Mesopotamian Civilization

1. Antecedents
a. Agricultural Revolution Agriculture was main economic activity in the river-valleys Irrigation was used to control flooding Farmers produced surplus to support increasing population

b. Sedentarization Permanent settlements Organized and centralized government Construction of city walls, dikes, and canals

c. Social Stratification Patricians () and Plebians ()

2. Birth of Civilization
a. Religion Sanction of Stratified Society Ziggurats (temples of Sumer) Dwelling place of gods and goddesses Made in the form of either mountains or pyramids, because they believed that mountains were the center of supernatural power in the world Polytheism Four of their most important gods that controlled nature were the following: Enlil Air An Heavens Enki Waters Ninhursag Earth

Their belief system came from the upper class, because the elite were closer to the religious practicioners

b. Urbanization The Ziggurat occupied the center of the city, and it served as the point of reference for the citys layout

Mesopotamian Civilization
The temple was surrounded by granaries, palaces, and houses of city officials There was an area for bazaars, and shops for artisans Activities of the city focused on religion; these city-states were also called templestates c. Occupational Differentiation and Technological Innovation When the need to build more houses came, wood and stone started to become scarce Bricks made from clay were used Metal, semiprecious stones, tools, and jewelries were acquired through trading

d. Writing Writing was invented in granaries Scribes wrote on soft clay tablets; used to tally the number of products coming in System of writing was called cuneiform

Civilization
a. Politics Structure was independent city-states Priest-kings were the first leaders A priest-king had both religious and political functions Political functions: (1) To maintain peace and order through law-enforcement, and (2) To take charge of construction and repair of public structure The priest-king was replaced by a military-king as wars became more frequent Main function: To lead soldiers in wars and to defend the city b. Economy Cultivation of land along the valley was practiced Irrigation structures were built