Topic 1 & 2

Rise of Mesopotamia

3000 BCE

Mesopotamia was located in modern day Iraq. It was located in between two rivers, like Iowa. This western civilization was known for its agricultural prosperity. It also made big advancements in mathematics and astrology.

Cuneiform Writing

3000 BCE

Cuneiform was the first form of writing used to keep track of taxes. It started as a pictographic system and eventually added syllabic symbols. It later evolved into true forms of literature.

Warfare in Mesopotamia

2900 BCE

Mesopotamia had walls that were 30 to 60 feet high and were the start of large scale warfare. At this time soldiers didn't normally have armor or weapons making defense a better strategy than offense. This should not be confused with empire building because warfare was normally about territorial raids and noble power, instead of out right conquest of other ancient cities. Chariots were also introduced into battle around this time.

Age of the Pyramids

2613 BCE

This is also known as the New Kingdom and is known for its remarkable architecture and honoring of the gods using statues. This was a stable and prosperous 500 years that had political stability.

First Empire (Akkadian)

2340 BCE

The first empire was created by Sargon of Akkad by conquering many major Mesopotamian cities. He was an illegitimate child and a royal gardener who made his way to the top by planning a coup. He also employed the first soldiers who had no job other than to fight.

Start of Hinduism

2300 BCE

Hinduism is a religion with many gods and goddesses. This is important as religion was extremely important in the development of civilizations. Mesopotamians believed that the gods were cruel and easily offended.

Ur III Dynasty

2112 BCE

This dynasty was named after the city-state Ur. It is known for the development of bureaucracy as bureaucracy is one of the most essential and forgotten parts of a developing empire. This empire was especially adept at turning their military leaders against each other to prove loyalty to the king.

Code of Hammurabi

1780 BCE

The Code of Hammurabi was very detailed regarding the right and obligations of babylonians. It was one of the first "legal" documents and was crucial in the fairness and development of ancient civilizations.

New Kingdom

1550 BCE

The new kingdom is sometimes known as the golden age. SIt made great advancements using dimpolcay and trading. This was crucial in providing prosperity to Egypt. Statues and architecture also continued to grow during this time.

Assyrians Capture Northern Kingdom

721 BCE

The Assyrians captured 10 tribes and took them into captivity. The Assyrians were also important in the development of literature and writing. It was also one of the largest empires in history.

Summary

1111

All of these events are important in the development of ancient civilizations. Without the creation of Cuneiform, writing, civilization would have been set back. Without warfare civilizations would have been very different. Overall, there are so many factors in the creation of civilization and they all depend on each other to have created the ancient civilizations we learn about in school.