Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization: History, Documents, and Key Questions

by Jane R. McIntosh

Overview

A broad introduction to a major turbaning point in human development, this book guides the reader through the emergence of civilization in Mesopotamia, when city life began and writing was invented.

Covering Mesopotamia from around 3000 BCE to the fall of Babylon in 539 BCE, Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization: History, Documents, and Key Questions combines narrative history material and reference entries that enable students to learn about the rise of civilization in Mesopotamia and its enormous influence on western civilization with primary source documents that promote critical thinking skills.

The book provides essential background via a historical overview of early development of society in Mesopotamia. This introduction is followed by reference entries on key topics; 4,000-year-old primary sources that explore Mesopotamian civilization through voices of the time and bring to light the events of a schoolboy's day, the boasts of kings, and personal letters about family concerns, for example; and a section of argumentative essays that presents thought-provoking perspectives on key issues. While the intended readership is high school students, the book's authoritative coverage of intriguing subject matter will also appeal to the wider public, especially in these times of heightened focus on the Middle East.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440835476
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/18/2017
Series:	Crossroads in World History
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	255
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Jane R. McIntosh, PhD, is a professional archaeological writer.

Table of Contents

Alphabetical List of Entries vii

Topical List of Entries ix

How to Use This Book xiii

Preface xv

Timeline xvii

Historical Overview xxi

Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization: A-Z 1

Primary Source Documents 149

Creation 149

Inanna and Enki 152

The Flood 155

Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta 157

Gilgamesh and Agga 159

The Netherworld-From the Epic of Gilgamesh 161

Umma and Lagash 164

Uru-inim-gina 165

Two Kings 166

Enheduanna 168

The Cursing of Agade 170

Gudea 172

Shulgi 174

Sheep and Grain 176

Schooldays 179

Inanna and Dumuzi 181

Kanesh Letters 183

Mari Letters 185

Hammurabi's Law Code 187

The Dialogue of Pessimism 190

Key Questions 193

Question 1 Was the natural environment of the Euphrates and Tigris valleys the key causal factor in the development of the world's earliest civilization? 193

Question 2 Was international trade fundamental to Mesopotamia's economic and cultural development as a civilization? 205

Question 3 Was the invention of writing critical to the emergence of civilization in Mesopotamia? 217

Annotated Bibliography 231

Index 239

About the Author and Contributors 256

Editorial Reviews

Books in this series intend to help students understand the causes and effects associated with historical events and this one achieves its goal. Additional resources, a bibliography, and an index are included. Recommended.” —ARBA

“An excellent introduction to the study of early civilization for beginning scholars. Summing Up: Recommended. High school through lower-level undergraduates; general readers.” —Choice

“The 20 primary source documents included have an introductory paragraph followed by source information. These documents are usually studied at the college level and will give students a good preparation for advanced study. . . . Books in this series intend to help students understand the causes and effects associated with historical events and this one achieves its goal. Recommended.” —School Library Connection

From the Publisher