The Mesopotamians
Name of Group: Mesopotamia
Time Period: 4000 B.C.E. (developed independently)
Location: Between Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
Important Neighbors: Sumerians and Babylonians
Strengths:
Mesopotamia developed independently—they had no examples to imitate from. They had discovered copper and bronze by about 4000 B.C.E. They also invented the wheel and used it as transportation. Another big leap for Mesopotamia was the discovery of metal work. Along with the Sumerians, they created a system of numbers based off of 10, 60, and 360. The number system is still used today. As far as economy, they had a well-established pottery industry. They traded often with parts of Egypt and also with the Sumerians. Art was very important to their life and they showed many different art forms. Some included pottery and sculptures. Because of their need for irrigation, agriculture was very important to their lives. Communities were close knit because of their need for coordination among their civilization. This made a basis for complex political structures in which they practiced.
Weaknesses:
Although they were very advanced as far as technology, Mesopotamia had a weak military. They were conquered along with the Sumerians. The Babylonians took over defeating the civilizations and starting their declines. Mesopotamia also had less of a government influence on their culture, making it more possible for defeat (because of little military use).
Impact on Neighbors:
Mesopotamia largely influenced the Egyptian Civilization. They greatly benefitted from the trade and technology of Mesopotamia. However, the Egyptians had a very different culture. They also influenced the Sumerians with their agriculture and advanced technology skills.
Legacy:
Mesopotamia had an enormous influence on our world and it still does today. They created the city-states which are still used in many cultures. They also developed agriculture which is used in modern day times all over the world. Other examples would be the wheel, government, etc. Their writing and number systems are still used to day, as well.
People Analysis By: Sara H
Time Period: 4000 B.C.E. (developed independently)
Location: Between Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
Important Neighbors: Sumerians and Babylonians
Strengths:
Mesopotamia developed independently—they had no examples to imitate from. They had discovered copper and bronze by about 4000 B.C.E. They also invented the wheel and used it as transportation. Another big leap for Mesopotamia was the discovery of metal work. Along with the Sumerians, they created a system of numbers based off of 10, 60, and 360. The number system is still used today. As far as economy, they had a well-established pottery industry. They traded often with parts of Egypt and also with the Sumerians. Art was very important to their life and they showed many different art forms. Some included pottery and sculptures. Because of their need for irrigation, agriculture was very important to their lives. Communities were close knit because of their need for coordination among their civilization. This made a basis for complex political structures in which they practiced.
Weaknesses:
Although they were very advanced as far as technology, Mesopotamia had a weak military. They were conquered along with the Sumerians. The Babylonians took over defeating the civilizations and starting their declines. Mesopotamia also had less of a government influence on their culture, making it more possible for defeat (because of little military use).
Impact on Neighbors:
Mesopotamia largely influenced the Egyptian Civilization. They greatly benefitted from the trade and technology of Mesopotamia. However, the Egyptians had a very different culture. They also influenced the Sumerians with their agriculture and advanced technology skills.
Legacy:
Mesopotamia had an enormous influence on our world and it still does today. They created the city-states which are still used in many cultures. They also developed agriculture which is used in modern day times all over the world. Other examples would be the wheel, government, etc. Their writing and number systems are still used to day, as well.
People Analysis By: Sara H
