Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which city is considered the first independent city-state built by the Sumerians?
Which city is considered the first independent city-state built by the Sumerians?
Who founded the Akkadian Empire after invading the Sumerian city-states?
Who founded the Akkadian Empire after invading the Sumerian city-states?
What was established by King Hammurabi during the Babylonian Empire?
What was established by King Hammurabi during the Babylonian Empire?
Which ruler is associated with Uruk and believed to have reigned until around 2650 BCE?
Which ruler is associated with Uruk and believed to have reigned until around 2650 BCE?
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Which empire rose to power in the 7th century BCE and included Nebuchadnezzar II as a key king?
Which empire rose to power in the 7th century BCE and included Nebuchadnezzar II as a key king?
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Study Notes
Mesopotamian History
- Mesopotamian civilization's history involved several peoples alternating in power
- Sumerians built city-states (e.g., Uruk, Ur, Lagash)
- City-states were independent, some expanded to dominate others
- Around 2300 BC, Akkadians, led by King Sargon, invaded Sumerian city-states, forming the Akkadian Empire
- Around 1800 BC, Babylon rose to power under King Hammurabi, creating the Babylonian Empire known for its legal codes
- Assyrians conquered Mesopotamia, extending their empire to the Mediterranean Sea under Kings like Ashurnasirpal II
- Neo-Babylonian Empire emerged in the 7th century BC under Chaldean rule; noted rulers included Nebuchadnezzar II
- Persians later conquered Assyria and Chaldea
- The city of Uruk, located in modern-day Iraq (near the Euphrates), was one of the first cities, covering about 4 square kilometers with defensive walls
Uruk
- Uruk was located on the Euphrates and covered approximately 4 sq km
- Uruk was organized into sections, each with a temple dedicated to a god
- Uruk's notable ruler was Gilgamesh, who reigned around 2650 BC
- Gilgamesh is recorded on the Sumerian King List
- Archeological evidence of Gilgamesh's existence is not found
- Archaeological remains at Uruk are considered significant, providing clues about early cities
- Uruk is often cited as the first city in history because of the written documents found there
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, a legendary story, is mentioned in relation to Uruk.
Investigation Points
- Research when and how the ruins of Uruk were discovered
- Learn when the Epic of Gilgamesh was written and its content
- Determine if the Epic of Gilgamesh is a historical source
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Description
Test your knowledge on the rich history of Mesopotamia, from the rise of the Sumerian city-states to the dominance of the Akkadian and Babylonian Empires. Explore key events, notable rulers, and the cultural significance of ancient cities like Uruk and Babylon. Dive into the fascinating world of the civilizations that shaped ancient history.
