ICSE · Grade 6
Ch. 2: Mesopotamian Civilization
Land between the Tigris and Euphrates (Western Asia). Earliest advanced culture: Sumerians (~3500 BCE). Famous for cuneiform, ziggurats, irrigation, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and inventions like the wheeled wagon and ox-drawn plough.
2.1 Origin
2.2 Location
2.3 Main Characteristics of the Mesopotamian Civilization
2.4 Decline of the Mesopotamian Civilization
# Quick Revision Summary
- **Name:** Mesopotamia = between Tigris and Euphrates
- **Earliest culture:** Sumerian (~3500 BCE)
- **Later powers:** Babylonians, Assyrians
- **Script:** Cuneiform on clay
- **Cities:** Uruk, Ur; pattern: sacred + walled + outer
- **Temple:** Ziggurat
- **Wonder:** Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- **Work:** Farming, irrigation, plough, wagon, trade, crafts
- **Religion:** Many gods; city patrons; afterlife goods
- **Fall:** War + river change + sand
## Trail Treasures
| Term | Meaning |
|------|---------|
| Cradle and the Grave | Place of origin and decline of cultures |
| Ur | Sumerian city |
| Uniform pattern | Roughly equal planned parts |
| Ziggurat | Stepped tower temple |
| Dyke | Wall against flood |
| Revolutionized | Completely changed how people do something |
Topics in this chapter
-
2.1 Origin
Sumerian Civilization ~3500 BCE in southern Mesopotamia; flourished ~1500 years; later Babylonians a…
-
2.2 Location
Broad fertile valley between Tigris and Euphrates in Western Asia. Parallel rivers overflow and depo…
-
2.3.1 Rivers
Euphrates and Tigris from northern mountains. Fertile soil near rivers. Dry climate—agriculture only…
-
2.3.2 Society
Three classes: upper (king, officials, priests, wealthy traders), middle (fishermen, farmers, artisa…
-
2.3.3 Social life
Father head of family. Women protected, could own property. Upper-class boys educated; girls houseke…
-
2.3.4 Script
Cuneiform—one of earliest scripts from Sumeria. Clay tokens for counting/recording. Pictography evol…
-
2.3.5 Town Planning
Uruk and Ur ~3000 BCE. Uniform pattern: sacred area, walled city, outer town. Ziggurat in sacred are…
-
2.3.6 Architecture
Arches, columns, domes, vaults. Ziggurat multi-storeyed temple of sun-baked bricks. Temples as schoo…
-
2.3.7 Occupation
Agriculture (first wheat cultivators), irrigation & dykes, ox-drawn plough, wheeled wagon, animals, …
-
2.3.8 Religion
Many gods; each city had patron god/goddess. King as representative of God. Life after death—grave g…
-
2.4 Decline
Wars between city-states for land and water; rivers changed course; sandstorms buried monuments.…
Philosophy check
- What is this civilization?
- Why was it advanced?
- How did cities work?
- Where do we still see these ideas?
- Exams — what will be asked?