History presentation on the topic "ancient Mesopotamia". Ancient Mesopotamia Presentation on the topic ancient Mesopotamia

Slide 2: Geographical environment

Mesopotamia (Mezhdurechye, Mesopotamia) - between the river. Euphrates and r. Tigris (modern Iraq) The rivers changed direction several times; in ancient times they flowed into the Persian Gulf separately The lower reaches of the rivers are swampy  the south of Mesopotamia was considered cursed The main material is clay (stone and wood are luxury). Activities: agriculture, cattle breeding (territories less suitable for agriculture than in Egypt) River navigation  Mesopotamia is the center of caravan routes running through the Ancient East. The territory was unprotected  settlement was free

Slide 3: Population

First permanent population: Sumerians. Earlier, writing appeared and the proto-state system of the Akkadians (East Semitic group) developed. We learned a number of achievements of Sumerian culture. Gutians (nomads, occupied a large part of Mesopotamia in the 22nd century BC) Amorites (West Semitic tribes, penetrated into the 19th century BC  forced out by the Kassites into Syria and Lower Mesopotamia) Kassites (established rule in the 16th century . BC) Arameans (Semitic tribes, especially active from the 11th century) Assyrians (dialect of the Akkadian language + mixing with Amorites and Arameans, including adoption of the Aramaic language) Jews (XIII-XII centuries BC - from Assyria + VI century BC - “Babylonian captivity”) Chaldeans (Semitic tribes, southern Mesopotamia)

Slide 4: Sumerian problem

Where is the ancestral home of the Sumerians: Arabia (W.K. Loftus), Elam = Iranian Plateau (G. Frankfort, E. Perkins), Southern Mesopotamia (since the Persian Gulf was formed in the 8th millennium BC - J. M. Lis and N. L. Folken; perhaps there was an oasis there); Transnistria (A.G. Kifishin)

Slide 5

Robert Koldewey (archaeologist, Germany) - the first to excavate Ancient Babylon (excavations 1899-1917) Henry Rawlinson (archaeologist, linguist, Great Britain) - the first to decipher Persian cuneiform (1835-1853) based on the Behistun inscription

Slide 6: Behistun inscription

Slide 7: Cuneiform clay tablet

Slide 8

Austin Henry Layard Rassam Hormuz One of the main archaeological sensations is the excavation of O.G. Layard (Great Britain) and R. Hormuz (Turkey) of the library of Ashurbanipal, which contained the “Epic of Gilgamesh”

Slide 9

Igor Mikhailovich Dyakonov - the largest Soviet Assyrologist Vasily Vasilyevich Struve - the largest specialist on the early dynastic period Nikolai Mikhailovich Nikolsky - son of M.V. Nikolsky (founder of Russian Assyrology), leading biblical scholar, specialist in Mesopotamia

Slide 10

Periodization of the history of Ancient Mesopotamia Early Dynastic (Sumerian) period: XXVIII-XXVII centuries. BC. – hegemony of Kish XXVII-XVI centuries. BC. – hegemony of Uruk  Ur XXVI-XXIV centuries. BC. – intensification of the struggle of cities Power of Sargon of Akkad + Reign of the III dynasty of Ur (XXIV-XXI centuries BC) Transitional period (XXI-XIX centuries BC) Old Assyrian period (XX-XIV centuries BC) BC) Old Babylonian period (XIX-XVI centuries BC) Middle Babylonian (Kassite) period (XVI-X centuries BC) Middle Assyrian period (XIV-X centuries BC) New Assyrian period (X-VII centuries BC) Neo-Babylonian period (VII-VI centuries BC)

Slide 11: Sumerian-Akkadian civilization

Slide 12: Foundation of Civilization

VI millennium BC – emergence of primitive irrigation, 5th millennium BC. – the first urban-type settlements (Ur, Uruk, Eridu) Formation of statehood – the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC: the first city-states (Kish, Ur, Uruk, Lagash) Numerous tribal remnants were preserved in the cities The appearance of military squads in cities; social stratification(archaeological data) At the head of the state is a military leader (lugal), or a king who comes from the priests (ensi); first ruling dynasties Most of the cities were founded by the Sumerians First hegemon - Kish (from c. 2800)  Uruk (time of Gilgamesh)  Ur (I dynasty, c. 2500)

Slide 13

Slide 14: Gilgamesh

ensi of Sumerian Uruk (late XXVII - early XXVI centuries BC). In the fight against the king of Kish, Agha achieved the liberation of Uruk from Kish hegemony. Under Gilgamesh and his successors, Uruk had the largest military detachments, its rulers erected buildings in Lagash, Nippur and other cities; later he himself was deified and glorified in the monument of ancient Eastern literature - the epic “On Who Has Seen Everything” (= “The Epic of Gilgamesh”) - the tale of the journey of Gilgamesh and his semi-wild friend Enkidu. Gilgamesh in the epic is an adventurer, brave, vain and thirsty for immortality.

Slide 15

Gilgamesh defeats a monstrous bull sent by the goddess Ishtar for refusing to share his love with her.

Slide 16: Sumerian civilization

The invention of writing (cuneiform) on clay tablets, which the Phoenicians first borrowed and based on it created their own writing, consisting of 22 consonant letters, writing was borrowed from the Phoenicians by the Greeks, who added vowels. The Latin language was largely inspired by Greek, and many modern European languages are based on Latin. Discovery of copper Temple architecture: a special type of temple appeared - the ziggurat - a temple in the form of a stepped pyramid

Slide 17: Cuneiform

Slide 18: The Rise of Ur (XXVI-XXV centuries)

C X X VI century BC. – trends towards the unification of cities. Needs: creation of a unified irrigation system, repelling the onslaught of nomads After the death of Gilgamesh, Ur rises, where the First Dynasty rules. Under it, the power of the ruler is significantly strengthened due to the subordination of the temple economy to him and the promotion of the rulers' wives to the positions of high priestesses. “Great mines of death” - royal tombs, burials of kings and high priestesses were accompanied by numerous sacrifices (chariots, jewelry, daggers, spears, helmets, tools, items made of gold, silver, copper, household items), including human ones (warriors, courtiers, maids)

Slide 19: The struggle between Lagash and Umma

In the XXIV century. Serious competition for Uru came from Lagash, where from the 26th century. BC e. the dynasty founded by Ur-Nanshe began to rule  The rulers of Ur were forced to cede hegemony to Lagash. Lagash reached its greatest power under his grandson Eanatum, who subjugated almost all of Sumer, including such large cities as Umma, Kish, Uruk, Larsa, and defeated neighboring Elam. The victory of Lagash in this war was immortalized on the famous “Stele of Kites”, where depicts the procession of the Lagash army and the corpses of defeated enemies tormented by kites (3,600 soldiers were exterminated). A document was found in Umma recording the terms of peace and the boundaries between the warring states - the oldest international treaty. Another ruler of Lagash, Urukagina (2318-2312 BC), relaxed the duties of the population and clergy, recording his reforms - one of the first written recordings of legal norms. However, the Umma under the ruler Lugalzagesi recovered and defeated Lagash  the desolation of Lagash (reflected in the “Lamentation of Urukagin”) Lugalzagesi managed to create a unification of Sumerian city-states for a quarter of a century with the capital, apparently, in Uruk.

Slide 20: Description of Urukagina's reforms (2319-2311)

Cone plate describing reforms

Slide 21: Akkadian Empire (c. 2316-2137)

In the XV-XIV centuries. BC. serious climatic changes are occurring in the territory of Mesopotamia: the Tigris and Euphrates change their course  old centers are falling into disrepair, the network of irrigation canals is expanding and new cities are gaining importance (Babylon Dilbat, Marad, Push); advantage in new conditions near the city of Akkad (crossing both rivers  control over them)  King Sargon of Akkad began the conquest of the territories of Mesopotamia  defeated the ruler of Uruk Lugalzagesi (c. 2311 BC)  conquered most Sumer  creation of an empire The Akkadians adopted Sumerian culture, religion, and writing.

Slide 22: Despotism in the empire of Sargon (2316-2261)

The unlimited power of the ruler The ruler is the owner of all lands The ruler is the supreme commander in chief The divine origin of the rulers The ruler is the supreme judge The ruler is the supreme collector of all taxes Power was exercised by a huge bureaucratic apparatus that collected taxes, monitored agricultural work and the state of the irrigation system King Sargon first formed a state with monarchical form of government that lasted 200 years. Under Sargon, a time measurement system was introduced: there are 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute, and a 7-day week was introduced. Mathematical knowledge developed rapidly. Sargon of Akkad

Slide 23: Sargonids (2261-2137)

Sargon's son Rimuzh (2261-2252) suppressed the main centers of separatism, made 3 campaigns against the South, exterminated the clan nobility in the cities, but he himself fell victim to a conspiracy. Rimuzh's policy was continued by his brother Manishtush (2252-2237): he introduced taxes on the temple economy, expansion royal land fund, support for the priesthood (gifts and slaves + tax exemption). Also died as a result of a conspiracy Rise of the Akkadian Empire under Manishtushu's son Naram-Suen (2236-2200 BC): suppression of internal discontent; Instead of ensi, he puts sons and bureaucracy in the cities (ensi  officials). Reliance on priesthood, construction of temples  proclaimed “the god of Akkad.” Active policy of conquest  “king of the four countries of the world.” Stele of Naram-Suen from Susa. Victory of the king over the Lullubey Obelisk of Manishtushu

Slide 24: Akkadian Empire under Naram-Suen

Slide 25: Invasion of the Kutians (2137)

In 2137, the Akkadian kingdom from the north and east was captured by the nomadic Gutians  huge tribute + cities were ruled by governors (sukkali) Sometimes the Kutians retained local rulers, the most famous is Gudea (ensi of Lagash in 2142-2116). launched extensive temple construction, partially returned to traditions (connection of ensi with the temple economy, the council of elders and the people's assembly, which “by the will of the gods” elected ensi) + restoration of irrigation + extensive trade relations For about a hundred years, the Kutians maintained political dominance over Mesopotamia. In 2109, an uprising broke out against the Gutians led by the fisherman Utuhengal ( leader of Uruk)  after his death, his work was continued by the king of Ur Ur-Nammu, who established power over Mesopotamia and laid the foundation for the III dynasty of Ur Gudea (2142-2116)

Slide 26: Kingdom of the III Dynasty of Ur (2112-2003 BC)

Classic despotic state; religious reinforcement of the royal power, starting with Shulga (2093-2047), divine honors to the king, dependence of the priesthood on the king. The management system in the newly created state was rebuilt: the aristocracy was removed from power  bureaucracy, a developed bureaucratic apparatus. All communities pay taxes and participate in labor. A harsh repressive system (almost all crimes are the death penalty); Shulga's Laws are one of the oldest legal codes.

Slide 27: Pantheon of the main Sumerian-Akkadian gods

An is the god of the sky and the father of the Gods, the guardian of the city of Uruk. His wife is the goddess Ki (earth). Their children: Enlil (Ellil) - king of the gods, god of air, fertility and storms; ruler of the human world, guardian of the city of Nippur. His son Nanna is the god of the Moon, guardian of the city of Ur. Her son: Shamash (Utu) - patron of the sun, guardian of the city of Larsa Adad (Ishkur) - god of thunder, storm and wind; warrior god; sends fruitful rains and destructive storms; guardian of the city of Karkar Ishtar (Inanna) - goddess of women and fertility; guardian of the city of Uruk Marduk (Amarutu) - god of wisdom, healing, magical art, irrigation, giver of peace and prosperity; the guardian of the city of Babylon Enki - the god of wisdom, culture (both art and material - agriculture, crafts, gardening) the owner of the world ocean of underground waters Abzu; Guardian of Eridu

Slide 28: Ziggurat in Ur (Ur-Namu)

Slide 29: Economic development

Economic stability and prosperity until the 21st century. BC. (collapse of the kingdom) Construction of an irrigation system (common to all Mesopotamia) Development of bronze The bulk of the lands are the royal land fund (lands of local rulers, temples + conquered lands)

Slide 30: Social system

The dominant position is slave owners from among the serving and clan nobility, the priesthood and the community elite. Mass ruin of free community members, recruiting them as farm laborers Numerical increase in the class of slaves, incl. at the expense of prisoners of war; brutal exploitation of state slaves (“gurushas”). Extensive bureaucracy. Developed system of supervision, control, accounting Often enslavement of free community members for debts, sale of daughters into slavery, temporary slavery

Slide 31: Laws of Ur-Nammu (Laws of Shulga)

Dated ca. 2104-2095 BC.; discovered during excavations of Nippur in 1899-1900; compiled by King Ur-Nammu (2112-2094) or his son King Shulgi (2094 - 2046) An indication of the divine essence of royal power. It talks about how the “disorders” were corrected - introduction unified system measures, carrying out construction work, freedom to enter into unequal marriages, rules on punishment for crimes against life and freedom, causing bodily harm, rules of family law (divorce, inheritance), punishment for perjury, false denunciation, escape of slaves; regulation of lease, storage, contract, hiring, borrowing of money and grain; sale and rental of housing Casuistry; the "if... then..." formula, punishments other than murder and other serious crimes were mainly limited to fines. Laws of Ur-Nammu in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Slide 32: Kingdom of the III Dynasty of Ur under Shulgi

Slide 33: Collapse of the Kingdom of the Third Dynasty of Ur (2003)

The onslaught of the Amorites from the west and east; capture of cities, disruption of economic life in lands captured by the Amorites, connections between regions and the capital were cut, disruption of food supplies + loss of strategically important cities (Issin, Eshnuna) War in Elam  the Elamites attacked the weakened Ur, captured the statues of the gods and took the latter captive to Elam representative of the royal dynasty of Ibbi-Suen (2003 BC). The death of the kingdom of Sumer and Akkad became the theme of laments (“Lament for the Destruction of Ur”). The throne was taken by King Issin Ishbi-Erra (the official who betrayed Ibbi-Suen) The Euphrates changes direction. Since the 18th century BC. new city-states are formed  fight each other for power  rise of Babylon (inhabited by Amorites)

Slide 34: Kingdom of Babylon

Slide 35: The Rise of Babylon (1759)

During the struggle between the city-states, the rise of two allies - Zimri-Lima (Mari) and Hamurappi (Babylon) Babylon united southern and middle Mesopotamia, Mari - northern Mesopotamia  the union was soon broken  Hamurappi in 1761 BC . attacked Mari and captured the city: he left Zimri-Lim on the throne of Mari as governor. But soon Zimri-Lim rebelled against Hammurabi  Hammurappi again took the city, tore down its walls and burned the palace of Zimri-Lim (c. 1759). Assyria recognized the rule of Babylon

Slide 36: Old Babylonian Kingdom (c. 2003-1595)

Rule of the Amorite dynasty; classical despotism; royal lands - 30-50%; The king's reliance on the army and the powerful bureaucratic apparatus of the elite - warriors, officials and tamkars (large sales agents); further – muskenums (worked on the king’s land); The bulk of the population are avilums (free community members). Stratification of small producers The lowest class is vardum (slaves). Sources: war, sale, bondage, crimes. Categories: palace and owner. The average family has 2-5 slaves, the rich one has several dozen. Patriarchal slavery

Slide 37: Hamurappi's transformations (1792-1750)

the establishment of a bureaucratic apparatus that controlled all areas of production; Military reform: people's militia  standing army expansion of acreage, gardening; expansion of the irrigation network throughout the country (strict supervision of officials over it), construction of canals Law reform: Hamurappi Laws; the first civilization in which a legal system was developed and created King Hamurappi (1792-1750)

Slide 38: Laws of Hamurappi (1750s)

Compiled and recorded on a huge stone slab (1792-1750 BC). The laws of Hammurabi contained 282 laws. The principle of talion: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Protection of the property of the king, temple, community members and royal people + property received for service Graduation of victims and violators Regulation of the lease of fields and gardens, commercial transactions, marriage and divorce Punishments for negligence of irrigation structures; responsibility for handicraft products Protection from the arbitrariness of moneylenders (20% for borrowed silver, 33% for grain loans); limitation of debt bondage to 3 years Death penalty in 31 cases, the rest - fines, flogging, self-mutilation Use of ordeals Laws of Hamurappi in the Louvre

Slide 39: Etemenanki Ziggurat (Tower of Babel)

Slide 40: Fall of the Old Babylonian Kingdom (1595)

Hamurappi's policies were continued by his son Samsuiluna (1749-1712). However, already under him, various outlying areas rebelled  suppression Gradually weakening of the dynasty, disintegration of the army, active penetration of the Kassites (Syrian Desert) and Hurrians (northwest)  cut off from the main trade routes to Asia Minor and the Eastern Mediterranean by the Hittite invasion of Babylonia in 1595 BC. e.  capture and destruction of Babylon, removal of the precious statue of Marduk  fall of the First Dynasty of Babylon  Babylonia conquered by the Kassites

Slide 41: Kassite dynasty (1595-1157)

Stagnation in the economy, decreased marketability of the economy and the influx of slaves Return to tribal relations, strengthening of rural communities Enrichment of the Kassite clan nobility (+ receipt of immunity letters), creation of large private land ownership Gradual assimilation of the Kassites with the Babylonians; adoption of Babylonian culture and religion by the Kassites, construction of temples and ziggurats Peaceful relations with Egypt Campaigns on the territory of Iran The apogee of power - the reign of Burna-Buriash II (1376-1347) Wars with neighbors. In the second quarter of the 12th century. BC. The Elamites occupied Babylonia. OK. 1157 BC The last Kassite king was overthrown.

Slide 42: Geopolitical changes

The Arameans migrate from the territory of Syria and Arabia  displace the Akkadians in Mesopotamia; Aramaic is the language of interethnic communication The rise of Elam in the South Strengthening the states of Mittani, Assyria and the Hittite kingdom in the north The emergence of the state of Urartu (Armenian Highlands) Subjects of dispute - 1) the territory of Syria, Phenicia and caravan routes; 2) Southern Mesopotamia, which became suitable for agriculture and was necessary for both Babylon and Elam.

Slide 43: Assyrian power

Slide 44: The Rise of Ashur

The center of Assyrian culture is the city of Ashur. Language – Akkadian. The concept of “Old Assyrian period” is artificial, because At that time Assyria did not yet exist. Ashur was part of the Akkadian Empire and the Kingdom of the Third Dynasty of Ur. Around 1970 BC. e. power passes to the native Ashurians. Rapid growth of trade and production. After the Amorite invasion in 1807 B.C. Ashur entered the power of Shamshi-Adad I. The king placed his son in the city. Old Assyrian writing was abolished  Babylonian In the middle of the 18th century BC. e. the power of Shamshi-Adad collapsed and Ashur was conquered by King Hammurabi. Around 1720 BC e. a ruler from the family of the Amorite leader Shamshi-Adad restored independence.

Slide 45: Foundation of the Assyrian Kingdom

During the reign of Adad-nirari I (1307-1274), the role of the city council declined and the influence of the king continued to grow. The ruler appropriated the title “king of multitudes” and became the founder of the Assyrian state, formed a strong army + rebuilt the capital Ashur. He defeated the Kutians and Lulumeis and captured the state of Mittani. In the 13th century BC. under King Shalmaneser I (1274-1245), the formation of a centralized state was completed in Assyria + brutal predatory raids for the purpose of intimidation. Mines were discovered in the mountains of Assyria  supplying the army  the first wave of Assyrian conquests. Babylonia was the first to suffer  Mitanni (led to destruction in 1250 BC) Adad-nirari I

Slide 46: “Middle Assyrian laws”

14 tables and fragments of the laws of casuistry, probably were a collection of dep. decrees, cases from judicial practice Compared to the laws of Hammurabi, Assyrian laws are much more severe. Disenfranchised position of debtors and women. After marriage, they passed into the full power of their husband, and the law did not protect them from arbitrariness on his part. The basis is a large family, but the strengthening of private property. trends and relations of enslavement (“adoption”, “revival”, i.e. salvation from starvation, debt bondage and sale into slavery of a family member). The Tsar breaks away from the communal “new” oligarchy and stands above it

Slide 47: The cruelty of Assyrian laws

the laws were exceptionally cruel, providing for executions and torture in order to extract confessions from the accused. Some criminals were beheaded, others were impaled, and others were skinned. The corpses of those executed were thrown out to be eaten by wild animals. punishments for “softer” crimes were almost identical: cutting off the nose and ears, castration for men, tearing out nipples for women, etc. For relatively minor crimes, the perpetrators had their eyes gouged out, their hands cut off... the part of these laws that has come down to us is devoted mainly to the position of women in the family. She was literally in the “hands of her husband”, lived, in essence, in the position of a slave and had no right to family property... It follows from it that the Assyrian family was based on the unlimited power of the father; Assyrian legislation did not limit the rights of the usurer to exploit an unpaid debtor. The latter was allowed to beat, pluck his hair, mutilate

Slide 48: Tukulti-Ninurta I (1244 - 1207)

Under King Tukulti-Ninurta I (1244-1207) in 1223 BC. the Assyrians temporarily conquered the Babylonian kingdom (until 1215 BC), took the Babylonian king captive, took trophies, a statue of Marduk  the Assyrian ruler took the title “king of Sumer and Akkad” Tukulti-Ninurta I moved his residence to a specially built 3 km northeast of Ashur new town Kar-Tukulti-Ninurta Few high-ranking courtiers (usually eunuchs) had personal access to the king. Extremely strict regulations in the palace chambers  At the city council the king is declared crazy, deposed and killed Babylon sends a protege  Assyria is deprived of all possessions

Slide 49: Tiglath-pileser I (1114-1076)

Under Tiglath-pileser I (1114-1076), Assyria continued its policy of conquest and regained its former power ca. 30 campaigns to the west: the capture of Northern Syria and Northern Phenicia, part of Asia Minor. As a sign of triumph, Tiglath-pileser I made a demonstrative exit to the Mediterranean Sea on Phoenician ships. New victories over Nairi (north) Sending gifts from Egypt Recapture of Babylon  Egypt and Babylonia united  defeated Assyria and returned it to its former borders After the death of Tiglath-pileser I, Assyria underwent expansion and further resettlement of the Arameans  settled and mixed with the Assyrians  social decline economic and political life of Assyria, the end of the Middle Assyrian period.

Slide 50: Neo-Assyrian kingdom (X-VIII centuries BC)

In the 10th century BC. started new wave Assyrian conquests, which resulted in the “second rise” of Assyria in the 9th century. BC. However, at the end of the 9th century. the country fell again in the 8th century. BC. – a new revival of Assyria  the period of heyday of the Assyrian power and dominance over the entire Middle East. Changing the goal: robbery  conquest. Cruel measures remained Campaigns in all directions Expansion of the territory of Assyria from the 10th century. BC: Babylon, Urartu, Palestine, Jordan, Israel

Slide 51: “Second Rise” of Assyria (IX century BC)

The restoration of the Assyrian state began under King Adad-nirari II (912-891), who put an end to the unrest and strengthened the capital Ashur. The reason for the intensification of foreign policy is the lack of raw materials (metals, wood)  campaigns for the purpose of robbery and stealing work force+ mastery of trade routes Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC): successful wars with Nairi, Median tribes (east of the Tigris). Active expansion into the eastern Mediterranean, capturing important caravan routes of the North. Syria. Shalmaneser III (son, 859-824 BC): successful wars with Urartu (the capital was captured, the king fled), the creation of the principality of Bit-Adini (in the west), Babylon recognized the supreme power of Assyria. A grandiose battle with the Damascus kingdom (ally - Egypt) near the city of Karkar on the river. Orontes (853 BC): Despite the victory, Damascus was not taken. In 840, a new campaign and siege of Damascus (the kingdom was weakened). Tribute from Phenicia and Israel. Extensive construction in Ashur and Nimrud (new capital). At the end of the century - the decline of Assyria again (epidemics, crop failures, internal struggle)

Slide 52

Monolith from Carkh with the image of Shalmaneser III, telling about the Battle of Karkar 853 BC. Ritual meeting of the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II after a successful hunt (Louvre)

Slide 53: The cruelty of the Assyrians

This is how Ashurnasirpal II (884-859 BC) describes his campaign in the country of Urartu (modern Armenia): “He went out... to the royal city of Aram Urartu... strong battle I set up in the mountains, I overthrew 3,400 warriors with my weapon, like Adad, I rained down a cloud over it, I stained the mountain with their blood... In my mighty power, like a tour, I crushed the country, turned the settlements into ruins and burned them with fire. The city of Arzashna and the settlements around it were captured, destroyed and burned with fire. I made piles of heads in front of the city gates. I threw some of the people alive into heaps, and impaled others around the heaps.”

Slide 54

Ashurnasirpal II About the defeat of the city of Sudi: “I ordered the construction of a wall in front of the Great Gate of the city; I ordered the skin of the leaders of the uprising to be flayed and covered the wall with this skin. I ordered some of them to be walled up in the wall; others were crucified on a cross or impaled along the wall. I ordered many of them to be skinned in my presence and covered the wall with this skin. I ordered crowns to be made from their heads, and garlands from their pierced bodies. I ordered Akiabakh (king) to be taken to Ninua (Nineveh) and there I flayed his skin, which I hung on the wall of Ninua.”

Slide 55: Tiglath-pileser III (745-727)

Came to power as a result of the civil war of 746-745. (caused by dissatisfaction with the defeat from Urartu). The implementation of administrative and military reforms made it possible to switch to a policy of conquest  The greatest expansion of territories: successful campaigns against Urartu and the final defeat of its tribes (738, 735), campaigns against Media (737), defeat of the coalition of the Damascus and Israelite kingdoms (734-732), conquest Damascus and Palestine Subjugation of Mesopotamia, coronation in Babylon (729) systematic resettlement of peoples for their mixing, oblivion of old traditions, separation from former cults and homeland, development of devastated and new territories

Slide 56: Reforms of Tiglath-pileser III

administrative: centralization of power, division into smaller governorships, expansion of the responsibility of local commanders (taxes, military contingent, command) and the abolition of immunity certificates for them. In place of the king's henchmen ( eunuchs). Extension of the provincial system to conquered territories. military: the militia on the principle of self-equipment was replaced by a standing army “tsar’s regiment” (based on conscription) on state supply. Division by types of troops, uniform weapons, growth in the size of the army (at the expense of the poor and middle strata). The use of cavalry and chariots + military vehicles and rams during the siege of cities. Improving the art of fortification. Involvement of engineering and auxiliary units, scribes, priests, musicians. Extensive reconnaissance apparatus. The army numbered up to 120 thousand people.

Slide 57: Shalmaneser V (727-722)

son of Tiglath-pileser III limitation of the influence of traders and priesthood, abolition of the privileges and immunities of self-governing trading cities in Assyria (Ashur, Harran) and Babylonia (Babylon, Sippar, Nippur, Uruk) + temples uprising in Tire (Phenicia) + in 724 BC. e. Israeli king Hosea entered into an alliance with Egypt and refused to pay tribute  campaign against Israel  Hosea was captured and sent to Nineveh. Siege of the Israeli capital Samaria. aggravation of internal struggle between the trade-priestly and military parties  was killed as a result of a conspiracy

Slide 58: Sargon II (722-705)

maintained a balance between the military and trade-priestly parties, the return of privileges to the temples of Assyria and Babylonia, the defeat of the Kingdom of Israel, the capture of Samaria, the inhabitants were resettled to new places, the attack on Urartu (714)  leaves the historical arena. clashes with the Cimmerian nomads New territories in Media Subjugation of the city of Karchemish Collision with Egypt a new capital was founded - the residence of the king, the city of Dur-Sharrukin (on the Tigris River)

Slide 59: Palace of Sargon II in Dur Sharrukin

Slide 60: Sennacherib (705-681)

Son of Sargon II, representative of the military party, constant suppression of uprisings in the conquered territories. Intense struggle with the Chaldeans (from the 9th century BC they firmly occupied the southern part of Babylonia) and the ruler of Babylon, Marduk-apla-iddin II (enlisted the support of allies - the Chaldeans and Elam )  defeat of the allies at the Battle of Halul (691 BC)  in 689 BC Sennacherib took Babylon by storm, destroyed it and flooded it. Successful campaigns to the west, the Kingdom of Judah recognized the power of Assyria  active opposition from Egypt  Assyria approached the border of Egypt escalation of internal political struggle at the end of the reign  killed as a result of a conspiracy in 681 BC.

Slide 61

Sennacherib is an Assyrian king, whose historical portrait was reflected in a very multifaceted way in his own chronicles, in the biblical Books of Kings and the Books of Chronicles, in the prophetic book of Isaiah, in the Aramaic “Tale of the Wise Ahikar” and its multilingual versions, in ancient authors - Herodotus, Joseph Flavius and finally found a second life in the folklore of modern Assyrians.

Slide 62

Slide 63: Esarhaddon (681 - 669)

the youngest son of Sennacherib, stabilized the internal position, combining the interests of the military and trade-priestly groups, restored the destroyed Babylon. Their privileges were returned to Babylonian cities and temples, and new taxes were introduced in favor of the temples. Campaigns against the Cimmerians (679 BC) and Arabs, Shupriya (near Urartu, 673-672 BC), consolidation of possessions in Media, suppression of the uprising in Sidon (Phenicia) Conquest of Egypt (671 BC), adoption of the title of pharaoh. Intense struggle between the heirs: Ashurbanipal (military) and Shamash-shum-ukin (trade-priestly) In 670 BC. e. Egypt rebelled + formed a coalition (Chaldeans, Medes) + supported the rebel tribes  Esarhaddon went there with a punitive expedition  died on the way

Slide 64: Assyrian Empire under Esarhaddon

Slide 65: Ashurbanipal (669-627)

educated, knew the Sumerian and Akkadian languages, understood literature, architecture, mathematics, astronomy. Construction of the luxurious Northern Palace in Nineveh, grandiose construction in the capital itself, large-scale restoration of temples throughout the country. Set the goal of creating a single state and a single cultural base. Attempts to restore former power, because after Esarhaddon, Egypt, Babylonia, and Media fell away from the empire + Lydia (Asia Minor) appeared on the periphery

Slide 66: Stages of Ashurbanipal's foreign policy

First (669-654): strong dominance of Assyria in the Middle East, maintaining the status of a superpower. Constant campaigns in rebellious Egypt, merciless suppression of protests in cities and Palestinian kingdoms (Judea, Moab, Edom, Ammon). Revolt of the Median rulers, raids from Urartu and Manna. Fight against Elam (in alliance with the Chaldeans and Arameans of Southern Mesopotamia). By the end of the period, Egypt finally fell away (655 BC). Second (654-627): growing political crisis. Widespread uprisings of conquered peoples in 652-648. Rebellion of Ashurbanipal's brother - Shamashshum-ukin, king of Babylonia  allies: Elam, Chaldean-Aramaic principalities, Arabs, Lydia, Egypt, Media, Phenicia. The uprising was brutally suppressed, because disunity of allies + support of the Scythians and Cimmerians. In 648 BC. Babylon was taken Shamashshum-ukina set fire to the palace and threw himself into the fire In 642-640. BC. control over the Arab principalities was restored, and in 639 BC. - Elam.

Slide 67: Assyria under Ashurbanipal (654 BC)

Slide 68

Slide 69: Library of Ashurbanipal

In Nineveh, Ashurbanipal created the most extensive library in the Ancient East + the first library of Assyria. There were more than 30,000 clay tablets: a collection of mythological and literary works, oracles, prayers and magical formulas, medical and mathematical texts, geographical and botanical reference books, dictionaries, etc. He left detailed and colorfully written chronicles.

One of the most ancient states of Mesopotamia (existed for about 25 centuries, from the time of the creation of writing to the conquest of Babylon by the Persians in 539 BC), a historical and geographical region in the Middle East, located in the valley of the two great rivers Tigris and Euphrates. Modern states, including the lands of Mesopotamia, Iraq, Syria, Türkiye. In the scientific literature there are alternative designations for the region Mesopotamia and Mesopotamia, which have different meanings. Mesopotamia is home to one of the oldest civilizations in human history, Ancient Mesopotamia.

“Mesopotamia” is a toponym of ancient Greek origin, translated as “country/land between two rivers”, “interfluve”. The term arose when Alexander the Great created a satrapy with that name as part of his state. The new administrative-territorial unit was formed from the lands of the Achaemenid satrapies, primarily Babylonia and, probably, Zarechye. Lower Mesopotamia in the most ancient written sources was called “Sumer and Akkad”; it was divided into two parts: Sumer proper in the lower reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates and Akkad upstream. Subsequently, the name “Babylonia” spread to the region of Akkad and part of Sumer; the other part of Sumer and the new lands formed as a result of the retreat of the waters of the Persian Gulf began to be referred to as “Primorye”, and from the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. Chaldea; Since late antiquity, the name “Babylonia” became a general designation for these lands. In the Middle Ages, the Arabic name for Lower Mesopotamia “Iraq” was established. Etymology

Geography Mesopotamia is bounded in the north by the Armenian Plateau, in the south by the Persian Gulf, in the west by the Arabian Platform, and in the east by the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. Sometimes Greater Mesopotamia is distinguished, covering the entire modern basin of the Tigris, Euphrates and Karun. Within the region there are two regions: Northern and Southern Mesopotamia; the conditional border between them runs along the line of the cities of Hit Samarra. Mesopotamia is rocky, sandy plain, sloping to the south. The main rivers are the Euphrates, Tigris and their tributaries Khabur and Balikh, Greater and Lesser Zab, Diyala. The main products are oil and ink nuts. Olives were cultivated, and the date palm was common in some places. Animals include lions, gazelles, and ostriches. Euphrates River Ruins on the Tigris River

Prehistoric cultures. Mesopotamia demonstrates not only how and why the historical period itself arises, but also what happened in the critical period that preceded it. Man discovered a direct connection between sowing and harvesting ca. 12 thousand years ago. The Middle East is littered with traces of early agricultural settlements. One of the oldest villages discovered in the foothills of Kurdistan. The Jarmo settlement east of Kirkuk is an example of the application of primitive farming methods. The next stage is represented at Hassoun near Mosul by architectural structures and pottery. The Hassunan stage was replaced by the rapidly developing Halaf stage, which received its name from the settlement on Kabur, one of the largest tributaries of the Euphrates. Settlement of Jarmo

Construction technology has also taken a step forward. Figures of people and animals were made from clay and stone. People wore not only beads and pendants, but also stamp seals. The Halaf culture is of particular interest due to the vastness of the territory over which it was distributed - from Lake Van and northern Syria to the central part of Mesopotamia, the environs of modern Kirkuk. Towards the end of the Khalaf stage, probably from the east, carriers of another culture appeared, which over time spread across the western part of Asia from the interior of Iran to the Mediterranean coast. This culture is Obeid (Ubeid), got its name from a small hill in Lower Mesopotamia near the ancient city of Ur. During this period there are significant changes in many fields, especially in architecture, as evidenced by the buildings at Eridu in southern Mesopotamia and at Tepe Gavre in the north. From that time on, the south became the center of the development of metallurgy, the emergence and development of cylinder seals, the emergence of markets and the creation of writing. ALABASTER FIGURINE OF A WOMAN from the Temple of Ishtar.

The traditional vocabulary of historical Mesopotamia in terms of geographical names and cultural terms was formed on the basis of various languages. Many toponyms have survived to this day. Among them are the names of the Tigris and Euphrates and most ancient cities. The words "carpenter" and "chair", used in the Sumerian and Akkadian languages, still function in Semitic languages to this day. The names of some plants - cassia, caraway, crocus, hyssop, myrtle, spikenard, saffron and others - go back to the prehistoric stage and demonstrate striking cultural continuity.

During the first three quarters of the 3rd millennium BC. The South occupied a leading place in the history of Mesopotamia. In the geologically youngest part of the valley, on the coast of the Persian Gulf and in adjacent areas, Sumerians dominated, and upstream, in later Akkad, Semites predominated, although traces of earlier settlers are also found here. The main cities of Sumer were Eridu, Ur, Uruk, Lagash, Umma and Nippur. The city of Kish became the center of Akkad. The struggle for dominance took the form of rivalry between Kish and other Sumerian cities. Uruk's decisive victory over Kish, a feat attributed to the semi-legendary ruler Gilgamesh, marks the establishment of the Sumerians as a major political force and a decisive cultural factor in the region. Later the center of power moved to Ur, Lagash and other places. During this period, called the Early Dynastic, the main elements of the Mesopotamian civilization were formed. The era of Sumerian dominance. Sumerians

Dynasty of Akkad. Although Kish had previously submitted to the expansion of Sumerian culture, his political resistance put an end to the Sumerian dominance in the country. The ethnic core of the opposition was made up of local Semites led by Sargon (c. BC), whose throne name, Sharrukin, meant “legitimate king” in Akkadian. From then on, the whole country began to be called Akkad, and the language of the winners was called Akkadian. Having consolidated their power over Sumer and Akkad, the new rulers turned to neighboring regions. Elam, Ashur, Nineveh, and even areas in neighboring Syria and Eastern Anatolia were subjugated. The old system of a confederation of independent states gave way to an empire with a system of central authority. With the armies of Sargon and his famous grandson Naram-Suen, cuneiform, the Akkadian language and other elements of the Sumerian-Akkadian civilization spread.

The role of the Amorites. The Akkadian Empire ceased to exist by the end of the 3rd millennium BC, becoming a victim of unbridled expansion and invasions of barbarians from the north and west. Under Gudea of Lagash and the rulers of the Third Dynasty of Ur, a renaissance era began. But the attempt to restore Sumer's former greatness was doomed to failure. Meanwhile, new groups appeared on the horizon, which soon mixed with the local population to create Babylonia in place of Sumer and Akkad, and in the north - a new public education, Assyria. These widespread newcomers are known as Amorites. Wherever the Amorites settled, they became devoted followers and defenders of local traditions. After the Elamites put an end to the Third Dynasty of Ur (20th century BC). They were able to establish their own dynasty in central Akkad, with its capital in the previously little-known city of Babylon. The first dynasty of Babylon, defined with good reason as the Amorites, ruled for exactly three hundred years, from the 19th to the 16th centuries. BC. The sixth king was the famous Hammurabi, who gradually gained control over the entire territory of Mesopotamia. Amorites

Economy. The economy of Mesopotamia was determined by the natural conditions of the region. Fertile soils the valleys yielded rich harvests. The south specialized in date palm cultivation. The extensive pastures of the nearby mountains made it possible to support large herds of sheep and goats. On the other hand, the country experienced a shortage of stone, metal, wood, raw materials for the production of dyes and other vital necessary materials. The excess of some goods and the shortage of others led to the development of trade relations.

Religion. The religion of Mesopotamia in all its main aspects was created by the Sumerians. Over time, the Akkadian names of the gods began to replace the Sumerian ones. Local gods could also lead the pantheon of a particular region, as happened with Marduk in Babylon or Ashur in the Assyrian capital. But the religious system as a whole, the view of the world and the changes taking place in it were not much different from the original ideas of the Sumerians. None of the Mesopotamian deities were the exclusive source of power, none had supreme power. The full power belonged to the assembly of gods, which, according to tradition, elected a leader and approved all important decisions. At the same time, there was always the possibility that events would take a turn better side, if a person behaves correctly. The temple tower (ziggurat) was the place where the celestials stayed. It symbolized the human desire to establish a connection between heaven and earth. As a rule, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia relied little on the favor of the gods. They tried to appease them by performing increasingly complex rituals. Offering gifts to the gods

Writing The supreme authority of law was a characteristic feature of the Mesopotamian historical period, but the effectiveness of legislative activity is associated with the use of written evidence and documents. There is reason to believe that the invention of writing by the ancient Sumerians was primarily driven by concern for private and communal rights. Already the earliest texts known to us testify to the need to record everything, be it objects needed for temple exchange or gifts intended for the deity. Such documents were certified by a cylinder seal. The most ancient writing was pictographic, and its signs depicted objects of the surrounding world - animals, plants, etc. The signs formed groups, each of which, consisting, for example, of images of animals, plants or objects, was composed in a certain sequence. Over time, the lists acquired the character of a kind of reference books on zoology, botany, mineralogy, etc.

Literature. The most famous poetic work is the Babylonian epic about the creation of the world. But the oldest work, the tale of Gilgamesh, seems much more attractive. The characters of the world of animals and plants that appeared in fables were very loved by the people, just like proverbs. Sometimes a philosophical note creeps into literature, especially in works devoted to the theme of innocent suffering, but the attention of the authors is focused not so much on suffering as on the miracle of liberation from it. From the Epic of Gilgemash

Conclusion Mesopotamia brought many inventions to the world. The most important thing is writing. The Sumerians also introduced the sexagesimal number system into people's lives, which we still use today. The Sumerians gave us the wheel, Agriculture, cities, bureaucracy, astrology, bread, beer. This list goes on and on. But many of their inventions were forgotten, and everything had to be reinvented after hundreds and even thousands of years. In 539 BC, Babylon was conquered by the Persians, after the Persians came the Greeks, and the Romans, and many others. But, if you believe the facts, it was the peoples of Mesopotamia who had the greatest influence on the formation of our world. The world we live in today.

The presentation on the topic "Mesopotamia" (grade 10) can be downloaded absolutely free on our website. Project subject: Geography. Colorful slides and illustrations will help you engage your classmates or audience. To view the content, use the player, or if you want to download the report, click on the corresponding text under the player. The presentation contains 15 slide(s).

Presentation slides

Slide 1

Mesopotamia

Performed by student of Lyceum No. 2 10 “fm” class Petrov Kirill

Slide 2

One of the oldest states

Mesopotamia (existed for about 25 centuries, from the time of the creation of writing to the conquest of Babylon by the Persians in 539 BC) is a historical and geographical region in the Middle East, located in the valley of two great rivers - the Tigris and Euphrates. Modern states, including the lands of Mesopotamia - Iraq, Syria, Türkiye. In the scientific literature there are alternative designations for the region - Mesopotamia and Mesopotamia, which have different meanings. Mesopotamia is the birthplace of one of the most ancient civilizations in human history - Ancient Mesopotamia.

Slide 3

“Mesopotamia” is a toponym of ancient Greek origin, translated as “country/land between two rivers”, “interfluve”. The term arose when Alexander the Great created a satrapy with that name as part of his state. The new administrative-territorial unit was formed from the lands of the Achaemenid satrapies, primarily Babylonia and, probably, Zarechye. Lower Mesopotamia in the most ancient written sources was called “Sumer and Akkad”; it was divided into two parts: Sumer proper - in the lower reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates and Akkad - upstream. Subsequently, the name “Babylonia” spread to the region of Akkad and part of Sumer; the other part of Sumer and the new lands formed as a result of the retreat of the waters of the Persian Gulf began to be referred to as “Primorye”, and from the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. - Chaldea; Since late antiquity, the name “Babylonia” became a general designation for these lands. In the Middle Ages, the Arabic name for Lower Mesopotamia, “Iraq,” was established.

Etymology

Slide 4

Geography

Mesopotamia is bounded in the north by the Armenian Plateau, in the south by the Persian Gulf, in the west by the Arabian Platform, and in the east by the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. Sometimes Greater Mesopotamia is distinguished, covering the entire modern basin of the Tigris, Euphrates and Karun. Within the region there are two regions - Northern and Southern Mesopotamia; the conditional border between them runs along the line of the cities of Hit - Samarra. Mesopotamia is a rocky, sandy plain, sloping to the south. The main rivers are the Euphrates, Tigris and their tributaries - Khabur and Balikh, Greater and Lesser Zab, Diyala. The main products are oil and ink nuts. Olives were cultivated, and the date palm was common in some places. Animals include lions, gazelles, and ostriches.

Euphrates River

Ruins on the Tigris River

Slide 5

Prehistoric cultures.

Mesopotamia demonstrates not only how and why the historical period itself arises, but also what happened in the critical period that preceded it. Man discovered a direct connection between sowing and harvesting ca. 12 thousand years ago. The Middle East is littered with traces of early agricultural settlements. One of the oldest villages discovered in the foothills of Kurdistan. The Jarmo settlement east of Kirkuk is an example of the application of primitive farming methods. The next stage is represented at Hassoun near Mosul by architectural structures and pottery. The Hassunan stage was replaced by the rapidly developing Halaf stage, which received its name from the settlement on Kabur, one of the largest tributaries of the Euphrates.

Settlement of Jarmo

Slide 6

Construction technology has also taken a step forward. Figures of people and animals were made from clay and stone. People wore not only beads and pendants, but also stamp seals. The Halaf culture is of particular interest due to the vastness of the territory over which it was distributed - from Lake Van and northern Syria to the central part of Mesopotamia, the environs of modern Kirkuk. Towards the end of the Khalaf stage, probably from the east, carriers of another culture appeared, which over time spread across the western part of Asia from the interior of Iran to the Mediterranean coast. This culture is Obeid (Ubeid), got its name from a small hill in Lower Mesopotamia near the ancient city of Ur. This period saw significant changes in many areas, especially in architecture, as evidenced by the buildings at Eridu in southern Mesopotamia and at Tepe Gavre in the north. From that time on, the south became the center of the development of metallurgy, the emergence and development of cylinder seals, the emergence of markets and the creation of writing.

ALABASTER FIGURINE OF A WOMAN from the Temple of Ishtar.

Slide 7

Slide 8

The era of Sumerian dominance.

Slide 9

Dynasty of Akkad.

Although Kish had previously submitted to the expansion of Sumerian culture, his political resistance put an end to the Sumerian dominance in the country. The ethnic core of the opposition was made up of local Semites led by Sargon (c. 2300 BC), whose throne name, Sharrukin, in Akkadian meant “legitimate king.” From then on, the whole country began to be called Akkad, and the language of the winners was called Akkadian. Having consolidated their power over Sumer and Akkad, the new rulers turned to neighboring regions. Elam, Ashur, Nineveh, and even areas in neighboring Syria and Eastern Anatolia were subjugated. The old system of a confederation of independent states gave way to an empire with a system of central authority. With the armies of Sargon and his famous grandson Naram-Suen, cuneiform, the Akkadian language and other elements of the Sumerian-Akkadian civilization spread.

Slide 10

The role of the Amorites.

The Akkadian Empire ceased to exist by the end of the 3rd millennium BC, becoming a victim of unbridled expansion and invasions of barbarians from the north and west. Under Gudea of Lagash and the rulers of the Third Dynasty of Ur, a renaissance era began. But the attempt to restore Sumer's former greatness was doomed to failure. Meanwhile, new groups appeared on the horizon, which soon mixed with the local population to create Babylonia in place of Sumer and Akkad, and in the north - a new state entity, Assyria. These widespread newcomers are known as Amorites. Wherever the Amorites settled, they became devoted followers and defenders of local traditions. After the Elamites put an end to the Third Dynasty of Ur (20th century BC). They were able to establish their own dynasty in central Akkad, with its capital in the previously little-known city of Babylon. The first dynasty of Babylon, defined with good reason as the Amorites, ruled for exactly three hundred years, from the 19th to the 16th centuries. BC. The sixth king was the famous Hammurabi, who gradually gained control over the entire territory of Mesopotamia.

Slide 11

Economy.

The economy of Mesopotamia was determined by the natural conditions of the region. The fertile soils of the valley produced rich harvests. The south specialized in date palm cultivation. The extensive pastures of the nearby mountains made it possible to support large herds of sheep and goats. On the other hand, the country experienced a shortage of stone, metal, wood, raw materials for the production of dyes and other vital materials. The excess of some goods and the shortage of others led to the development of trade relations.

Slide 12

The religion of Mesopotamia in all its main aspects was created by the Sumerians. Over time, the Akkadian names of the gods began to replace the Sumerian ones. Local gods could also lead the pantheon of a particular region, as happened with Marduk in Babylon or Ashur in the Assyrian capital. But the religious system as a whole, the view of the world and the changes taking place in it were not much different from the original ideas of the Sumerians. None of the Mesopotamian deities were the exclusive source of power, none had supreme power. The full power belonged to the assembly of gods, which, according to tradition, elected a leader and approved all important decisions. At the same time, there was always the possibility that events would turn for the better if a person behaved correctly. The temple tower (ziggurat) was the place where the celestials stayed. It symbolized the human desire to establish a connection between heaven and earth. As a rule, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia relied little on the favor of the gods. They tried to appease them by performing increasingly complex rituals.

Offering gifts to the gods

Slide 13

Writing

The supreme authority of law was a characteristic feature of the Mesopotamian historical period, but the effectiveness of legislative activity is associated with the use of written evidence and documents. There is reason to believe that the invention of writing by the ancient Sumerians was primarily driven by concern for private and communal rights. Already the earliest texts known to us testify to the need to record everything, be it objects needed for temple exchange or gifts intended for the deity. Such documents were certified by a cylinder seal. The most ancient writing was pictographic, and its signs depicted objects of the surrounding world - animals, plants, etc. The signs formed groups, each of which, consisting, for example, of images of animals, plants or objects, was composed in a certain sequence. Over time, the lists acquired the character of a kind of reference books on zoology, botany, mineralogy, etc.

Slide 14

Literature.

The most famous poetic work is the Babylonian epic about the creation of the world. But the oldest work, the tale of Gilgamesh, seems much more attractive. The characters of the world of animals and plants that appeared in fables were very loved by the people, just like proverbs. Sometimes a philosophical note creeps into literature, especially in works devoted to the theme of innocent suffering, but the attention of the authors is focused not so much on suffering as on the miracle of liberation from it.

From the Epic of Gilgemash

Slide 15

Conclusion

Mesopotamia brought many inventions to the world. The most important thing is writing. The Sumerians also introduced the sexagesimal number system into people's lives, which we still use today. The Sumerians gave us the wheel, agriculture, cities, bureaucracy, astrology, bread, beer. This list goes on and on. But many of their inventions were forgotten, and everything had to be reinvented after hundreds and even thousands of years. In 539 BC, Babylon was conquered by the Persians, after the Persians came the Greeks, and the Romans, and many others. But, if you believe the facts, it was the peoples of Mesopotamia who had the greatest influence on the formation of our world. The world we live in today.

The text must be well readable, otherwise the audience will not be able to see the information being presented, will be greatly distracted from the story, trying to at least make out something, or will completely lose all interest. To do this, you need to choose the right font, taking into account where and how the presentation will be broadcast, and also choose the right combination of background and text.

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Slide 1

Mesopotamia lat. Mesopotamia - “Interfluve”

Slide 2

Mesopotamia is the country where the world's oldest civilization arose, which lasted approx. 25 centuries, from the creation of writing to the conquest of Babylon by the Persians in 539 BC.

Slide 3

Slide 4

This country, separated from the rest of Western Asia by barely passable deserts, began to be settled around the 6th millennium BC. e. During the 6th-4th millennia, the tribes who settled here lived extremely poorly: barley, sown on a narrow strip of land between swamps and scorched desert and irrigated by unregulated and uneven floods, brought small and unstable harvests. Crops worked better on lands that were irrigated by canals diverted from the small Diyala River, a tributary of the Tigris. Only in the middle of the 4th millennium BC. e. individual groups of communities managed to create rational drainage and irrigation systems in the Euphrates basin.

Slide 5

People of Mesopotamia

Slide 6

Slide 7

Religion. The religion of Mesopotamia in all its main aspects was created by the Sumerians. Over time, Akkadian names of gods began to replace Sumerian ones, and personifications of the elements gave way to star deities. Local gods could also lead the pantheon of a particular region, as happened with Marduk in Babylon or Ashur in the Assyrian capital. But the religious system as a whole, the view of the world and the changes taking place in it were not much different from the original ideas of the Sumerians. None of the Mesopotamian deities were the exclusive source of power, none had supreme power. The full power belonged to the assembly of gods, which, according to tradition, elected a leader and approved all important decisions. Nothing was set in stone or taken for granted. But the instability of space led to intrigue among the gods, which meant it promised danger and created anxiety among mortals.

Slide 8

Slide 9

Economy. The economy of Mesopotamia was determined by the natural conditions of the region. The fertile soils of the valley produced rich harvests. The south specialized in date palm cultivation. The extensive pastures of the nearby mountains made it possible to support large herds of sheep and goats. On the other hand, the country experienced a shortage of stone, metal, wood, raw materials for the production of dyes and other vital materials. The excess of some goods and the shortage of others led to the development of trade relations.

Slide 10

At the same time, there was always the possibility that events would turn for the better if a person behaved correctly. The temple tower (ziggurat) was the place where the celestials stayed. It symbolized the human desire to establish a connection between heaven and earth. As a rule, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia relied little on the favor of the gods. They tried to appease them by performing increasingly complex rituals.

Slide 11

Slide 12

Writing and science. The supreme authority of law was a characteristic feature of the Mesopotamian historical period and may even predate it, but the effectiveness of legislation is associated with the use of written evidence and documents. There is reason to believe that the invention of writing by the ancient Sumerians was primarily driven by concern for private and communal rights. Already the earliest texts known to us testify to the need to record everything, be it objects needed for temple exchange or gifts intended for the deity. Such documents were certified by a cylinder seal.

Slide 13

The most ancient writing was pictographic, and its signs depicted objects of the surrounding world - animals, plants, etc. The signs formed groups, each of which, consisting, for example, of images of animals, plants or objects, was composed in a certain sequence. Over time, the lists acquired the character of a kind of reference books on zoology, botany, mineralogy, etc. Since the Sumerian contribution to the development of local civilization was perceived as very significant, and after the establishment of the Akkadian dynasty, spoken Sumerian became rarely used, the Akkadians did everything in their power to preserve the Sumerian language. Efforts in this direction did not stop with the fall of the Third Dynasty of Ur and continued into Amorite times. The result was the creation of word lists, numerous Sumerian-Akkadian dictionaries, and studies of grammar.

Slide 14

Slide 15

There were many other cultural phenomena that were systematized thanks to writing. Among them, a special place is occupied by omens, through which people tried to find out their future through various signs, such as the shape of the liver of a sacrificed sheep or the location of the stars. The list of omens helped the priest predict the consequences of certain phenomena. It was also common to compile lists of the most commonly used legal terms and formulas. The ancient Mesopotamians also achieved significant success in mathematics and astronomy. According to modern researchers, the Egyptian mathematics system was crude and primitive compared to the Babylonian one; It is believed that even Greek mathematics learned a lot from the achievements of earlier Mesopotamian mathematics. The so-called was also a highly developed area. "Chaldean (i.e. Babylonian) astronomy."

Slide 16

CULTURE Saterial culture. Ceramics gradually improved in terms of manufacturing techniques, variety of shapes and ornaments, this can be traced from the ancient Jarmo culture through other prehistoric cultures until the emergence of a unified technology for the production of stone and metal vessels. Now it is impossible to say which important discoveries in the field of ceramics production were brought to Mesopotamia from the outside. A significant achievement was the introduction of the closed kiln, which allowed the master to achieve more high temperature and it is easier to control it and, as a result, obtain high-quality dishes in terms of shape and careful finishing. Such ovens were first discovered at Tepe Gawre, north of modern Mosul. The oldest known examples of carefully crafted stamp seals were found in the same settlement.

Slide 17

Slide 18

Slide 19

Mesopotamia created the oldest known structures of monumental architecture in the north - in Tepe Gavre, in the south - in Eridu. The high technical level of this time can be judged by the aqueduct in Jervan, approx. 50 km through which water flowed to Nineveh. Mesopotamian craftsmen brought metalworking to the level of high art. This can be judged by products from precious metals, remarkable examples of which dating back to early dynastic times were found in burials at Ur; a silver vase of the Lagash ruler Entemena is also known.

Slide 20

Sculpture in Mesopotamia reached a high level of development in prehistoric times. There are known cylindrical seals with pressed images, the rolling of which on clay made it possible to obtain convex prints. Examples of large forms of the ancient era are the reliefs on the Naram-Suen stele, carefully executed portrait sculptures of the ruler of Lagash Gudea and other monuments. Mesopotamian sculpture reached its highest development in the 1st millennium BC. in Assyria, when colossal figures and exquisite reliefs were created with images of animals, in particular, galloping horses, wild donkeys being killed by hunters, and dying lionesses. During the same period, magnificent reliefs were sculptured depicting individual episodes of military operations.

Slide 21

Slide 22

Slide 23

Little is known about the development of painting. The mural painting could not survive due to moisture and soil conditions, but surviving examples from different eras show that this type of art was widespread. Magnificent examples of painted ceramics were found, in particular, in Ashur. They indicate that their creators preferred bright colors.

Ancient
Mesopotamia
MEMT
Gr. MO-15-1\9
1-7 people

"Mesopotamia" means "Land between rivers" (between
Euphrates and Tigris).

Mesopotamia is a country where around the 4th millennium BC. e. arose
The world's oldest civilization, which lasted ca. 25
centuries, from the creation of writing to
the conquest of Babylon by the Persians in 539 BC.
Southern Mesopotamia. Pictographic inscriptions.

Now under
Mesopotamia
mostly understood
valley in the lower
the flow of these rivers,
and
add to it
lands east of
Tigris and west of
Euphrates. Generally
region coincides with
territory
modern Iraq.
Iraq.

Mesopotamia was
populated by peoples
who spoke
Semitic languages
families. These are the Akkadians
Babylonians,
Assyrians.
Stele from Naram-Sin,
built in the second
ladle III millennium BC e. V
honor of Akkad's victory over
Elam.

All these three peoples
united by
linguistic
principle under
called "Akkadians".
Bronze head of the famous
Sargon of Akkad,
made in the second
half of the 3rd millennium BC

Other Semitic
were people
Amorites and Amorites
(self-name
"essence", that is
descendants of the legendary
forefather Sutu; aka
Seth in the synodal
Bible translation, Sheth
in Hebrew texts),
who became
gradually penetrate
to Mesopotamia
beginning of the 3rd millennium BC
Adam and Eve

Gutenberg Bible
Seth - third son
Adam and Eve.
"And Adam knew
his wife and she
gave birth to a son, and
she called his name Seth,
because she said
she, God put it on me
another seed instead
Abel, whom he killed
Cain."
(Gen.4:25)

In the first half of the 2nd millennium BC. e. happened
unification of almost the entire Mesopotamian valley around the city
Babylon. Economic necessity, including
the need to maintain a unified irrigation
farms on the scale of the entire Mesopotamia valley, determined
and the need for political unification of the country.
cylinder seal impression from Mesopotamia (Uruk era)

Babylon was located on the banks of the Euphrates.

The first mention of Babylon is contained in
inscriptions of the Akkadian king Sharkalisharri (XXIII century BC)
n. e.).
Imprint of the time seal of King Sharkalisharri

In the 22nd century BC. e.
Babylon was
conquered and
Shulgi was plundered,
king of the Sumerian
states of Ur,
subjugated
all of Mesopotamia.
Sumerian goddess

Tribes of the Amorites
during the 20th century BC e.
began to form in
Mesopotamia
independent kingdoms.
Abby II, ruler of the city
Marie. Alabaster. Temple
Ishtar

In 1895 BC. e.
was created by the Amorite leader Sumuabum
one of these kingdoms
center in Babylon. IN
during active wars between
states
Mesopotamia to 1800 BC
n. e. Babylon became
center of the south of the country,
controlled by the kingdom
Larsa.
List of kings of Larsa, 39th year
reign of Hammurabi.

Death of King ShamshiAdad I, who reigned
huge power
included
Upper
Mesopotamia,
allowed
to the king of Babylon
Hammurabi start
accession
scattered kingdoms.
Image of the Babylonian king
Hammurabi. XVIII century BC

Babylonian education
kingdoms

Palaces of Nineveh

For 1764-1756 BC
e. were conquered
Elam, Mari, Ashur,
Eshnunna, Suziana -
a single
Mesopotamian
power.
Praying man
King Hammurabi.
Sculpture, bronze and
gold.

The most famous
monument to this
steel era laws
Hammurabi.
HAMMURABI, KING
BABYLON
receives from God
The sun's code of laws.

Laws of King Hammurabi
Board
cuneiform VI
Hammurabi's law
18th century BC.
If a person causes death
to someone else's ox, he must give
ox for ox. If a person kills
slave, he must give the slave for
slave...
If a person hits you on the cheek
equal, he must pay
fine. If a person hits
the supreme cheek, must hit him
60 times with a cowhide whip...
Who is the property of God or the Palace
stole, he must be killed, and whoever
accepted what was stolen from his hands, he
should also be killed...

Black basalt pillar with
the text of the “Laws” was found
in 1901 - 1902 French
archaeologists in Susa (the capital
ancient Elam).

The text is partially damaged: part
the front side of the pillar was
scraped out. Obviously the Elamites
captured a pillar with "Laws" in
during one of his raids on
Mesopotamia and taken to their
capital, and the victorious Elamite king ordered to erase
part of the text to write on
the vacated place is victorious
inscription.
Stele with the laws of Hammurabi from Susa.

At the top of the front side
Hammurabi himself is depicted
praying to the “judge of the gods”,
patron of justice and
to the solar god Shamash, who
hands him the laws.

The rest of the pillar
was filled on both sides
cuneiform text,
consisting of three parts:
introduction, the actual laws and
conclusions. Continuously
written text of laws
conditionally divided
researchers at
282 original articles, from
of which 35 were erased, and 247
preserved.
Stele with the laws of Hammurabi from Susa.

Partially missing articles
are restored by
fragments of copies of the “Laws”,
written on clay
signs that were
discovered in the same Susa and
other places, especially in
famous Nineveh
library of Ashurbanipal.
Stele with the laws of Hammurabi from Susa.

Library
Ashurbanipal
The library of King Ashurbanipal in Nineveh was
extensive, consisted of clay books. When the signs
ended up in the royal library, they were stamped
"Palace of Ashurbanipal, King of the Universe, King of Assyria."
Then the signs were arranged in sections: in some boxes
there were books on language, in others - on mathematics, in others -
on history.
Sometimes the contents of the book did not fit on one tablet,
I had to write a sequel. Then in the next text
page the phrase from the previous one was entered. At the bottom
scribes left a note on the tablets: “According to the ancient
copied and verified to the original.”

Library
Ashurbanipal
The books in the library were of a wide variety
content: medicine, mathematics, agriculture
economy, religion, literature, etc. They were stored there
ancient texts of the epic of Gilgamesh.
In 612 BC. during a palace fire, during destruction
Nineveh, the entire library was covered with earth
and ashes. But the clay books did not burn in the fire, but only
have become stronger. They lay in sand and earth for 2500 years,
until archaeologists found them. They revealed to the world
clay monuments.

Clay tablet with cuneiform writing

King Ashurbanipal pours a sacrificial libation on
dead lions. There is a smoking table in front of the king
palm.

The king monitored the working order
operation of channels. Near
capital a canal was built
huge sizes.
Among the laws was an article on
protecting farmers from
ruin.
Stele with the laws of Hammurabi from Susa.

Letters on clay
signs
In Mesopotamia they still find
Clay tablet
with sample
cuneiform.
clay tablets covered
cuneiform.
Cuneiform is a system
letters in which the signs
squeezed out by reed
stick (stylus) on the tablet
from raw clay. Every sign
denoted a word, but were
combinations of characters conveying
sounds.
Cuneiform consisted of hundreds
signs and she was taught with great
labor.

At the head of the school where the training took place was Ummia
(knowledgeable person, teacher), who was also called “father
schools." The students were called "sons of the school", and
The teacher's assistant is like a “big brother.” In his duties, in
in particular, it included the production of calligraphic tablets, samples, which were then copied by the students.

He's the same
checked
written
tasks and
forced
students
tell
learned
lessons from them.

In found cuneiform
the texts are long
lists of tree names and
reeds, all kinds
living beings (animals,
insects and birds). Titles
countries, cities and villages,
stones and minerals. Similar
the lists indicate
significant awareness
Sumerians and Babylonians in the area
"botany", "zoology",
"geography" and "mineralogy".
Cuneiform tablet

Score board.
Appeared in Mesopotamia
signs for numbers - in
the beginning of the shepherds,
counting the cattle, they left
stones and then
replaced them
dents in the clay.
Later they
turned into
cuneiform signs.
Number basis
the number was 60.

Sumerian number system
Babylonian decimal/sexagesimal
notation
Numbers less than 60 were indicated using two signs:
for one, and
for ten.
The inclined wedge played the role of a zero.
This is the number 7203
(2*60*60+3).

The number is written on the tablet
104.857.600.000.000.000.000

Development of crafts and science
Irrigation of fields in Mesopotamia was a difficult task. When
too much water flowed through the canals, it
seeped underground and connected with underground
groundwater, and in Mesopotamia it is salty.

Euphrates in the area between modern Baghdad and ancient
Babylon

As a result, the salt was again carried out along with the water
onto the surface of the fields, and they quickly deteriorated;
wheat did not grow on such lands at all, and
Rye and barley yielded low yields. At the end
In the end, the salted fields were simply abandoned or
grazed sheep on them.

Around 4000 BC e. smelting technology developed in Sumer
gold and copper. Around 3400 BC e. invented in Sumer
wheel, and the Assyrians created war chariots.

Development of crafts and science
Sundial
Babylonians first
came up with solar
watch: small
steel rod
fix on flat
board (or hemisphere),
graphed
lines - it was
solar dial
clock, and the shadow from the rod
served as a sentry
arrow.

In medicine, fortune telling by entrails played an important role.
animals, in particular examining the liver of sacrificial
animals (mainly sheep).

Development of crafts and science
Clay model
liver, divided into
lobules. Babylon.
We have reached our time
clay and bronze models
livers separated by lines
into parts; on every part
there is text that serves
guide to prediction
as of this part
liver. According to such models
liver trained future
priest-doctors in
state-owned
medical schools that
existed in Babylon.

Sumerians and
Babylonians
wonderful
city planners and
architects.
Babylon. View of the city
from across the Euphrates River.
Reconstruction by
A. Parro

Cities of clay and bricks
Main
material in
construction
there was clay from
which they did
bricks.
The brick was dried on
the sun, that's why
fortress walls
did a lot
wide.
Erection of serfs