Mesopotamia and Roman Empire Overview

Geography: Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; often called the "Cradle of Civilization."
Civilizations:
- Sumerians: Developed city-states (e.g., Ur, Uruk), cuneiform writing, and ziggurats.
- Akkadians: Founded by Sargon the Great; known for the first empire.
- Babylonians: Codified laws (Hammurabi's Code) and advancements in mathematics and astronomy.
- Assyrians: Known for military prowess and a vast empire; established one of the first libraries.
Contributions:
- Writing systems (cuneiform).
- The wheel, plowing, and agricultural advancements.
- Early forms of government and legal systems.

Foundation: Established in 27 BCE with Augustus as the first emperor; lasted until 476 CE in the West.
Territory: At its height, encompassed parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Government:
- Transitioned from a Republic (509-27 BCE) to an Empire.
- Known for its complex bureaucracy and legal systems.
Culture and Society:
- Latin language as the basis for Romance languages.
- Contributions to architecture (e.g., aqueducts, Colosseum).
- Roman law; the Twelve Tables as foundational legal code.
Decline: Factors included economic troubles, military defeats, and political instability leading to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Origins: Scandinavian seafarers from modern-day Norway, Denmark, and Sweden; active from the late 8th to the early 11th century.
Exploration:
- Known for longships that enabled travel across oceans and rivers.
- Settled in areas such as Iceland, Greenland, and parts of North America (Vinland).
Society:
- Organized into clans and tribes; had a rich oral tradition.
- Pagan beliefs initially, later influenced by Christianity.
Trade and Raids:
- Engaged in extensive trade networks throughout Europe.
- Known for raids on coastal settlements, including those in Britain and France.
Legacy: Contributed to European exploration and cultural exchanges; established settlements and trade routes that influenced future societies.

Geographically situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as the "Cradle of Civilization."
Sumerians:
- Established city-states like Ur and Uruk; invented cuneiform writing and constructed ziggurats.
Akkadians:
- Founded the first empire under Sargon the Great, promoting centralized authority.
Babylonians:
- Developed Hammurabi's Code as one of the earliest written law codes; advanced in mathematics and astronomy.
Assyrians:
- Renowned for military strength, they created one of the first libraries, preserving knowledge and literature.
Contributions:
- Innovations included the creation of writing systems (cuneiform), development of the wheel, advancements in agriculture, and early forms of governance and legal systems.

Founded in 27 BCE with Augustus as the first emperor, the empire existed until 476 CE in the Western part.
At its peak, the Roman Empire covered territories in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Government:
- Shifted from a Republic (509-27 BCE) to an Empire, characterized by a complex bureaucracy and advanced legal frameworks.
Culture and Society:
- Latin emerged as the foundation for Romance languages; significant architecture, including aqueducts and the Colosseum.
- Roman law, particularly the Twelve Tables, established a foundational legal code that influenced future legal systems.
Decline:
- Suffered from economic instability, military failures, and political turmoil, leading to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.

Originated from Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden), active between the late 8th and early 11th century.
Exploration:
- Utilized advanced longships, facilitating navigation across both oceans and rivers; settled in Iceland, Greenland, and areas of North America known as Vinland.
Society:
- Structured into clans and tribes, they maintained a rich oral tradition and initially followed pagan beliefs before Christian influence.
Trade and Raids:
- Developed extensive trade networks across Europe; notorious for raiding coastal settlements in Britain and France.
Legacy:
- Played a crucial role in European exploration and cultural interchange, establishing settlements and trade routes that impacted subsequent societies.