Mesopotamia Flashcards
(42 cards)
What are the key characteristics of a civilization?
Complex societies with cities.Organized governments, art, religion, and class divisions.A writing system for communication and record-keeping.
What geographical features define Mesopotamia?
Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.Approximately 300 miles long and 150 miles wide.Known as the fertile crescent due to its rich agricultural land.
What were the two main regions of Mesopotamia and their characteristics?
Northern Mesopotamia: Fertile hills and plains with seasonal rains.Southern Mesopotamia: Hot, dry, marshy areas with flat, barren plains.
How did flooding affect agriculture in Mesopotamia?
Spring floods left behind rich soil for farming.Flooding was unpredictable, leading to destruction of crops and homes.
What advantages did river valleys provide for early civilizations?
Supported large-scale farming, feeding more people.Facilitated trade of goods and ideas.Encouraged the growth of cities as civilization centers.
What challenges did people face living in the fertile crescent?
Unpredictable flooding could destroy crops and homes.Some areas were marshy and unsuitable for farming.Vulnerability to attacks and invasions due to open land.
What was the first major civilization in Mesopotamia?
The first major civilization was in a region called Sumer.Sumerians developed advanced urban centers and culture.
What was the physical appearance of the Sumerians?
Medium height with straight noses.Long straight black hair and light brown complexion.
How did the Sumerians create their clothing?
They used natural resources available in their environment.Clothing was made from materials like wool and flax.
What materials were used to make clothing in ancient Sumer?
Wool and flax were the primary materials.Flax is a plant known for its blue flowers.
How did the thickness of Sumerian clothing vary by season?
Heavier clothing was worn in winter.Lighter clothing was preferred in summer.
What was the typical dress style for Sumerian women?
Women wore gowns covering shoulders to ankles, with one arm left uncovered.They often braided their long hair and wrapped it around their heads.
What accessories did Sumerian women commonly wear?
Earrings and necklaces set with precious stones like lapis lazuli and carnelian.They also wore makeup and wigs.
What was the typical dress style for Sumerian men?
Men were bare-chested and wore skirt-like garments tied at the waist.They could be clean-shaven or have long hair and beards.
How did the clothing of wealthy Sumerians differ from that of the poor?
Wealthy Sumerians wore clothing made from luxurious materials.They often adorned themselves with gold and silver jewelry.
What were the four main social classes in ancient Sumer?
Kings and priestsUpper class officials and warriorsMiddle class artisans, merchants, farmers, fishersLower class slaves
What role did priests play in Sumerian society?
Priests were powerful figures responsible for ensuring people pleased the gods.They played a key role in maintaining social order.
What characterized the upper class in Sumer?
Upper class individuals wore jewelry, especially rings.Men had long hair, curly moustaches, and long beards, while women wore dresses.
What were the characteristics of the middle class in ancient Sumer?
They were paid for their work, whether in shops or fields.They lived comfortably but did not enjoy the luxury of the rich.They could not advance socially, nor could their children become scribes or priests.
How were slaves treated in ancient Sumerian society?
Slaves were captured during conquests and worked for the king, temples, and wealthy individuals.They were bought and sold, with records kept of their transactions.
What rights did women have in ancient Mesopotamia?
Women could go to the marketplace, buy and sell goods, and handle legal matters.Upper-class women could learn to read and write and hold jobs in city government.
What was the significance of education in ancient Sumer?
Education was highly valued, with record-keeping being essential for society.Schools were attached to temples, and only boys were allowed to attend.
What was the structure of governance in ancient Sumer?
Sumer developed one of the world’s first systems of monarchy with multiple city-states.Each city-state had its own ruler and relied on each other for political organization.
What role did roofs play in the daily life of Sumerians?
Roofs served as additional living spaces for cooking and sleeping when weather allowed.Some roofs were designed for privacy and had grape arbours for food and shelter.
