Civilizations in Mesopotamia
There were three main civilizations that existed over thousands of years in Mesopotamia.
The Sumerian civilization started in about 4,000- 5,000 BC. They were very good craftsmen and inventors.
The Babylonian civilization started in about 1,700 BC. They specialized in architecture and astronomy. Babylonian astronomers believed that the position of the stars and planets reflected the mood of the gods and would affect life on earth. They carefully documented the positions of the stars and planets and used their findings to advise the king on how to lead the civilization.
The Assyrian civilization began in about 2,500 BC. Assyrians built huge palaces, some of which were the largest and most important buildings in all of Mesopotamia. These palaces were built to demonstrate the power of the kings. The Assyrian army was very powerful, and they conquered many nearby lands.
The Sumerian civilization started in about 4,000- 5,000 BC. They were very good craftsmen and inventors.
The Babylonian civilization started in about 1,700 BC. They specialized in architecture and astronomy. Babylonian astronomers believed that the position of the stars and planets reflected the mood of the gods and would affect life on earth. They carefully documented the positions of the stars and planets and used their findings to advise the king on how to lead the civilization.
The Assyrian civilization began in about 2,500 BC. Assyrians built huge palaces, some of which were the largest and most important buildings in all of Mesopotamia. These palaces were built to demonstrate the power of the kings. The Assyrian army was very powerful, and they conquered many nearby lands.
Important Events In Mesopotamian History
8,000 BC- Nomadic people first begin to settle in Mesopotamia. These people eventually became the first civilizations in Mesopotamia.
6,000-7,000 BC- People first begin to experiment with pottery.
4,500 BC- Sumerian civilization begins.
2,500 BC- Assyrian civilization begins.
1700 BC- Babylonian civilization begins.
1700 BC- Hammarabi writes his code of laws.
6,000-7,000 BC- People first begin to experiment with pottery.
4,500 BC- Sumerian civilization begins.
2,500 BC- Assyrian civilization begins.
1700 BC- Babylonian civilization begins.
1700 BC- Hammarabi writes his code of laws.
Hammarabi's Code of Laws
In around 1,700 BC, a Babylonian king named Hammarabi recorded the first written set of laws. To Hammarbi, it didn't matter it you were rich or poor. Whoever you were, you were expected to follow the laws, because they were clearly written down. Hammarabi's Code consisted of 282 laws, only there wasn't a law number 13, because he believed the number 13 was bad luck.