Mesopotamia_Presentation , gender and politics

Mesopotamian Presentation

1. Mesopotamia The Cradle of Civilization

2. Introduction to Mesopotamia • Mesopotamia means 'the land between two rivers' — the Tigris and Euphrates. • It was located in present-day Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran. • Known as one of the earliest cradles of human civilization.

3. Geography and Environment • Fertile soil due to the rivers supported agriculture. • Irrigation helped people grow crops like wheat and barley. • Frequent floods led to innovations in water management.

4. Major Civilizations of Mesopotamia • Sumerians – Developed city-states like Ur and Uruk. • Akkadians – Founded by Sargon the Great, first empire builders. • Babylonians – Known for Hammurabi’s Code of Law. • Assyrians – Powerful warriors and empire builders.

5. Achievements and Contributions • Invented the world's first writing system — cuneiform. • Built ziggurats (temple towers). • Developed mathematics and astronomy. • Introduced laws and governance systems.

6. Economy and Trade • Agriculture was the main economic activity. • Trade with neighboring regions in textiles, metals, and grains. • Used rivers for transport and trade routes.

7. Religion and Beliefs • Polytheistic religion – believed in many gods. • Gods represented natural forces like sun, water, and wind. • Ziggurats served as religious and cultural centers.

8. Society and Daily Life • Society divided into classes – kings, priests, merchants, farmers, slaves. • Education focused on writing and mathematics. • Family was an important unit in society.

9. Hammurabi’s Code of Law • One of the world’s first written legal codes. • Created by King Hammurabi of Babylon around 1750 BCE. • 'An eye for an eye' – emphasized justice and order. • Displayed on stone pillars for all to see.

10. Decline of Mesopotamia • Invasions by Persians and Greeks weakened the region. • Changing river courses and poor irrigation led to decline in agriculture. • Eventually became part of later empires like Persia and Alexander’s Empire.

11. Legacy of Mesopotamia • Influenced later civilizations in law, writing, and architecture. • Concepts of time (60 minutes, 360 degrees) came from Mesopotamia. • Foundation for modern cities, governance, and education systems.

12. Conclusion • Mesopotamia was the birthplace of urban civilization. • Its innovations in writing, law, and governance shaped human history. • It remains one of the most studied and admired ancient cultures.