Mesopotamia: Crash Course World History

The video explores the history of Mesopotamia, highlighting its contributions to writing and taxes. It discusses the social structure, city states, and the power dynamics between priests and kings. The development of cuneiform writing and trade is covered, along with Hammurabi's law code. The rise and fall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire is examined, concluding with a preview of the next topic on Egypt.

What were two of the significant contributions of Mesopotamia to world history?

• Science and technology

• Writing and taxes

• Democracy and philosophy

• Architecture and art

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, which side wins the conflict between country and city?

• Neither side

• Both sides

• The city

• The country

What was the primary purpose of the early form of writing, cuneiform, in Mesopotamia?

• To write poetry

• To record transactions

• To document laws

• To create literature

What was a significant change in the economic system of Mesopotamian city-states after the city-state period?

• Adoption of barter system

• Establishment of communism

• Shift to private enterprise

• Introduction of democracy

Who was the famous king of Babylon known for his law code?

• Nebuchadnezzar

• Hammurabi

• Gilgamesh

• Sargon

What was a key feature of Hammurabi's law code?

• Freedom of speech

• Abolition of slavery

• Presumption of innocence

• Equality for all citizens

What was the main reason for the downfall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire?

• Economic collapse

• Internal rebellion

• Natural disasters

• Military defeat

What was the Neo-Assyrian Empire's approach to selecting military generals?

• Based on family lineage

• Through democratic elections

• By divine selection

• Based on merit

What was a common practice of the Neo-Assyrian Empire to maintain control over its subjects?

• Deporting populations

• Providing free education

• Offering citizenship

• Building public parks

What was the Neo-Assyrian Empire's justification for its conquests?

• To gain wealth

• To spread democracy

• To prevent the apocalypse

• To promote trade