Questions and Answers
What consequence is described for a slave that strikes its owner?
What measure is taken if someone does not properly maintain a dam?
How was the Assyrian Empire characterized in terms of military capability?
What was a significant action taken by the Assyrian army under Ashurbanipal?
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In the governance structure of the Assyrian Empire, how were provinces managed?
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What was the main reason for the weakening of Sumer's city-states by 2400 B.C.?
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Who is known for uniting Sumer and Akkad to form the first empire?
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What was Babylon known for during the rule of Hammurabi?
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What does the phrase 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth' in the Code of Hammurabi imply?
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Which of the following was a social inequality reflected in the Code of Hammurabi?
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What would happen if a builder constructed a house poorly and it resulted in a death?
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What protection did the laws under Hammurabi provide for wives?
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What was a limitation placed on women in Babylonian society as per the Code of Hammurabi?
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Study Notes
Sumer and its Downfall
- Sumerian city-states lacked a strong, united government, leading to frequent conflicts over land and water rights.
- By 2400 B.C., ongoing wars weakened the city-states significantly.
Akkadian Empire
- Akkad, located in Northern Mesopotamia, was led by Sargon, who united Sumer and Akkad around 2300 B.C.
- This unification formed the first known empire, which lasted over 200 years.
- The Amorites, inhabiting regions west of Mesopotamia, eventually overtook this area and built significant cities; Babylon was the largest.
Babylonian Empire
- Hammurabi became king of Babylon, conquering Amorite cities and establishing the Babylonian Empire.
- The Code of Hammurabi was a comprehensive set of laws that included explicit punishments for various crimes, embodying the principle of retributive justice: “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”
- The code revealed societal inequalities, with nobles and priests facing lighter punishments than commoners, and women having fewer rights though some could own property and testify in court.
- Protective laws existed for women, ensuring security from abuse and compensation upon divorce, but could also enforce harsh conditions, such as forced slavery for debts.
- Detailed punishments included death for improperly built homes that collapsed, reciprocal physical injuries for assaults, and severe consequences for property destruction.
Assyrian Empire
- The Assyrians, also in Northern Mesopotamia, developed a formidable army by around 900 B.C., initiating the conquest of Mesopotamia.
- Nineveh served as the capital of the Assyrian Empire.
- Under King Ashurbanipal, the empire exerted control through military force, burning crops and coercing payments from conquered peoples.
- The Assyrian military was highly disciplined, recognized for its artistry in warfare.
- The empire's administrative structure included provinces governed by local rulers appointed by the king, connected through an extensive road network.
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Description
Explore the rise and fall of the Sumerian city-states and the formation of the first empire under Sargon of Akkad. This quiz covers the conflicts over land and water that led to Sumer's decline and the unification of Sumer and Akkad. Test your knowledge on ancient Mesopotamian history and its significant events.
