MESOPOTAMIA
You can find some great Mesopotamia
links on Providence College's CivWeb.
You might find particularly interesting the Code
of Hammurabi.
I. SUMER (3000-2000 B.C.)
A. Physical
Security (engineering, government,
sexegesimal system, canals, walls, mathematics, trade, CUNEIFORM)
B. Ethical Guidance
1. written law
2. literature (ex.
Sumerian proverbs)
3. education
C. Emotional Fulfillment
1. religion
a. myths (An, Ki,
Enlil)
b. rituals
c. ziggurats
D. Problems
1. natural
disaster/invasion?
2. war between
city-states
3. increased power
of ruler (ensi transformed to
lugal)
E. Creation of first
empire (Sargon of Akkad)
F. Pattern of
Mesopotamian collapse: tyrannical rule/revolt/invasion
G. End of Sumerian
phase of Mesop. civ: Amorite invasion
II. BABYLONIANS (2000-1550 B.C.)
A. Achievements of Hammurabi
B. Improvements on Sumer
1. law (Code of
Hammurabi)
2. astronomy
3. math
4. literature (EPIC
OF GILGAMESH)
5. religion (Marduk)
C. End of Babylon,
Hittite/Kassite invasion
III. ASSYRIANS (1000-612 B.C.)
A. Assyrian neighbors (Horites, Mittani, Hittites,
Aramaeans)
B. Result of constant warfare
1. technology
2. science
3. trade
4. religion
5. law
6. use of terror
C. Collapse of Assyria
IV.
CHALDAEANS (612-536 B.C.)
A. NEBUCHADNEZZAR/ Attempt to restore Babylonian
greatness
1. Babylon again
capitol
2. Hanging Gardens
3. restoration of
Babylonian religion
B. Obstacles to restoration
1. pessimism of
people/Astral Religion
2. end of
Chaldaeans/Mesopotamian independence