Introduction – Why is Mesopotamia Important?

• Mesopotamia was one of the world’s first civilizations (3500 BCE–2000 BCE).
• The word “Mesopotamia” means “land between two rivers” – the Tigris and Euphrates.
• The Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians ruled Mesopotamia at different times.

The Growth of Cities in Mesopotamia

Why Did Cities Develop?

• Fertile soil – The rivers provided water and fertile land for farming.
• Surplus food – Better agriculture led to food storage and population growth.
• Trade and economy – People exchanged goods like grains, wool, and metals.

Features of Mesopotamian Cities

• Cities like Ur, Uruk, and Babylon had temples, markets, and palaces.
• Each city had a ziggurat (temple) in the center, dedicated to gods.
• Walls were built around cities for protection from invaders.

The Development of Writing – The Invention of Cuneiform

• Writing first appeared in Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE.
• Cuneiform (“wedge-shaped”) was the first writing system, developed by the Sumerians.

Why Was Writing Invented?

• To record trade transactions (who bought and sold goods).
• To keep government records (taxes, laws, and contracts).
• To write religious texts and literature.

How Was Cuneiform Written?

• Written on clay tablets using a reed stylus.
• Used pictograms (pictures) before evolving into symbols.

Social Structure in Mesopotamian Cities

• Mesopotamian society was divided into different social classes.

Social Pyramid

• King and Nobles – Rulers and high priests controlled cities.
• Priests – Managed temples and religious activities.
• Scribes and Merchants – Educated people who wrote records and traded goods.
• Farmers and Artisans – Grew crops and made pottery, tools, and weapons.
• Slaves – Prisoners of war or debtors who worked for the upper classes.

The Role of Temples and Religion

• Religion played a central role in Mesopotamian life.
• Each city had a patron god, and priests were powerful figures.

Ziggurats – The Center of Worship

• Massive step-pyramid temples dedicated to gods.
• Priests controlled food storage, rituals, and land.

Religious Beliefs

• Polytheistic religion (worshipped many gods like Enlil, Anu, and Ishtar).
• Believed gods controlled natural forces like floods and droughts.

The Economy – Trade and Agriculture

• Mesopotamia lacked natural resources like wood, stone, and metals.
• Trade was essential for survival and economic growth.

Agricultural Economy

• Main crops – Wheat, barley, dates, and vegetables.
• Irrigation canals were built to control river floods.

Trade and Commerce

• Imported goods – Wood (from Lebanon), metals (from Iran and Anatolia), and stones (from India).
• Exported goods – Grains, textiles, and pottery.
• Trade routes connected Mesopotamia to Egypt, India, and the Mediterranean.

Law and Governance – Hammurabi’s Code

• Hammurabi (King of Babylon, 1792–1750 BCE) created the first written legal code.
• The Code of Hammurabi had 282 laws carved on a stone pillar.

Features of Hammurabi’s Laws

• “Eye for an eye” – Harsh punishments based on social class.
• Different laws for nobles, commoners, and slaves.
• Protected property rights, trade, and family matters.

The Decline of Mesopotamian Cities

By 2000 BCE, Mesopotamian cities started declining.

Causes of Decline

• Invasions by outsiders like the Akkadians, Assyrians, and Persians.
• Environmental problems like deforestation and soil depletion.
• Frequent wars weakened city-states.

Contributions of Mesopotamian Civilization

Conclusion

• Mesopotamia (3500 BCE) was one of the earliest civilizations, known for cities, writing, and trade.
• Urbanization led to the development of temples, markets, and social classes.
• Cuneiform writing was invented for record-keeping, trade, and administration.
• Religious life centered around ziggurats, and priests held great power.
• Trade flourished, connecting Mesopotamia with India, Egypt, and other regions.
• Hammurabi’s Code was one of the first legal systems in history.
• The civilization declined due to invasions, environmental problems, and internal conflicts.