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Curated by Anirudh Kanginakuduru; Babylon, Baraah Alzarough; Sumer, and Anthonya Lassissi; Sumerian Mythology
What was Mesopotamia?
Early Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia is an ancient region of Western Asia located within the Tigris–Euphrates river system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Mesopotamia is the Greek word meaning "land between the rivers." It developed because of the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers. These two rivers flowed into the Persian Gulf which was a main source of water for trade. Although the rivers occasionally flooded leaving devastation to the crops, they provided nutrient-rich silt and water which helped with agriculture. With successful farming due to newly found irrigation methods, these early farming communities eventually grew into city-states. The first plows and irrigation canals were created in Mesopotamia as well as writing, mathematics, astronomy, and complex architecture. Their success sometimes lead to conflict between other powerful civilizations starting sprouting around the world, but the Mesopotamians were, nevertheless, able to thrive in their environment. The Mesopotamian civilization became the center for the Neolithic revolution, and as a result, became known as the cradle of civilization. The image on the left depicts some of the major regions of Mesopotamia that developed into powerful empires.
Important Characteristics of Mesopotamia
Complex Organization: Once the Mesopotamians found success in agriculture, they were able to pursue jobs that did not involve agriculture. One of the jobs that needed to be filled was ruler. The rulers usually lived in magnificient palaces that drew attention from foreigners.
Complex Organization: Religion was important to the Mesopotamians. As you will learn on the Sumerian Mythology page, structures known as ziggurats were made in order to worship Mesopotamian gods. The Mesopotamians worshipped their gods in exchange for protection.
Armies: Mesopotamia consisted of many city-states that were constantly at war with each other. Having a good army ensured that each city-state would be able to defend themselves against invaders or other city-states and conquer more land to gain resources. Strongs armies were necessary this early in the world's history.
Agriculture in Early Mesopotamia: Mesopotamia was a river valley civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The rivers were extremely unpredictable, but the Mesopotamian people soon started creating irrigation systems that accommodated for the flooding of the two rivers.
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