Mesopotamia Way of

Life

Mackenzie Walden-Taylor ,
7th Grade 3rd Block
 Introduction
Mesopotamia was the first developed civilization known to man. An
exhibit dedicated to Mesopotamia in the Smithsonian is more than
needed. Learning about the past in Mesopotamia is important because
it shapes the way that we think about the future. Mesopotamia made
inventions that are essential to the technology we have today. Facts
about Mesopotamia should be shared with all people because of all the
history and culture that took place there so long ago.
 Geography
Mesopotamia is located in what today is know as Iraq. Mesopotamia
means the land between rivers. It is called this because Mesopotamia is
between the Euphrates and Tigris River. Mesopotamia had quite rich soil
that made it possible to farm and grow crops. However the southern
area of Mesopotamia had wet and wide flat plains..
 Art
In Mesopotamian art was more than just painting is was a creative art
form. Art included painting, architecture, and music. Unlike today
musicians only sang at ceremonies, engaged guest at feast, and wrote
love songs. Architects mapped out builds for temples and ziggurats.
Metal workers created things such as weapons, cups, mirrors, and
jewelry.
 Government
Kings made up most of the government structure. Kings were the
highest representatives. The king created the laws that all citizens were
expected to follow. Although kings made the laws scribes wrote and
recorded them.They also were in charge of the military and they
supervised the building of temples.
 Social Class
There were four social classes in Mesopotamia. The highest social class
is a king. After that in the upper class there was priest and rich
merchants. In lower class there was merchants, farmers, and artisans.
In the lowest class there was slaves. Slaves were usually captured from
wars from the opposing team.
 Technology
The Sumerians made many pieces of technology that people commonly
use today. Sumerians made wheels that they used to shape pottery.
Later Sumerians used wheels for chariots for the army and carts for
farmers. Sumerians also made the first U or V shaped arches. They
made arches by stacking bricks on each other and then setting them
out to dry.
 Religion
Sumerians built temples that were called ziggurats. Sumerian made
these temple to worship to all of their gods. No one was allowed to go
into the top of the ziggurats not even the king. At the top of these
structure the Sumerians kept statues that resembled the god the
temple was dedicated to. Religion was a way to keep people in order.
Most people wanted to have a religion because they wanted something
to believe in.
 Conclusion
It is a shame that the Smithsonian does not have an exhibit for
Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia has been a staple for humanity and history.
Mesopotamia is one of the reasons that scientist knows so much about
the world. Mesopotamia is was such a developed civilization. It is more
than overdue that Mesopotamia has an exhibit.