BELLWORK• Read “The Fertile Crescent” on pgs 34-35 and answer the

following questions: 1. Describe The Fertile Crescent.2. What did the Sumerians build along the Tigris-Euphrates river

valley? Why?3. What is a city-state? How was government set up in city-

states?4. What rights did men and women have in Mesopotamia?5. List four achievements the Sumerians made in ancient

Mesopotamia.6. THINKER: As you know, early civilizations centered around

rivers, but these rivers often flooded. How did the people living here control seasonal floodwaters?

Mesopotamia • Today you are going to

learn about the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia.

• This civilization was formed between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq.

• As you read, complete the following worksheet. These are your notes for the section so make sure it’s completed accurately!

• Be ready to discuss!

REVIEW• Describe the characteristics of the Fertile Crescent.• List four advances the Sumerians made with regards to

farming and agriculture. • Describe the Sumerian religious practices.• What is cuneiform?• Who was Hammurabi? Why is he important?• Who were the Assyrians? Why were they successful? • In your opinion, what was the greatest achievement of

Mesopotamia?

Hammurabi’s Code• As you know, Hammurabi’s Code was very

harsh, but it became one of the earliest attempts at law.

• You are now going to read over 25 laws within Hammurabi’s Code.

• You must pick 10 and translate them into modern language.

• We will do the first one as an example.