Mesopotamia's Legacy: Contributions, Economy, and Empires

John Green discusses Mesopotamia's historical significance, focusing on its early cities, the invention of writing, and the rise of territorial kingdoms. He highlights the transition from proto-socialism to private enterprise and the development of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The video explores the impact of writing on class distinction and the role of law codes in governance.

What are the two significant contributions of Mesopotamia mentioned in the introduction?

• Philosophy and Mathematics

• Agriculture and Architecture

• Art and Music

• Writing and Taxes

What economic system did early Mesopotamian cities practice?

• Proto-socialism

• Feudalism

• Capitalism

• Barter System

Which ancient literary work highlights the conflict between rural and urban life in Mesopotamia?

• The Epic of Gilgamesh

• The Iliad

• The Aeneid

• The Odyssey

What was the primary role of priests in early Mesopotamian city-states?

• Military leadership

• Trade and commerce

• Communication with gods

• Construction of ziggurats

What form of writing did Mesopotamia give us?

• Pictographs

• Alphabet

• Cuneiform

• Hieroglyphics

What was the primary purpose of cuneiform writing when it was first developed?

• To write poetry

• To create literature

• To record transactions

• To document laws

Who was the famous king known for his law code in the new kingdom of Babylon?

• Ashurbanipal

• Nebuchadnezzar

• Hammurabi

• Sargon

What was a significant feature of the Assyrian army?

• It was based on hereditary leadership

• It was a meritocracy

• It relied on mercenaries

• It was primarily defensive

What was the Assyrian Empire's approach to dealing with conquered peoples?

• Immediate execution

• Deportation and relocation

• Integration into society

• Granting autonomy

What ultimately led to the downfall of the Assyrian Empire?

• Internal rebellion

• Natural disasters

• Overextension and loss in battle

• Economic collapse