Chapter 1, Section 3

THE FIRST EMPIRES

Terms to Know

province - a political district

Places to Locate

Assyria – empire in Mesopotamia that emerged around 900 B.C.

Nineveh – capital of Assyria

Persian Gulf – body of water located in the eastern part of the Assyrian Empire

Academic Vocabulary

founded – established or set up

core – the center or most important part

Sum It Up

They fought fiercely, set fire to captured cities, and carried away the city’s people and goods. They made the captives pay heavy taxes.

THE CHALDEANSTerms to Know

caravan – a group of traveling merchants

astronomer – person who studies the stars and planets

Places to Locate

Hanging Gardens- huge terraced gardens built by Nebuchadnezzar

Academic Vocabulary

interval – the space between two objects or points

route – a road or way to travel from one place to another

Section Wrap-Up

How did Assyria build its vast empire?

Sum it Up

Terraced gardens that had large trees, flowering vines, and many plants. It was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

They built a large powerful army, developed strong war tactics, and conquered other cities. They had a well organized government.

People to Meet

Nebuchadnezzar – he was the king of the Chaldeans

What major contributions did the Chaldean Empire make?

It built a magnificent city featuring the hanging Gardens of Babylon. It was a center of science. The Chaldeans made one the first sundials and were the first to have a seven day-week. They built religious temples and a city wall.

ASSYRIANS

•Built strong armies

•Organized gov’t

•Built road system

•Collected and produced literature

CHALDEANS

•Built the Hanging Gardens

•Invented the sun dial

•Made 7 day calendar

•Built largest and richest city

BOTH

•Powerful empires in Mesopotamia

•Built large temples and palaces

•Made contributions in science

•Kings for leaders