Unit 2 DB: Origin of Civilizations
Chose one of the three parts of the world where civilization first developed, Mesopotamia, Egypt, or China, and describe what about their natural environment allowed for the growth of a complex society. Then describe three features of the civilization that you have chosen: its government, its writing system, and a cultural achievement (art, architecture, or religion). For each feature, please provide a specific example of a person, object, or story that struck you are particularly interesting.
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I will choose Mesopotamia, which is the area that is now Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The natural environment of Mesopotamia was favorable for the growth of a complex society because it was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which provided a reliable source of water for agriculture. The fertile soil of the river valleys allowed for the cultivation of crops, which led to the development of a food surplus and the ability to support a growing population. Additionally, the geographic location of Mesopotamia made it a crossroads for trade and commerce, which also contributed to its development as a complex civilization.
The government of Mesopotamia was characterized by the rule of kings, who were believed to have been chosen by the gods to lead their people. One interesting example of a Mesopotamian king is Hammurabi, who ruled the Babylonian Empire from 1792 to 1750 BCE. Hammurabi is best known for his law code, which established a set of laws and punishments for the people of Babylon. The code, which is inscribed on a stele, includes over 200 laws and is one of the earliest known legal codes in human history.
The writing system of Mesopotamia is known as cuneiform, which is a system of writing that uses wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets. Cuneiform was used for a variety of purposes, including record-keeping, correspondence, and literature. One interesting example of cuneiform writing is the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is one of the earliest known works of literature. The epic tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. The story explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the relationship between humans and gods.
One cultural achievement of Mesopotamia is its architecture, which is characterized by monumental structures such as ziggurats and palaces. One interesting example of Mesopotamian architecture is the Ishtar Gate, which was constructed in the city of Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BCE). The gate was a massive structure that was decorated with colorful glazed bricks depicting mythical animals and deities. The Ishtar Gate was one of the main entrances to the city of Babylon and served as a symbol of the power and wealth of the Babylonian Empire.
Works Cited
Crawford, Harriet E. W. Sumer and the Sumerians. Cambridge University Press, 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers.
Nemet-Nejat, Karen Rhea. Daily Life in Ancient Mesopotamia. Greenwood Press, 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers.
Van de Mieroop, Marc. A History of the Ancient Near East, ca. 3000-323 BC. 3rd ed., Blackwell Publishing, 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online.
Zettler, Richard L., and Lee Horne, eds. Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online.
