G.R.A.P.E.S.: Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Life.
This storyboard explains the politics and governmental structure of ancient Mesopotamia.
Kuvakäsikirjoitus Teksti
PRIESTS
KINGS AND THE FIRST EMPIRES
WRITTEN LAWS
Priests wielded lots of power because they were the conduit to the gods and Mesopotamians believed that the gods controlled natural disasters and other events. There was much tension between the priests and the kings. Kings would even marry a priestess to secure their power.
City-states were ruled by kings such as Gilgamesh of Uruk. Akkadian King Sargon conquered much of Mesopotamia, creating the world's first empire. King Naram-Sin of Akkad's conquest is depicted in the victory stele. King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon was known for his military might.
Hammurabi’s Code was put into place by Babylonian King Hammurabi in 1772 BCE. It is the oldest written code of laws in history and contained 282 laws on a 7 foot tall stele with a carved image of Hammurabi receiving the laws from Shamash, the sun god, at the top.