Intro to Mesopotamian Empires

An empire is:

• A collection of independent cities that share trade and resources

• A large territory where different peoples are ruled by a single power

• A group of cities that form alliances for military protection

A military achievement in ancient empires means:

• Success in developing trade routes between major cities

• Success in organizing armies and conquering territories

• Success in creating laws to govern different peoples

Political achievements in ancient empires include:

• The development of new weapons and battle strategies

• The creation of religious ceremonies and traditions

• The organization and control of territory and people

Cultural achievements refer to:

• Developments in art, language, religion, and customs

• Developments in farming, trade, and city planning

• Developments in laws, taxes, and government

Economic achievements involve:

• Creating monuments and religious buildings

• Managing trade, resources, and empire wealth

• Organizing armies and military campaigns

A capital city was:

• The largest trading center within an empire's borders

• The main city where empire rulers govern from

• The oldest settlement in an empire's territory

A siege was:

• A military blockade and attack to capture a city

• A system of collecting taxes from conquered peoples

• A way of building defensive city walls

Tribute in ancient empires meant:

• A ceremony to honor empire rulers and gods

• A method for building massive structures

• A payment conquered peoples give their rulers

The empires of Mesopotamia, from earliest to latest, appeared in this order:

• Persian

• Neo-Babylonian

• Babylonian

• Assyrian

• Akkadian