Ancient Mesopotamia

Front

Why is Mesopotamia often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization?"

Back

Historians believe that the Mesopotamian settlement of Sumer represents the world's first civilization.

Front

What was the time span that the Mesopotamian civilization of Sumer existed?

Back

3500 B.C. to 1900 B.C.

Front

Where does the name "Mesopotamia" come from?

Back

The Greek language and means "the land between two rivers."

Front

What were the two rivers that Mesopotamia was in between?

Back

Tigris and Euphrates

Front

Mesopotamia is now present-day

Back

Iraq and parts of Syria and Turkey

Front

What type of weather did the Mesopotamian plain have?

Back

Very hot summers, little rain, and dry land

Front

However, what did the spring rains do?

Back

The flooding spread rich soil that helped to grow wheat and barley.

Front

Why did the Mesopotamians create irrigation systems?

Back

To bring the water from the rivers to the plains.

Front

Because the Mesopotamians were able to grow crops,

Back

the Mesopotamians were then able to build their city-states.

Front

How were Mesopotamians able to become traders?

Back

The farmers were able to produce more food than they needed.