Babylonian Legislature
The code of Hammurabi The code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest known law codes written. Hammurabi adopted a principle of “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” in his … Continue reading Babylonian Legislature
Jan
03
2022
Dec
04
2021
Babylonian Empire
Written by Alex Song on December 04,21 Posted in 3.1. Babylon
Assyria, Eshnunna, Isin, Larsa, Yamhad, Mari, Elam and Babylon Shamshi-Adad’s Assyrian Empire – the Upper Mesopotamian Kingdom – conquered cities of North Mesopotamia such as Assur, Terqa, and Mari. His empire also conquered portions of … Continue reading Babylonian Empire
Oct
30
2021
Ur III and Amorite Arrival
Written by Alex Song on October 30,21 Posted in 2.3. Sumer Renaissance
Sumerian Renaissance Mesopotamia was cast into chaos after the fall of the Akkadian dynasty. The sovereignty of lands passed on to the Gutian invaders who were on the frontier to destroy the Akkadian supremacy. Other … Continue reading Ur III and Amorite Arrival
Sep
29
2021
Akkadian Supremacy and Barbarian Invasions
Written by Alex Song on September 29,21 Posted in 2.2. Barbarian Incursion
Reign of Naram-Sin and the Golden Age of the Akkadian Empire Rimush succeeded Sargon’s lineage and his military campaign against the Elamite states, extending his Empire eastward. However, Rimush died after only a nine-year reign, … Continue reading Akkadian Supremacy and Barbarian Invasions
Aug
25
2021
Sargon the Great
Written by Alex Song on August 25,21 Posted in 2.1. Sargon the Great
Overlords Lugal Zage Si’s Third Dynasty of Uruk became the first-ever state to unite Sumerian city-states. Lugal Zage Si defeated other Sumerian princes and even the people outside of Sumer known as Semites, connecting the … Continue reading Sargon the Great
Aug
01
2021
Reformist v Conqueror
Written by Alex Song on August 01,21 Posted in 1.4. War and Reform
Urukagina of Lagash and the First Social Reformation; successful but short-lived The continuing conflict between Umma and Lagash, two of the most prominent states of the ancient Sumer, ended in Umma’s victory. Lagash shrank once … Continue reading Reformist v Conqueror
Jul
10
2021
Sumerian commerce and war over water
Written by Alex Song on July 10,21 Posted in 1.3. Commerce
The First Triangular Trade Trade was essential for resource-poor Sumer to meet the needs of this ancient society. The advance of agriculture industries in Sumer generated a surplus of grains, hence, allowing people to trade … Continue reading Sumerian commerce and war over water
May
13
2021
First Religion
Written by Alex Song on May 13,21 Posted in 1.2. Religion
Sumer: Religion The Sumerians practiced anthropomorphic polytheism. Anthropomorphic polytheism refers to the belief in deities possessing supernatural powers and taking human forms. Well-known Greek mythology is the epitome of anthropomorphic polytheism, where gods like Zeus … Continue reading First Religion
Apr
04
2021
Cuneiform
Written by Alex Song on April 04,21 Posted in 1.1. Cuneiform
Sumer: Cuneiform The Sumerian civilization is known as the oldest civilization and had been a center of the ancient world. The origin of Sumer is still uncertain. Some historians say it originated from the Russian … Continue reading Cuneiform
Mar
04
2021
MESOPOTAMIA AND THE FIRST CITY
Written by Alex Song on March 04,21 Posted in A. Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia, Fertile Crescent, and Cradle of Civilization The term “Cradle of Civilization” refers to an area of the world where civilization emerged without any outer influences. Mesopotamia is one of the six cradles of civilization … Continue reading MESOPOTAMIA AND THE FIRST CITY