Chapter 2
Chapter 2
I. Ancient Mesopotamia
Geography:
Urbanisation
1. Mesopotamian Writing:
From about 1100 BCE, when the Assyrians established their kingdom in
the north, the region became known as Assyria. The first known
language of the land was Sumerian.
Writing was used not only for keeping records, but also for making
dictionaries, giving legal validity to land transfers, narrating the deeds of
kings, and announcing the changes a king had made in the customary
laws of the land.
It can be inferred that in Mesopotamian understanding it was kingship
that organised trade and writing.
Religious Factors
Early settlers (their origins are unknown) began to build and rebuild
temples at selected spots in their villages. The earliest known temple
was a small shrine made of unbaked bricks. Temples were the residences
of various gods.
Temples were centres of religious activities. They were dedicated to
different gods and goddess.
1. Life in the City – Mesopotamian society the nuclear family was the norm,
although a married son and his family often resided with his parents. The
father was the head of the family.
2. Ur – was a town, one of the earliest cities. It is often compared with
Mohenjodaro
3.In Mesopotamian tradition, Uruk was the city par excellence, often known
simply as The City.
V. Economic Factors
1. Urbanism
2. Trade
3. Record of transaction
Writing began in Mesopotamia in 3200 BCE.
Writing became as a records of transactions
2600 BCE the letters became cuneiform and language was Sumerian
1. System of Writing:
2. Literacy:
3. Uses of Writing:
2. Uses: By 2600 BCE or so, the letters became cuneiform, and the language
was Sumerian. Cuneiform writing in the Akkadian language continued in use
until the first century CE, that is, for more than 2,000 years.
VII. Sources
iv. Texts
A. Calendar
Division of years
Division of Months
Division of Weeks
Division of Days
Division of Hours
Division of Minutes
Division of Seconds