The early civilizations first developed in the Fertile Crescent region of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Sumerians were among the first, establishing independent city-states in Southern Mesopotamia due to the need to irrigate farmland. They invented writing, mathematics, the wheel, and advanced architecture. However, the lack of natural defenses made Sumer vulnerable to invasion, and it was ultimately conquered by the Akkadian Empire around 2500 BCE. The Akkadians and later Babylonians adopted Sumerian culture and extended irrigation systems. King Hammurabi of Babylon created one of the first legal codes around 2000 BCE. Subsequent empires

1. Early CivilizationIn the Fertile Crescent

2. CivilizationIt refers to the society, cultureand way of life in a particular area.

3. Fertile CrescentIt is an area that is rich in resources and is shaped likea crescent as to why it iscalled Fertile Crescent.

5. Fertile CrescentPROSIt is rich in natural resources.

6. It is on the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa therefore it is a good place for trade and commerce.

7. The contact among other people led to an exchange of ideas that brought about great achievements.CONSIt has few natural barriers making it often overrun by invaders.

8. There is a diversity of the people in the region, making it difficult to unite under one ruler.

9. Why is it called “The Cradle of Civilization”?It is called the Cradle of Civilization because it is believed that Mesopotamia is the first place where civilized society truly began to take shape.

10. MESOPOTAMIAA part of the Fertile Crescent.

11. It is now known as Iraq.

12. Its terrain made it attractive to neighboring places and its lack of natural barriers made it easy for invaders to attack. MESOPOTAMIAIt is the land between the rivers of the Euphrates and the Tigris.

13. It is situated between Zagros and Anti-Taurus Mountains in the north, and the Arabian Plateau and the Persian Gulf in the south.SUMERIANSPeople who lived in Southern Mesopotamia.

14. They were farmers and city builders.

15. They were highly creative people who made lasting contributions to humanity.SUMERIANSINDEPENDENT CITY-STATESThe Sumerians were divided into the so-called “Independent City-States.”Reason:Since rainfall is sparse, Sumerians dug canals: 1. To control the Spring Floods of the Tigris and Euphrates 2. And to irrigate the landThey built cities along the rivers and tributaries causing each city to be isolated and therefore becoming an independent city-state.INDEPENDENT CITY-STATES

16. It is a name used to call the temple.

17. It is a massive tower that dominated the city.

18. It is built for the different gods of each city-state.

19. Although the priests owned a lot of territory, they did not rule over the city.SUMERIANSZIGGURATS

20. Their ruler was called “King.”

21. Kings are also their war-leaders.

22. Originally, Kings are elected, but due to frequent wars between two city-states, it became hereditary.SUMERIANSRULERS

23. It is their system of writing.

24. Cuneiform means “wedge-shaped” because of the shape and the marks made by the stylus.SUMERIANSCUNEIFORM

25. First people known to use a wheel.

26. First people to invent writing.

27. Invention of Mathematical Ideas such as “Sexagisimal”, which is the division of the hour to 60 min, and a minute into 60 seconds.

28. Invention of the plow.

29. They invented the 12 months Calendar.

30. They were the first to use arches, columns and inclined walls.SUMERIANSACHIEVEMENTS

31. Invader: Akkad City

32. Time: 2500 BCE

33. Ruler: Sargon

34. Effect: The Sumerian Civilization ceased to exist, but their achievements left a lasting contribution to human society.SUMERIANSTHE INVASION

36. A city North of Mesopotamia.

37. Sargon founded the empire.

38. It is the first empire to be recorded in history.Akkadian Empire

39. Who is Sargon?Sargon was once a soldier

40. He founded the Akkadian Empire.

41. He proclaimed himself as: “Lord of the Four Quarters of the World”Akkadian Empire

42. Accomplishments of King Sargon:Extended the irrigation system.

43. Extended the flood control of Mesopotamia.

44. Protected trade caravans with his armies.Akkadian Empire

45. Akkadian EmpireWay of Writing: CuneiformSame Religion

46. Sam Scientific Ideas

47. Same Political IdeasSumerian CivilizationWay of Writing: CuneiformSame Religion