Civilizations in Mesopotamia

Lesson 1

Make A Note of That

Pages 61-66

What two inventions helped early farmers deal with flooding?

Check Question #1

Two inventions that helped early farmers

deal with flooding were dikes and canals.

Check Question #1

Response

How did religion in Sumer reflect the importance of agriculture?

Check Question #2

Sumerian religion reflected the importance of agriculture because Sumerians believed

they would get larger harvests by pleasing the

gods and would face natural disasters by

displeasing the gods.

What type of government did Sumerian city-states form to provide stronger leadership?

Check Question #3

Sumerian city-states formed a monarchy to

provide stronger leadership.

Check Question #3

Response

What effect did a surplus of food have on life in Sumer?

Check Question #4

A surplus of food meant people in Sumer could spend time doing other

activities besides growing or finding food.

Check Question #4

Response

What were the three levels of Sumer’s social classes?

Check Question #5

The three levels of Sumer’s social classes

were nobles, middle class, and laborers and slaves.

Check Question #5

Response

What innovations did the Sumerians develop?

Check Question #6

Innovations that the Sumerians developed

included: iqu, quart, cargo boats with sails, and a

writing system known as cuneiform.

Check Question #6

Response

War and Peace in the Fertile Crescent

Lesson 2

Make A Note of That

Pages 67-71

What was the major cause of wars among the people of the

Fertile Crescent?

Check Question #1

The major causes of war among the people of the

Fertile Crescent were land and water disputes.

Check Question #1

Response

Why did Sargon tear down boundary pillars and city walls?

Check Question #2

Sargon tore down boundary pillars and city walls to show that he had

built an empire.

What is an “eye for an eye” law?

Check Question #3

An “eye for an eye law” is a law that states

whoever causes an injury will be punished with the

same injury.

Check Question #3

Response

Why did the Assyrians attack their neighbors?

Check Question #4

The Assyrians attacked their neighbors because

they wanted to gain more fertile land on

which to farm.Check Question #4

Response

Israelites, Phoenicians, and Lydians

Lesson 3

Make A Note of That

Pages 72-77

In what important way were Abraham’s religious beliefs

different from the beliefs of the people of Mesopotamia?

Check Question #1

Abraham believed in one god, while the

Mesopotamians believed in different gods.

Check Question #1

Response

What set of rules became an important part

of three major religions?

Check Question #2

The Ten Commandments became an important part of three major religions.

How did the Phoenician people spread the use of their alphabet?

Check Question #3

The Phoenicians spread their alphabet through

their colonies, which had contact with people from

many different places.

Check Question #3

Response

How did coined money change trade?

Check Question #4

The use of coined money allowed traders to set

prices for various goods and services.

Check Question #4

Response