Ancient Mesopotamia Mr. McEntarfer Global History * HSLPS

Ancient Mesopotamia

Mr. McEntarfer Global History * HSLPSMr. McEntarfer

Global History * HSLPS

Aim: What have the Sumerians done for us?

• Do Now: Copy Notes

• Mesopotamia – Greek word which means the land between two rivers.

• The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers flooded regularly to help irrigate crops.

• Also called the Fertile Crescent and is in present day Iraq

Ancient SumerSumer was the first civilization beginning in Mesopotamia about 3500 B.C.

Government:• It consisted of city-states• Led by priest-kings who had dynasties (family rule)

Religion:• Polytheistic• Gods acted like people, controlled everyday life and

demanded sacrifice• Buildings called Ziggurats were built for the godsTraditional Economy: Based on Barter (direct trade,

no money)

City State of Ur

Sumerian Achievements

• First to Write• The earliest writing called cuneiform• Scribes used a stylus to inscribe wedge-shaped

characters on clay tablets

Deciphering Cuneiform

Deciphering Cuneiform

Activity

• Write your name in Cuneiform on the paper provided.

Sumerian Math – based on the number “6”

Activity

• Create a math problem with an answer in Cuneiform. +,-,x or ÷

Other Accomplishments

Epic of Gilgamesh

• Sumerian Poem• The Epic of Gilgamesh• oldest works of literature • stories about a hero named Gilgamesh• travels the world in search of eternal life• he meets the survivor of a great flood • By the end of the story, Gilgamesh has learned

the greatest truth of all- that even heroes must die

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Summary

• Share out as a class

• Answer Aim: What have the Sumerians done for us?

Homework• How should the law deal with drunk

drivers? What should be the punishment is someone is drinking and driving? Explain.

M.r McENtarer * HsLPS * Global I

The Babylonian Empire

Aim: How did Hammurabi rule the Babylonian EmpireDo Now: CopyEmpire: When one group brings together several peoples,

nations or previously independent states under the control of one ruler.

The Babylonian EmpireThe Babylonian Empire

► Around 1792 BCE , after years of chaos a new Around 1792 BCE , after years of chaos a new leader emerged named Hammurabi.leader emerged named Hammurabi.

► Hammurabi created the Babylonian Empire.Hammurabi created the Babylonian Empire.► Hammurabi created the first written law code.Hammurabi created the first written law code.► The code of laws is based on an “eye for an eye a The code of laws is based on an “eye for an eye a

tooth for a tooth”tooth for a tooth”► The punishments must fit the crime and was based The punishments must fit the crime and was based

on social rank. (A slaves punishment would be on social rank. (A slaves punishment would be worse than a nobles punishment).worse than a nobles punishment).

Create a Law Code for our Create a Law Code for our SchoolSchool

► What laws should be made?What laws should be made?► What should be the punishment for these What should be the punishment for these

crimes? crimes? ► Create a law code of 5 laws that you would Create a law code of 5 laws that you would

impose on our school using the chart paper. impose on our school using the chart paper. Remember creativity, color and neatness Remember creativity, color and neatness count.count.

► Be specific about what the crime is, who Be specific about what the crime is, who they apply to and the punishments. Use they apply to and the punishments. Use complete sentences. complete sentences.

Hammurabi's CodeWhat would you do?

Directions: Tags have been placed in each corner of the room death, corporal punishment, prison, fine. For each crime go to the corner

for which punishment you believe fits the crime, then we will

discuss what how Hammurabi’s Code handled each crime.

Theft – Shoplifting

What should be the punishment if a person is caught shoplifting?

Do we have a similar law today?

How Hammurabi Handled Shoplifters If a man works or shops at a

place of business and that man steals from that business he shall have his fingers cut offWhat aspect of life does this law affect?

Grand Theft What should be the punishment

if a person steals a car?

How Hammurabi Handled Grand Theft If a man has stolen an ox or a

boat that belonged to a temple or palace, he shall pay thirty times its cost. If it belonged to a private citizen he shall pay ten times its cost. If the thief cannot pay he shall be put to death.

How does this law demonstrate a difference between social classes?

False Accusations

What should be the punishment if a person falsely accuses someone of a crime?

How Hammurabi Handled False Accusations If any one bring an accusation of

any crime before the elders, and does not prove what he has charged, he shall, if it be a capital offense charged, be put to death.

Assault and Battery What should be the punishment

if a person intentionally physically injures another person?

How Hammurabi Handled Assault and Battery If a man put out the eye of another man of

his equal, his eye shall be put out. If he put the eye of a man of lesser rank or

break the bone of that man he shall pay one piece of silver

If he put out the eye of a man’s slave or break the bone of a man’s slave he shall pay one half of its value.

Is this law unfair?

Adultery (Cheating) What should be the punishment

if a person cheats on their spouse (marriage partner)?

How Hammurabi Handled Adultery If a man's wife be surprised with another

man, both shall be tied and thrown into the water, but the husband may pardon his wife and the king his slaves.

If the "finger is pointed" at a man's wife about another man, but she is not caught sleeping with the other man, she shall jump into the river for her husband.

Word Slam ! Take out a sheet of paper and tear it into

eight pieces Write one of the following terms on each of

the pieces. City-State, Dynasty, Cultural Diffusion,

Polytheism, Hammurabi, Cuneiform, Fertile Crescent, Mesopotamia and Empire

Questions

1. The belief in many gods 2. Independent metropolis3. Family Rule 4. Usually happened through trade5. Babylonian law maker6. Land between two rivers 7. Best farming area in South West Asia8. Many cultures under one

government.

Homework

Write a paragraph in which you discuss the difference between the laws of the U.S. and the Hammurabi’s Code.