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G9. 9/27 Mesopotamia. * Land between two rivers *Also known as the Fertile Crescent *City states (examples: Sumer, Babylon). *(Notes) Mesopotamia. Geographic Challenges.
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G9 9/27 Mesopotamia
*Land between two rivers *Also known as the Fertile Crescent *City states (examples: Sumer, Babylon) *(Notes) Mesopotamia
Geographic Challenges • *Yearly flooding was unpredictable and would sometimes allow for dry periods that could turn the land almost desert-like. • No natural barriers to protect the villages from outside invaders.
City-State of Sumer • People living there are called Sumerians
Belief System • The Sumerians were a polytheistic people. • At the center of all Sumerian cities were ziggurats where the priests would act as go-betweens with the gods. • The ziggurats were used to offer sacrifices to the gods such as animals, food and wine.
Cultural Achievements • Sumerian scribes invented a writing system called cuneiform • A number system based on 60 was created to create city walls, buildings and irrigation systems. • The Sumerians invented the wheel, sail, plow and were the first to use bronze.