Cause and Effect

Rich rivers, Tigris and Euphrates, bring agricultural prosperity.

Prosperity brings expansion and refinement of technique.

So much food is being grown that people can start to specialize in other trades.

Cities grow and prosper. Trade flourishes. Urbanization.

Pottery, metalwork, craftsmanship, and building great architectural palaces contribute to the arts.

Polytheistic ReligionThe Mesopotamians had many aspects of their religion similar to Greece, Egypt, and Rome: multiple gods and goddesses that directly intervene with humanity.Politics and religion were closely connected. Elaborate religious temples were built. Priests and priestesses were high in society. Women participated a great deal in religion.Still large focus on fertility. Multiple goddess, fertility statuettes.

WARLIKE SocietiesThe same reasons that led to the growth of trade brought about war.Great wealth. No natural defensive landmarks.Empire succeeds empire.

The Age of EMPIRESJericho- Approx. 8000 B.C.Catal HuyukSumeria (Sumer) c. 3500-1800 B.C.Akkad c. 2360-2180 B.C.Babylon c. 1900-1550 B.C.Assyria c. 1100-612 B.C.Neo-Babylonia (Chaldea) c. 612-539 B.C.Persia c. 539 B.C.-331 B.C.