Ancient Mesopotamia - The First Civilization
I Can Statements:
- I CAN identify the elements of geography.
- I CAN describe the geography of Ancient Mesopotamia, including its location, landforms, climate and nearby bodies of water.
- I CAN explain how the geography shaped the civilization of ancient Mesopotamia, including the culture, agricultural products, and types of buildings.
Geography of Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia located in modern day Iraq, in the MIddle East.
Look at the maps below to see the location of the civilization.
The land in Mesopotamia was very fertile, which means that the soil was rich, and crops grew really well / easily.
Look at the maps below to see the location of the civilization.
The land in Mesopotamia was very fertile, which means that the soil was rich, and crops grew really well / easily.
Mesopotamia is nicknamed "The Fertile Crescent" because the land was very fertile, and it is shaped like a crescent moon.
Why did people settle in Mesopotamia?
Watch the video below. Think about these important points:
1. What four factors influence where people settle?
2. What geographic features surround Mesopotamia?
3. What TWO rivers were very important for Mesopotamia?
4. How did surplus (extra food) change life for Mesopotamians?
5. Why did people in Mesopotamia need to control the water?
After the video, go to the two maps in your notebook.
1. On the WORLD map, color where Mesopotamia is located. Use the world map to help.
2. On the map of Mesopotamia, follow the directions, using the maps above to help.
1. What four factors influence where people settle?
2. What geographic features surround Mesopotamia?
3. What TWO rivers were very important for Mesopotamia?
4. How did surplus (extra food) change life for Mesopotamians?
5. Why did people in Mesopotamia need to control the water?
After the video, go to the two maps in your notebook.
1. On the WORLD map, color where Mesopotamia is located. Use the world map to help.
2. On the map of Mesopotamia, follow the directions, using the maps above to help.
Mesopotamia is considered the first civilization. What does that mean?
Main Features of a Civilization
* Some, but not all, of these are required for a group of people to be considered a civilization.
1. Large cities (population centers)
2. Government or Organized Leadership
3. Complex religions
4. Specialization of Jobs (each person does a different job): Artisans, government, farming, etc.
5. Organized Social Classes
6. Public Works, including: religious buildings (temples & churches), roads, monuments, palaces, etc.
* These are often paid for by TAXES or FORCED LABOR (slaves).
7. Shared Culture (art & architecture)
8. Communication and record keeping systems (written language, laws, etc.)
Links to learn about aspects of Mesopotamian civilization:
1. How did civilization lead to writing?
2. Mr. Donn's Website.
3. Ancient Civilizations for Kids
4. Ducksters
5. Hammurabi's Code
2. Mr. Donn's Website.
3. Ancient Civilizations for Kids
4. Ducksters
5. Hammurabi's Code