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History Ch. 2 Lesson 2

Terms in this set (25)

city-state in northern Mesopotamia
Akkad
city-state in southern Mesopotamia
Sumer
Language spoken in southern Mesopotamia
Sumerian
Language related to Hebrew
Akkadian
Protected the city-state from enemies and unfriendly nomads
mudbrick wall
Of extreme importance to the Sumerians, as shown by the size and magnificence of their temples
religion
Sumerian society was divided into specific groups such as these; also appeared laer in civilizations
class system
Conqueror of all city-states in Mesopotamia
Sargon
What were characteristics of Sumerian city-states?
1. most were surrounded by a mudbrick wall
2. houses were painted white to keep them cool
3. They contained large structures called ziggurats which were believed to link heaven and earth
4. they had similar business and farming methods
How did Sumerians link Religion and Government?
Each city was believed to be under the protection of a particular god who looked after it. They believed that kings were chosen by gods and the right to rule was god-given. The right to rule could be passed from father to son. Social classes formed below the king.
an organized community with established rules and traditions
society
the worship of many gods
polytheism
How did temples reflect the importance of religion in society?
The city's temple complex was the highest point in the city. Ziggurats, the largest and most impressive structures, were believed to like the heavens and Earth.
a series of stacked rectangular platforms that formed a huge pyramid-shaped structure.
ziggurat
Why were most city-states surrounded by a wall?
It protected the city from unfriendly nomads and the armies of enemies.
a professional writer
scribe
wedge-shaped writing formed in wet clay
cuneiform
Why was cuneiform important?
It kept track of business dealings.
Sumerian king whose adventures were recorded in cuneiform.
Gilgamesh
How did Sargon of Akkad create an empire?
The Akkadian armies conquered one city-state after another and overthrew many kings. Sargon united all of the city-states of Mesopotamia under his rule to form the world's first empire.
a large territory consisting of of many different places, all under the control of a single ruler
empire
What does it mean that Sargon's empire stretched from "the sunrise to the sunset"?
He ruled the whole world.
How did the invention of writing affect Sumerian society?
It helped to keep track of business dealings. It could settle an argument about land or property if it was written down. Records of exchange of goods were recorded. It was also used for literature, medical texts, laws, letters and wise sayings. It was used for centuries to come.
ruling family
dynasty
When did Ur's control over Mesopotamia end?
Around 2000 BC when it fell to invaders form the northeast.
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