WHAP Period 1

Mesopotamia

First civilization founded in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (ME); developed eloped from scratch (no example to imitate); The name literally means the land between the rivers, referring to the alluvial valley plain of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in modern-day Iraq. The world’s first complex society emerged in this area in about 3200 BCE. (Political)

 

Cuneiform

alphabet-1st system of writing developed by the Sumerians (ca 3500 BCE). (Culture)

Hammurabi’s Code

First developed eloped law system in the world with very brutal justice as well as class repression. “Eye for an eye”. (Political) (Social)

 

Indus valley civilizations

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro-cities with prosperous urban civilizations; houses had running water, trade w/Mesopotamia, own alphabet.  Very fertile land compared to Mesopotamia. (Interactions)

 

Bronze Age

Discovered by Mesopotamian craftsmen around 3000 BCE, A strong alloy of copper and tin, bronze enabled the specialized production of much more effective weapons. Eventually, it was also used for agricultural tools. (Economic) (Cultural)

 

Assyrian empire

Developed cavalry warfare: Empire in Mesopotamia built by the Assyrians, a hardy people from northern Mesopotamia who extended their authority south after 1000 BCE.  The Assyrian empire covered Mesopotamia, Syria, Palestine, much of Anatolia, and most of Egypt. Internal unrest and external assaults brought it down in 612 BCE. (Political)

 

Upanishads

The sacred text of Indians at this time. Described brahman and other facets of later Hindu beliefs.  Founding texts of Hinduism. (Cultural)