Culture, religion, art, etc.

2 Hammuraby was a brillant war leader, his armies fougth may battles to expand his power, Eventually he brougth all of Mesopotamia to his empire.

3 Hammuraby made a series of laws called the hammurabi´s code it was a set of 282 laws that dealt with almost every part of daily life. There were laws on everyting from trade, loans, and theft marriage, injury and murder.Specific crimes brougth specific penalties.

4 Social class was taken into account. It was a greater crime to injure a rich man than poor one, if you do something to a people that thing will be make it to you.

5 Hammurabi ruled for 42 years. During this reign, Babylon became the most important city in Mesopotamias. However, after his death, Babylonian power declined.

Phoenician city-states includes Byblos, Sidon, and Tyre.

1. Geography: Today the nation of Lebanon occupies most of what was once Phoenicia.

2. Trade: Traded all around the Mediterranean Sea. They became expert sailors, They founded several new colonies, including Carthage

3. Culture: They established trade and communication routes throughout the Mediterranean region. Different cultures throughout the region came to know one another better as they exchanged goods.

4.-Religion shared elements with the religions of surrounding civilizations.

5. Achievement: Most important achievement was the alphabet: A set of letters that can be used to form words

2.-  It applied a policy of tolerance towards the conquered territories, in which respect for freedom of worship, political autonomy, and lower taxes, among other measures , stood out .

3.-Its culture took on traits and traditions typical of the conquered territories and was characterized by the development of architecture and art .

4.-Its capital was installed in Persepolis, considered one of the greatest emblems of the Persian civilization.

5.-It expanded from the current territory of Iran (the area of origin of the Persians) through the territories of Afghanistan, Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, among others.

The Sumerians developed the first civilization in Mesopotamia. They created the world’s first advanced society,  The Sumerians invented the world’s first writing system and they changed Sumerian lives with Technical advances and inventions, the Religion played a major role in Sumerian society and developed many types of art in Sumer.

1.- The City-States of Sumer:  Most people lived in the rural areas and were farmers, Cities were the urban centers of Sumerian society, a city-state consisted of a city and all of the surrounding countryside.

2.- The Invention of Writing and other advances: They invented the world's first writing, Cuneiform symbols could represent syllables, they wrote on clay tablets with a stylus, wrote works of literature, stories, proverbs, and songs, other advances how Development of the wheel, The plow increased farm production, they built sewers under city streets and Created tools out of bronze, in math they created Number system based on 60.

3.- Religion: The Religion played a major role in Sumerian society, Sumerian polytheism was the basis for all Sumerian society, Polytheism is the worship of many gods and their Gods had enormous powers, In Sumer, priests had great statues built. – Priests were people who performed religious ceremonies.

4.- Sumerian Social Order: The division of society by rank or class is the social hierarchy, Kings were at the top of the order because they claimed to be chosen to rule by the gods.

5.- Men and Women in Sumer: Men generally held the political power and made laws, Women generally took care of the home and children,  Education was generally reserved for men, but some upper class women were educated, Some women were priestesses in Sumerian temples.

The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was founded by Cyrus de Great around 550 BCE. Cyrus was a skilled military leader who united various tribes and kingdoms in the region of Persis (modern-day Iran).

2. Stretched from the Indus Valley to Egypt and Thrace

At its height, the Persian Empire encompassed a vast territorial expanse. It stretched from the Indus Valley in the east, which includes parts of modern-day Pakistan and India, to Egypt in the west.
3. Developed the Royal Road, an extensive road network

Under the rule of Darius I, the Persian Empire constructed an impressive network of roads known as the Royal Road. This road system stretched over 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) from Susa, the administrative capital, to Sardis in Anatolia (present-day Turkey).

4. Practiced religious tolerance within the empire

The Persian Empire was known for its policy of religious tolerance, which contributed to its social stability and cohesion.

5. Made significant contributions to art, including metalwork and literature

Made noteworthy contributions to various forms of art and culture. They excelled in decorative arts, including intricate metalwork, pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

2.-Mesopotamia is an important part of the history of the Fertile Crescent.

3.-The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are the most important physical features of the region of Mesopotamia.

4.-The first farm settlements formed in Mesopotamia as early as 7000 BC.

Farmers grew wheat, barley, and other types of grain. Livestock, birds, and fish were also good sources of food. Plentiful food led to population growth, and villages formed. Eventually, these early villages developed into the world's first civilization.

5.-The Mesopotamians used all the resources the rivers provided. In addition to using water for crops, they used clay from the riverbanks to create bricks for buildings The construction of buildings and irrigation systems is an example of why early societies in Mesopotamia are considered civilizations. This construction required Mesopotamian society to be organized. Mesopotamians made good decisions to help sustain growing populations.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - The Persian Empires

1. Strong Military: The Persian military was formidable, utilizing advanced tactics and a diverse range of soldiers. The Immortals, an elite infantry unit, played a crucial role in the empire's military strength.

2. Religious and Cultural Tolerance: The Persians were known for their policy of tolerance towards various cultures and religions.

3. Cultural Heritage: The Achaemenid Empire left a lasting cultural legacy, notably seen in the architectural achievements and the distinctive Achaemenid art style characterized by intricate relief sculptures and monumental structures.

4. Royal Road: The construction of the Royal Road, a network of well-maintained highways, facilitated rapid communication and efficient transportation throughout the empire.

5. Centralized Government: The Persian Empire had a powerful centralized government led by rulers like Cyrus the Great and Darius I. This helped maintain control over the vast territory.

   
   

all of Mesopotamia into his Babylonian Empire.

- He supervised construction and irrigation projects and improved the

tax system.

2 Babylon was home to a powerful government A man named Hammurabi became Babylon’s king and the

city’s greatest monarch, or ruler of a kingdom or empire.

3 Developed a set of 282 laws: Hammurabi’s Code, contained some

ideas still found in laws today.Specific crimes brought specific penalties.

4 Social class was taken into account. It was a greater crime to injure a

rich man than a poor one. It was unique not only because of how complete it was, but also

because he wrote it down for all to see.

5 Babylon spoke Akkadian (Semitic language) and maintained the written Akkadian language for official use (the language of its native population), despite its founders, the Amorites and their successors the Kassites, who did not have Akkadian as their native language.

It was a theocratic empire, as the Persians believed that power had been granted by the god Ahura Mazda, and could not be governed without his protection. They maintained that this god had given Persia supremacy over the rest of the world's people.

2.- Religion:

They believed in Zoroastrianism. He maintains that there is one supreme deity, Ahura Mazda (Lord of Wisdom), creator and maintainer of all things, and encourages his followers to express their faith through the principle of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. The religion is also known as Mazdayasna (“devotion to Mazda”) or Mazdaism.

3.- Art:

Persian art is art developed in the area of Persian cultural influence from Prehistory to 1925. It has had outstanding examples in many media, including architecture, painting, weaving, ceramics, calligraphy, metallurgy, sculpture and masonry.

4.- Literature:

Persian literature spans a cultural period of 2,500 years, although most pre-Islamic documents have been lost. Its origins come from the distant regions beyond the borders of present-day Iran, for the Persian language flourished and survives in vast swaths of Central Asia. Some notable examples are "Aladdin", "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves", and "Sinbad the Sailor". The core of the narratives is Hazār Afsānah, a collection of Indian and Persian folk tales from the Sassanian era.

5.- Goverment:

The system of government was an absolute hereditary monarchy where the king was considered the anthropomorphic form of god on earth. The king had to be the best warrior, as well as the best hunter. He had a personal army: the "Immortals". Besides, it was totally controlled by the religious.

1. Urban Civilization:

They established some of the first city-states, such as Ur and Uruk, with complex political and social structures.

2. Agricultural Advances:

The Sumerians were expert farmers who implemented advanced techniques, such as irrigation, to make the most of the fertile lands of Mesopotamia.

3. Cuneiform Writing:

The Sumerians developed one of the first known writing systems, cuneiform writing, using clay tablets to record information.

4. Men and women in Sumer:

Men and women had different roles. Men had more power and controlled the government. Women were more related to the family and the house.

5. Elaborate Mythology:

They developed a rich mythology with gods such as Enlil and Enki, which influenced the beliefs of later cultures in the region.

This army was strong because it was well organized and loyal.

2.-The army was composed of Immortals, which were 10,000 soldiers chosen

for their bravery and skill.

3.-The army also had a cavalry, a unit of soldiers who ride horses. Cyrus used

the cavalry to charge at and shoot enemies with arrows.

4.-Together the components of the army could defeat almost any enemy.

2. Their main religion was Zoroastrianism, founded by the prophet Zoroaster. This religion highlights the eternal struggle between good (ahura mazda) and evil (Angra mainyu), influencing Persian beliefs and practices.

3. The art and architecture of the Persian Empire reflected grandeur and sophistication. Some examples are the opulent Persepolis, with palaces and impressive carvings of great power.

4. The Persians were known for their efficiency in the administrative system, best known the "Satrapy" system. This facilitated strong government and ensured loyalty within the empire.

5. Also the Cylinder of Cyrus, or Cyrus the Great, highlights a policy of respect for various cultures and religions within the empire, illustrating Persian ideals.

Founding Rulers: Cyrus the Great and Darius I were pivotal in establishing and organizing the Persian Empire.

Vast Territory: The empire spanned from Anatolia to the Indus Valley, showcasing its extensive reach and multicultural diversity.

Advanced Infrastructure: The construction of the Royal Road facilitated efficient communication, trade, and military movement.

Tolerance and Governance: Persian rulers allowed regional autonomy, fostering a relatively tolerant environment for diverse cultures and religions.

Architectural Legacy: Persepolis, the ceremonial capital, exemplified Persian wealth and power through impressive construction projects, including grand palaces and intricate reliefs.

The collage intricately intertwines key visual elements, presenting a compelling portrayal of the grandeur and diversity within the Persian Empire. At its core, the commanding presence of Cyrus the Great dominates, symbolizing the visionary founder of this expansive realm. Persepolis, with its majestic architecture, serves as an awe-inspiring backdrop, epitomizing the empire's regal glory. Scenes of Persian soldiers in traditional attire engage in battles, illustrating the military might led by distinguished rulers such as Darius and Xerxes. The Royal Road winds its way through the composition, symbolizing the empire's strategic connectivity and efficient communication. Zoroastrian fire temples emanate a sacred glow, embodying the religious tapestry that underpinned Persian culture. Intricate Persian art, from pottery to textiles, adorns the collage, reflecting the artistic richness of the civilization. The inclusion of diverse ethnicities emphasizes the empire's inclusivity and vast territorial expanse. In concert, these images form a captivating narrative, encapsulating the historical, cultural, and military facets that defined the illustrious Persian Empire.

region.

Phoenician City-States

• Not a great military power

• Phoenician city-states

includes Byblos, Sidon, and

Tyre.

• Ruled by kings or a council of

elders

• Government influenced by

merchants

• Lost independence when

conquered by Persia

The Geography of Phoenicia

• Mountains to the north and

east

• Access to the Mediterranean

Sea for Trade

• Cedar trees for timber

2.-WRITER: The Sumerians are credited with inventing the world's first writing system, cuneiform, using styluses as sharp tools. Initially employed for business records, this writing skill expanded to encompass various literary forms such as historical narratives, poetry, and mathematical texts, highlighting the Sumerians' multifaceted contributions to early written communication.

3.-ARCHITECTURE: The Sumerians demonstrated expertise in architecture, with rulers residing in expansive palaces. The majority of Sumerians inhabited houses characterized by multiple rooms surrounding a small courtyard. Additionally, each city featured a distinctive ziggurat—a pyramid-shaped temple tower—symbolizing the architectural prowess of Sumerian civilization.

4.-THE ARTS: Sumerian sculptors crafted numerous statues depicting gods for temple adornment. The populace favored jewelry fashioned from imported gold, silver, and gems. Notably, engraved cylinder seals became iconic in Sumerian art, while music served both as entertainment and a means of worship.

5.-TECHNICAL ADVANCES: Sumerians achieved significant technical advances, including the invention of the wheel for carts and wagons, as well as the potter's wheel. The introduction of the plow revolutionized agricultural production. Additionally, they implemented advanced infrastructure with sewers beneath city streets and crafted tools from bronze, showcasing their innovation in various fields.

2.-Cyrus had a powerful army, named the Inmortals, 10,000 soldiers chosen for their bravery and skill. They also had a cavalry.

3.- After Cyrus died, his son, Cambyses continued to expand the Persian Empire. Later on, a rebellion broke out in Persia in wich, Cambyses died and left the Persian Empire with no leader.

4.- Within four years a young prince named Darius I claimed the throne and killed all his rivals for power. Once he was securely in control, Darius worked to restore Persia.

​

2.-Sumer was the southern counterpart to the northern region of Akkad whose people gave Sumer its name, meaning “land of the civilized kings”.

3.-The Sumerians were responsible for many of the most important innovations, inventions, and concepts taken for granted in the present day.

4.-Sumer ceased to exist and was only known through references in the works of ancient writers, including the scribes who wrote the biblical Book of Genesis.

5.-Sumer remained unknown until the mid-19th century CE when excavations in Mesopotamia unearthed their civilization and brought their many contributions to light.

• Not a great military power

• Phoenician city-states

includes Byblos, Sidon, and

Tyre.

• Ruled by kings or a council of

elders.

• Government influenced by

merchants.

The Geography of Phoenicia

• Mountains to the north and

east.

• Access to the Mediterranean

Sea for Trade.

• Cedar trees for timber.

The Sumerians learned to farm on a grand scale in the so-called Fertile Crescent, a thin, crescent-shaped sliver of Mesopotamia often tied to the dawn of farming, writing, mathematics and astronomy. 

And while the arid, ancient landscapes of the Middle East may not seem like the most likely location for an agricultural breakthrough, Sumer actually had a massive advantage. By settling between two large rivers, the Sumerians benefited from rich floodplain soil and ample water to irrigate crops. Their success was accelerated by Sumerian technological innovations like canals and plows. With time, Sumer got so good at growing food that they started to have enough resources left over to focus on building the cities and temples. 

Although Ur rose to glory after the death of Sargon, repeated foreign attacks drained its strength. By 2000 BC, Ur lay in ruins. With Ur's power gone, several waves of invaders battled to gain control of Mesopotamia.

The Rise of Babylon

Babylon was home to one such group. That city was located on the Euphrates River near what is today Baghdad, Iraq. Babylo had once been a sumerian town. By 1800 BC, however, it was home to a powerful goverment of its own. In 1792 BC, Hammurabi became Babylon's king. He became the city's greatest monarch, a ruler of a kingdom or empire.

Hammurabi's Code

Hammurabi was a brilliant war leader. His armies fought many battles to expand his power. Eventually, he brought all of Mesopotamia into his empire, called the Babylonian Empire, after his capital. He also brought much prosperity through increased trade. Hammurabi, however, is most famous for his code of laws. Hammurabi's Code was set of 282 laws that dealt with almost every part of daily life. There were laws on everything from trade, loans, and theft to marriage, injury, and murder. It contained some ideas that are still found in laws today. Specific crimes brought specific penalties. However, social class did matter. For instance, injuring a rich man brought a greater penalty than injury a poor man.

Babylonian and Assyrian Empires

Later, in 1200s BC, the Assyrians from northern Mesopotamia briefly gained control of Babylon. However, their empire was soon overrun by invaders. After this defeat, the Assyrians took about 300 years to recover their strength. Then,starting about 900 BC, they began to conquer all of the Fertile Crescent. They even took over parts of Asia Minor and Egypt.

The Chaldeans

In 652 BC a series of wars broke out in the Assyrian Empire over who should rule. These wars greatly weakened the empire. Sensing this weakness, the Chaldeans, a group from the Syrian Desert, led other peoples in an attack on the Assyrians. In 612 BC, they destroyed Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire.

Characteristics

1-Hammurabi ruled for 42 years.During his reign, Babylon became the most important city in Mesopotamia.

2-The Chaldeans admired Sumerian culture.They studied the Sumerian language and built temples to Sumerian gods.

3-Babylon became a center for astronomy.

4-Assyrian kings ruled their large empire through local leaders.

5-The Chaldeans set up a new empire of their own Nebuchadnezzar.

Characteristics

1.They were organized into independent city-states, controlled by a caste of priests and warrior leaders who concentrated political, economic and social power.

2 .Its history was marked by constant wars between cities and attempts at conquest and political hegemony.

3.They invented cuneiform writing, which they used to account for the administration of the city's goods and services.

4.They developed several literary, epic and religious texts that influenced contemporary and later cultures throughout the region.

5.Its cities were conquered by foreign peoples and regained their independence on different occasions.

_{Sumerians invented or improved a wide range of technology, including the wheel, cuneiform script, arithmetic, geometry, irrigation, saws and other tools, sandals, chariots, harpoons, and beer.}

advanced technology.

The Sumerians showed use of advanced technology such as canals for irrigation of crops, sun dried bricks for building, the first wheeled vehicles, and the use of bronze to create stronger weapons and tools. They even invented mathematical equations and tables and, studied astronomy by mapping out the movement of the moon and stars.

specialized workers

Sumerian society shows an advanced use of a specialized workforce. Once they used irrigation from the rivers to help increase crop and food production, there was a surplus of workers. This allowed for people to take on other jobs like merchants, weavers, artists, and soldiers.

advanced achievements in science and art

The Sumerians had advanced achievements in science and art as well. They developed the first writing system known as cuneiform. Scribes recorded the names of rulers, laws, and history into clay tablets. One of the first epics, The Epic of Gilgamesh, was written in cuneiform.

civilization

Sumer was an ancient civilization founded in the Mesopotamia region of the Fertile Crescent situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Known for their innovations in language, governance, architecture and more, Sumerians are considered the creators of civilization as modern humans understand it.

Men and women Roles

men worked outside of the home and women stayed inside of the home while focusing on raising their children and keeping up with work that took place in the home. However, there were exceptions; we know of women who were “bartenders” and even women who were priestesses, but with limited responsibility.

2.Religion: Zoroastrianism was the predominant religion in the Persian Empire. Founded by the prophet Zoroaster, it emphasized the duality of good and evil, with Ahura Mazda as the supreme deity. This religion played an important role in shaping Persian values and government.

3.Art and architecture: Persian art and architecture were marked by greatness and innovation. Examples include the intricate palace complex of Persepolis, characterized by colossal columns and intricate reliefs, displaying the wealth and power of the empire.

4.Royal Road and Communication: The Persian Empire established an extensive network of roads, with the Royal Road being one of the most famous. It facilitated rapid communication and efficient administration throughout the vast empire, contributing to its stability.

5.The Legacy of Cyrus the Great: Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is remembered for his enlightened rule. The Cylinder of Him, often called the first charter of human rights, reflected principles of justice, religious tolerance, and respect for diverse cultures within the empire.