Ancient Mesopotamia Essay

1. What aspects of life in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt made them the first Western civilizations? To what extent does civilization depend on urban life? What are the general characteristics of urban life that can be identified regardless of historical period? Mesopotamia and Egypt gained knowledge to successfully sustain and utilize their surroundings. They also built canals to supply water, and utilized the soil to grow crops for trade. In doing this, it helped produce surpluses sufficient to support specialists in construction, weaving, pottery making, metalwork, etc. As a result, both Mesopotamia and Egypt were able to build large cities, develop writing, and build a government. (Pg.8-9, Pg.17-18) Urban Life depends on the trading
The very word "civilization" derives from the Latin word civis, "city".(Pg.4) Civilization is a type of city with human interaction, stability and safety, government, art, literature and science, in a specific time period. (Pg.4-5) Society is more organized and advanced, honoring their ancestors and religion. (Pg. 4)

3. We are fortunate that we have the Code of Hammurabi at our disposal. Does the code have any modern aspects, or does it seem to be a specifically ancient document? Was the way justice was defined by the code identical to the way it is defined today? Although harsh, there are many laws that are similar to todays. Take for instance, the buying or selling of something valuable, like a vehicle. If the buyer does not receive the proper document or contract, the seller could report the vehicle as stolen, thus resulting in the arrest of the buyer. (Pg.16) Justice today is absolutely not defined the same as in the code. In today's times, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. The case would then go to trial and each man/women would be allowed to plead his/her case to a jury. The decision made through the trail would ultimately decide their fate and would not end with death.