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Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia
Ziggurats
Center of spiritual and city life
Made to honor the citys deity and
ruler
Worshippers had to go around as
many corners as possible before
reaching the cella where sacrifices
were made
Sumerians
Sumerian Writing
Scribes used a sharp point called a stylus to etch words
into clay tablets. These tablets have been discovered by
archaeologists and looked at by historians.
Cuneiform Writing
Pictographics
Done on clay tablets
Recorded earliest known
epic story, Gilgamesh
Epic
Sumerian Inventions
Wagon wheel
Potters wheel that let carts transport goods to
markets, and to carry officials in ceremonial
processions.
Number system using base 60 time and
circles
12 month calendar
Metal plow
Sail
Some of the 1st known maps
New architecture: Bricks
Arch and ramp
The Ancient
Babylonians
Amorites (2000-1600 BC)
Conquered many parts of old Sumeria
(including Babylon)
Hammurabi - created a law code with
harsh punishments
Borrowed heavily from Sumerian culture
After Hammurabis death Babylon declined
A statue of
Hammurabi
Susa
Contributions
Schools
Democracy
Law
Religion
Architecture
Arts