Mesopotamia Quizzes

Mesopotamia is an ancient region in the Middle East that was home to some of the world’s earliest civilizations. It is located in modern day Iraq, bordered by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Mesopotamia dates back to approximately 4000 BCE, when it was inhabited by a number of city states and empires. The area was known for its advanced irrigation systems which allowed for the development of many crops and grains such as barley and wheat, leading to a surplus of food that enabled their population to grow. This led to an increase in trade which further drove cultural advancements in areas such as writing, art, architecture, astronomy, engineering and mathematics. Mesopotamian civilizations are credited with inventing many things used today including the wheel, plumbing systems for water supply and drainage, calendars for keeping track of time and seasons, writing (cuneiform script), metalworking techniques such as bronze casting methods which were used for creating weapons like swords and shields. They also developed early forms of law codes including Hammurabi’s Code which established a system of justice based on retribution rather than forgiveness or mercy. Religion played an important role in Mesopotamian civilization with most people worshipping gods from two pantheons: Sumerian gods (Enlil) or Babylonian gods (Marduk). The area has been ruled by various empires throughout its history ranging from Akkadian Empire (2300-2020 BCE) to Neo-Babylonian Empire (605539 BCE). One of its most influential rulers was King Nebuchadnezzar II who built the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon as well as other structures such as Ishtar Gateone of eight gates that formed part of his grand palace complex. He also extended Babylon’s rule over much larger parts Mesopotamia towards Syria and Anatolia (modern day Turkey). The region fell under Persian rule after his death until it became part Alexander the Great’s empire following his invasion in 331 BCE. After Alexander died without an heir his generals divided his kingdom into four parts; one section included present day Iraq so it came under Seleucid rule before being conquered by Parthians who controlled Mesopotamia until 224 CE when it fell under Sassanid control until 626 CE when Muslim Arabs invaded giving rise to Islamic Caliphate which lasted until 1517 CE when Mamluks took control followed by Ottoman Turks from 15341918 CE who were then replaced with British rule after World War I before Iraq declared independence in 1932 CEa time period during which Mesopotamia had seen numerous rulers come and go while playing host to some significant events that shaped Western history forever.