Southwest Asia: Empires of Mesopotamia and Indus Valley

What significant contribution did Hammurabi make during his reign in the Babylonian Empire?

The Babylonian Empire collapsed due to its inability to control its northern periphery.

What was one major internal struggle that contributed to the decline of the Babylonian Empire?

Hammurabi's Code consists of _____ laws inscribed in cuneiform.

Match the external threats to the groups responsible for the attacks on the Babylonian Empire:

What is a basic definition of an empire?

The Akkadian Empire was established by Sargon of Akkad around 2500 BCE.

Who is recognized as the world’s first emperor?

Sargon used ________ governors to control the weaker periphery in Sumeria.

Which of the following methods did Sargon use to extend his power?

Akkadian was made the official language of Mesopotamia by Sargon.

Match the following aspects of the Akkadian Empire with their descriptions:

The _______, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was known for its city-states.

Southwest Asian Web: Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley (3500 BCE to 200 BCE)

The period spans from 3500 BCE to 200 BCE, focusing on the interaction between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

Definition of Empire

An empire is a complex political organization where a dominant central state controls weaker peripheral (outer) states.
An empire can also be defined as a group of states or ethnic groups ruled by a single sovereign power. This power utilizes varying degrees of centralization through shared language, religious beliefs, trade, political systems, and military might.

Akkadian Empire (2334-2154 BCE)

Founded by Sargon of Akkad in 2334 BCE.
Sargon, meaning "True King," established the world's first empire.
His reign lasted roughly 56 years.
The empire's growth resulted from Sargon's attacks on surrounding city-states, conquering weaker peripheral areas.
Centralized control was achieved through Akkadian governors who ruled the periphery, use of a standardized Akkadian language and collection of taxes.

Mesopotamian City-States

Mesopotamia was populated by numerous city-states, established around 3000 BCE.
Fertile Crescent conditions supported dense population growth.
Surrounded by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Reasons for the Akkadian Empire's Decline

Internal struggles arising from revolts in the periphery and the central state's inability to maintain order.
External threats emerged from frequent attacks and invasions by surrounding groups such as the Gutians, Elamites, and Amorites.
Environmental factors like droughts, famines, and disruptions in trade negatively impacted the empire.

Babylonian Empire (1894-539 BCE)

Founded around 1894 BCE.
Hammurabi (1792-1750 BCE) was a prominent ruler.
Known for his legal code, Hammurabi's Code, which influenced future legal systems, particularly in Rome and modern legal systems.
The empire collapsed due to failing to control the northern periphery.

Assyrian Empire (911-609 BCE)

Further research is needed to learn more about the Assyrian Empire.

Explore the rich histories of Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley from 3500 BCE to 200 BCE. Learn about the defining features of empires, particularly the Akkadian Empire, known as the world's first empire under Sargon of Akkad. This quiz will test your knowledge on the political dynamics, centralization, and cultural interactions of early civilizations.