Chapter 2 Western Asia and Egypt. Section 1- Mesopotamian Civilization The Impact of Geography Mesopotamia means “land between 2 rivers”. Mesopotamia.

Chapter 2Chapter 2

Western AsiaWestern Asiaand and

EgyptEgypt

Section 1- Mesopotamian CivilizationSection 1- Mesopotamian CivilizationThe Impact of GeographyThe Impact of Geography Mesopotamia means “land between 2 rivers”.Mesopotamia means “land between 2 rivers”. Tigris and Euphrates River that overflowed it’s banks. Tigris and Euphrates River that overflowed it’s banks.

Floods were unpredictable.Floods were unpredictable. Fertile Crescent is an area from the Mediterranean Sea to Fertile Crescent is an area from the Mediterranean Sea to

the Persian Gulf.the Persian Gulf. Civilizations began here because of the land with rich Civilizations began here because of the land with rich

soil.soil. Created irrigation and drainage ditches.Created irrigation and drainage ditches. Sumerians were creators of 1Sumerians were creators of 1stst Mesopotamian Mesopotamian

civilization.civilization.

The City-States of Ancient MesopotamiaThe City-States of Ancient Mesopotamia Southern city-states: Eridu, Ur, Uruk.Southern city-states: Eridu, Ur, Uruk. City-statesCity-states – basic units of Sumerian – basic units of Sumerian

civilization.civilization. Used mud bricks for walls for houses, Used mud bricks for walls for houses,

buildings and protection.buildings and protection. Temple was most important. On top of Temple was most important. On top of

zigguratziggurat.. Priests and priestesses had a great deal of Priests and priestesses had a great deal of

power.power. Believed that gods ruled the cities, Believed that gods ruled the cities, theocracytheocracy. .

Kings got their power from the gods.Kings got their power from the gods.

Most Sumerians were farmers, but some learned Most Sumerians were farmers, but some learned how to make metal goods, pottery, and wool how to make metal goods, pottery, and wool cloth.cloth.

Social HierarchySocial Hierarchy

11stst- Nobles- kings, priests and their families.- Nobles- kings, priests and their families.

22ndnd- Commoners- farmers, fishers, merchants, - Commoners- farmers, fishers, merchants, craftspeople.craftspeople.

33rdrd- Slaves- owned by palace and temple officials.- Slaves- owned by palace and temple officials.

Empires in Ancient MesopotamiaEmpires in Ancient Mesopotamia The land of Mesopotamia was very flat, so it was The land of Mesopotamia was very flat, so it was

easy to invade.easy to invade. City-states fought each other for land and water.City-states fought each other for land and water. AkkadiansAkkadians overran the Sumerian city-states. overran the Sumerian city-states. Led by Sargon, they created 1Led by Sargon, they created 1stst empireempire in history. in history.

Ended about 2100 B.C.Ended about 2100 B.C. New empire developed out of Babylon. New empire developed out of Babylon. Hammurabi gained control of Sumer and Akkad.Hammurabi gained control of Sumer and Akkad.

The Code of HammurabiThe Code of Hammurabi One of most important contribution was a One of most important contribution was a

collection of laws called the Code of Hammurabi.collection of laws called the Code of Hammurabi. Penalties were severe and different for each class. Penalties were severe and different for each class.

Lower classes punished more. Covered almost Lower classes punished more. Covered almost every aspect of people’s lives.every aspect of people’s lives.

The principle of retribution was a basis for most The principle of retribution was a basis for most laws. “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”.laws. “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”.

Patriarchal-Patriarchal- men dominated it and ruled their men dominated it and ruled their wives and children.wives and children.

The Importance of ReligionThe Importance of Religion Climate was harsh with heavy rains, scorching Climate was harsh with heavy rains, scorching

winds, and famines.winds, and famines. Believed supernatural forces controlled their Believed supernatural forces controlled their

world.world. PolytheisticPolytheistic with almost 3,000 gods and with almost 3,000 gods and

goddesses.goddesses.

The Creativity of the SumeriansThe Creativity of the Sumerians Invented many things that still affects our lives today.Invented many things that still affects our lives today. Writing- cuneiform means “wedge-shaped”. Made Writing- cuneiform means “wedge-shaped”. Made

wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. Used to keep wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. Used to keep records. Taught in schools that trained scribes, who records. Taught in schools that trained scribes, who would become leaders of their cities, temples, and would become leaders of their cities, temples, and armies. Allowed to pass knowledge. armies. Allowed to pass knowledge.

Wagon Wheel- transport goods easily.Wagon Wheel- transport goods easily. Potter’s wheelPotter’s wheel SundialSundial ArchArch First people to make bronze out of copper and tin.First people to make bronze out of copper and tin.

Section 2- Egyptian CivilizationSection 2- Egyptian Civilization

The Impact of GeographyThe Impact of Geography Nile is the longest river in the world. Begins in Nile is the longest river in the world. Begins in

Africa and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Africa and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Splits into 2 branches forming a delta.Splits into 2 branches forming a delta.

Nile Delta is called Lower Egypt. The land south Nile Delta is called Lower Egypt. The land south is called Upper Egypt.is called Upper Egypt.

Yearly flooding was predictable and called the Yearly flooding was predictable and called the “miracle”. “miracle”.

Farmers were able to grow surplus of food that Farmers were able to grow surplus of food that made Egypt prosperous.made Egypt prosperous.

Nile made it easy to travel throughout the land.Nile made it easy to travel throughout the land. Natural barriers to protect them from invasion. Natural barriers to protect them from invasion.

Deserts in the west and east; Red Sea to the Deserts in the west and east; Red Sea to the east; Cataracts to the south; and the east; Cataracts to the south; and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Mediterranean Sea to the north.

The Importance of ReligionThe Importance of Religion Polytheistic. Most important gods were sun Polytheistic. Most important gods were sun

gods and land gods.gods and land gods. Sun god was known as Atum and Re. Rulers Sun god was known as Atum and Re. Rulers

had the title of Son of Re, believed to be had the title of Son of Re, believed to be earthly form of Re.earthly form of Re.

River and land gods were Osiris and Isis. River and land gods were Osiris and Isis. Osiris was the symbol of resurrection Osiris was the symbol of resurrection (coming back to life)(coming back to life)

The Course of Egyptian HistoryThe Course of Egyptian History Divided up into 3 periods: Old Kingdom, Divided up into 3 periods: Old Kingdom,

Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom.Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. Between periods were times of chaos and Between periods were times of chaos and

invasion.invasion. 3100 B.C. King Menes unites upper and lower 3100 B.C. King Menes unites upper and lower

Egypt into one kingdom.Egypt into one kingdom. Creates a Creates a dynastydynasty- is a family or rulers whose - is a family or rulers whose

right to rule is passed on within the family.right to rule is passed on within the family.

Old KingdomOld Kingdom 2700-2200 B.C.2700-2200 B.C. Time of prosperity and splendor.Time of prosperity and splendor. Monarchs were powerful rulers. Known as Monarchs were powerful rulers. Known as

Pharaohs meaning “great house” or “palace”. Pharaohs meaning “great house” or “palace”. Believed they were gods. Developed a Believed they were gods. Developed a bureaucracy to help them rule. A bureaucracy to help them rule. A viziervizier meaning meaning “steward of the whole land” reported directly to “steward of the whole land” reported directly to the Pharaoh and was in charge of the the Pharaoh and was in charge of the bureaucracy.bureaucracy.

1 of greatest achievement was building pyramids. They 1 of greatest achievement was building pyramids. They served as tombs for the bodies of dead pharaohs.served as tombs for the bodies of dead pharaohs.

Egyptians believed that they had 2 bodies, a physical and Egyptians believed that they had 2 bodies, a physical and a spiritual one (ka).a spiritual one (ka).

If the physical body was preserved (mummification) If the physical body was preserved (mummification) after death and the tomb stocked with food and supplies, after death and the tomb stocked with food and supplies, the ka could return. the ka could return.

Largest pyramid built was in Giza around 2540 B.C. by Largest pyramid built was in Giza around 2540 B.C. by King Khufu called the Great Pyramid. Took 20 years King Khufu called the Great Pyramid. Took 20 years and 100,000 Egyptians to build. Guarded by the Great and 100,000 Egyptians to build. Guarded by the Great Sphinx- body of lion with human head.Sphinx- body of lion with human head.

Old Kingdom ends. 150 years of chaos follows.Old Kingdom ends. 150 years of chaos follows.

Middle KingdomMiddle Kingdom 2050-1652 B.C.2050-1652 B.C. Time of stability.Time of stability. Egypt conquered Nubia and sent armies to Syria Egypt conquered Nubia and sent armies to Syria

and Palestine.and Palestine. Drained swampland to give people land.Drained swampland to give people land. Dug canal to connect Nile and the Red Sea to aid Dug canal to connect Nile and the Red Sea to aid

trade and transportation.trade and transportation. Hyksos invaded using horse-drawn chariots.Hyksos invaded using horse-drawn chariots. Egyptians learned how to make bronze tools and Egyptians learned how to make bronze tools and

weapons as well as how to use chariots. weapons as well as how to use chariots.

New KingdomNew Kingdom 1567-1085 B.C.1567-1085 B.C. Egypt created an empire and became the most Egypt created an empire and became the most

powerful state in SW Asia.powerful state in SW Asia. Built new temples.Built new temples. Hatshepsut reigns. 1Hatshepsut reigns. 1stst woman Pharaoh. woman Pharaoh. Amenhotep IV forces only worship of 1 god, Amenhotep IV forces only worship of 1 god,

Aton. Changed his name to Akehenaton meaning Aton. Changed his name to Akehenaton meaning “It is well with Aton”.“It is well with Aton”.

Tutankhamen restored the old gods.Tutankhamen restored the old gods.

Ramses II tried to regain control of their Ramses II tried to regain control of their earlier empire, but they were only partly earlier empire, but they were only partly successful.successful.

11stst century B.C., Cleopatra tried to regain century B.C., Cleopatra tried to regain Egypt’s independence, but was defeated by the Egypt’s independence, but was defeated by the Romans who made them a part of the Roman Romans who made them a part of the Roman Empire. Empire.

Society in Ancient EgyptSociety in Ancient Egypt Society was organized like a pyramid.Society was organized like a pyramid. Top: PharaohTop: Pharaoh Small Upper Class: Nobles and PriestsSmall Upper Class: Nobles and Priests Middle Class: Merchants, Artisans, Scribes, Middle Class: Merchants, Artisans, Scribes,

and Tax Collectorsand Tax Collectors Lower Class: Most people: peasants who Lower Class: Most people: peasants who

farmed the land, paid taxes from the crops they farmed the land, paid taxes from the crops they grew, lived in small villages, served in the grew, lived in small villages, served in the military, and were forced to work on building military, and were forced to work on building projects.projects.

Daily Life in Ancient EgyptDaily Life in Ancient Egypt Married at a young age. Normally had only 1 Married at a young age. Normally had only 1

wife. If it ended in divorce, the wife was wife. If it ended in divorce, the wife was compensated. Men were masters of the house; compensated. Men were masters of the house; Women were respected, took care of the Women were respected, took care of the home, educated the children, could operate home, educated the children, could operate businesses.businesses.

Parents arranged marriages for their children. Parents arranged marriages for their children. Main purpose: to produce children, especially Main purpose: to produce children, especially males.males.

Writing and EducationWriting and Education Began around 3000 B.C.Began around 3000 B.C. Hieroglyphics means “priest-carvings” or Hieroglyphics means “priest-carvings” or

“sacred writings”. Pictures and abstract forms. “sacred writings”. Pictures and abstract forms. Complex and took a long time to learn. Complex and took a long time to learn.

Hieratic Script- a simpler version of Hieratic Script- a simpler version of Hieroglyphics. Used for business and daily Hieroglyphics. Used for business and daily life.life.

First written on stone and then papyrus.First written on stone and then papyrus.

Achievements in Art and ScienceAchievements in Art and Science Used geometry and learned how to calculate Used geometry and learned how to calculate

area and volume.area and volume. Developed 365 day calendar.Developed 365 day calendar. Became experts in human anatomy.Became experts in human anatomy. Used splints, bandages, and compresses to Used splints, bandages, and compresses to

treat fractures, wounds, and disease.treat fractures, wounds, and disease.

Section 3 – New Centers of Section 3 – New Centers of CivilizationCivilization

Pastoral nomads domesticated animals for Pastoral nomads domesticated animals for food and clothing.food and clothing.

Indo-Europeans combined with the native Indo-Europeans combined with the native peoples of Asia Minor and Anatolia to form peoples of Asia Minor and Anatolia to form the Hittite kingdom.the Hittite kingdom.

2000-1200 B.C.2000-1200 B.C. 11stst to use iron. Made stronger and cheaper to use iron. Made stronger and cheaper

weaponsweapons

The PhoeniciansThe Phoenicians Lived in area around Palestine, along the Lived in area around Palestine, along the

Mediterranean coast.Mediterranean coast. Trade was the basis of their economy.Trade was the basis of their economy. Improved their ships & became a trade empire.Improved their ships & became a trade empire. Carthage was located on N. African coast.Carthage was located on N. African coast. Developed a system of writing that used 22 Developed a system of writing that used 22

different signs to represent the sounds of their different signs to represent the sounds of their language.language.

Roman alphabet is from this.Roman alphabet is from this.

The “Children of Israel”The “Children of Israel” Israelites lived south of the Phoenicians, came Israelites lived south of the Phoenicians, came

from Mesopotamia and Palestine.from Mesopotamia and Palestine. Followed Judaism, which would influence the Followed Judaism, which would influence the

religions of Christianity and Islam.religions of Christianity and Islam. Wandered the desert for many years until they Wandered the desert for many years until they

returned to Palestine.returned to Palestine. Tribes united and formed Israel.Tribes united and formed Israel. King Solomon ruled from 970-930 B.C. He King Solomon ruled from 970-930 B.C. He

expanded the government and army, expanded the government and army, encouraged trade with other countries, and encouraged trade with other countries, and built the temple of Jerusalem.built the temple of Jerusalem.

After Solomon’s death, Israel split into 2 After Solomon’s death, Israel split into 2 kingdoms: Kingdom of Israel with Samaria as kingdoms: Kingdom of Israel with Samaria as their capital and the Kingdom of Judah with their capital and the Kingdom of Judah with Jerusalem as their capital.Jerusalem as their capital.

The Assyrians conquered Israel. Judah The Assyrians conquered Israel. Judah survived but was conquered by the Chaldeans survived but was conquered by the Chaldeans and sent to Babylon as captives. Later, and sent to Babylon as captives. Later, allowed to leave.allowed to leave.

Became known as Jews, and their religion Became known as Jews, and their religion became known as Judaism. became known as Judaism.

Judaism is monotheistic. Their god was called Judaism is monotheistic. Their god was called Yahweh. He was the creator of the world and Yahweh. He was the creator of the world and everything in it.everything in it.

Believed Moses led them out of Egypt. God Believed Moses led them out of Egypt. God made a covenant or contract with them. To made a covenant or contract with them. To fulfill it, they must obey the law of God, called fulfill it, they must obey the law of God, called the Ten Commandments. Believed God sent the Ten Commandments. Believed God sent prophets to teach and warn them.prophets to teach and warn them.

Prophets said God waned them to live justly Prophets said God waned them to live justly and care for the poor.and care for the poor.

Ten Commandments is the basis for modern Ten Commandments is the basis for modern laws and ideals of social justice.laws and ideals of social justice.

Judaism was unique from the other religions in Judaism was unique from the other religions in western Asia because it was monotheistic.western Asia because it was monotheistic.

God’s wished had been written down.God’s wished had been written down. No single person alone could claimed to know No single person alone could claimed to know

God’s will. Anyone who could read Hebrew God’s will. Anyone who could read Hebrew could unlock this knowledge.could unlock this knowledge.

Jews refused to accept the gods of their Jews refused to accept the gods of their conquerors.conquerors.

Section 4 – The Rise of New EmpiresSection 4 – The Rise of New Empires

The Assyrian EmpireThe Assyrian Empire Assyria is located on the upper Tigris River.Assyria is located on the upper Tigris River. Used iron weapons to conquer others and build an Used iron weapons to conquer others and build an

empire.empire. Well organized and developed a system of Well organized and developed a system of

communication. Relay of horses.communication. Relay of horses. Ashurbanipal, built one of the world’s first libraries at Ashurbanipal, built one of the world’s first libraries at

Nineveh.Nineveh. Armies were well organized and used iron weapons. Armies were well organized and used iron weapons.

Treated conquered people cruelly.Treated conquered people cruelly.

The Persian EmpireThe Persian Empire The Chaldeans made Babylon the most The Chaldeans made Babylon the most

important state in western Asia.important state in western Asia. Nebuchadnezzar rebuilt Babylon and made it Nebuchadnezzar rebuilt Babylon and made it

into one of the great cities in ancient world.into one of the great cities in ancient world. Babylon fell to the Persians. Empire stretched Babylon fell to the Persians. Empire stretched

from Asia Minor to western India.from Asia Minor to western India. Cyrus ruled from 559-530 B.C. He ruled with Cyrus ruled from 559-530 B.C. He ruled with

great wisdom and compassion. He had respect great wisdom and compassion. He had respect for other cultures.for other cultures.

Cambyses invaded Egypt.Cambyses invaded Egypt. Darius added a province in India, moved into Europe Darius added a province in India, moved into Europe

and conquered Thrace.and conquered Thrace. Persian Empire becomes largest the world has ever Persian Empire becomes largest the world has ever

seen. Divided into 20 satrapies, ruled by a satrap or seen. Divided into 20 satrapies, ruled by a satrap or “protector of the kingdom”. They collect taxes, “protector of the kingdom”. They collect taxes, provided justice, and recruited soldiers.provided justice, and recruited soldiers.

The Persian Empire depended upon the power of the The Persian Empire depended upon the power of the military. Had a professional army. A cavalry and military. Had a professional army. A cavalry and infantry of 10,000 called the Immortals.infantry of 10,000 called the Immortals.

Persian kings had many wives and children.Persian kings had many wives and children. Son of the kings had no power but were Son of the kings had no power but were

always plotting to gain the throne and always plotting to gain the throne and eventually weakened the monarchy.eventually weakened the monarchy.

Believed in Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster’s Believed in Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster’s teachings were written in in the Zen Avestia, teachings were written in in the Zen Avestia, the sacred book. Monotheistic. Ahuramazda the sacred book. Monotheistic. Ahuramazda or “Wise Lord” was their god and creator. or “Wise Lord” was their god and creator. Ahriman was an evil spirit who opposed him. Ahriman was an evil spirit who opposed him.

He taught that humans could choose between He taught that humans could choose between good and evil and that in a struggle between good and evil and that in a struggle between good and evil, Ahuramazda would triumph. good and evil, Ahuramazda would triumph.