Mesopotamia Vocabulary

Hammurabi's Code

• A well-preserved Babylonian code of law of ancient Mesopotamia, dating back to about 1754 BC.

• A collection of ancient Greek myths and legends.

• A set of guidelines for modern legal practices.

• A historical document detailing the life of Hammurabi's family.

Oral History

• The study of ancient artifacts and their significance.

• The collection and study of historical information using sound recordings of interviews with people having personal knowledge of past events.

• A method of analyzing historical texts and documents.

• The practice of recording current events for future reference.

Ziggurat

• A circular tower used for astronomical observations.

• A rectangular stepped tower, sometimes surmounted by a temple, found in ancient Mesopotamia.

• A type of ancient Egyptian pyramid used for burial.

• A large fortress built to protect ancient cities.

Primary Source

• A document that has been edited for clarity and accuracy.

• An original document or other material that has not been altered or distorted, providing direct evidence about a topic.

• A summary of information gathered from various sources.

• A fictional account created to illustrate a point.

City-State

• A city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.

• A large urban area that is part of a larger country.

• A city that is governed by a monarchy.

• A city that serves as the capital of a nation.

Surplus

• An amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess of production or supply.

• A shortage of resources or goods.

• A balanced amount of supply and demand.

• A type of financial investment.

Social Hierarchy

• The division of society into levels based on power, social status, or economic status.

• A system where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.

• A method of ranking individuals based on their intelligence.

• A classification of people based on their physical appearance.

Monarchy

• A form of government with a monarch at the head.

• A system where the people elect their leaders.

• A government ruled by a council of elders.

• A political system where power is held by a single individual without hereditary succession.

Drought

• A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.

• A sudden increase in rainfall causing flooding.

• A seasonal change in weather patterns.

• A type of plant that thrives in dry conditions.

Fertile

• Capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops.

• Incapable of supporting plant life.

• Characterized by dry and arid conditions.

• Having a high level of pollution.