Grade 4 students explore the rise and fall of major Mesopotamian empires in this lesson from Discovering Our Past: a History of the World, learning how Sargon of Akkad built the world's first empire by conquering the Sumerian city-states around 2340 B.C. Students also study the Babylonian Empire under Hammurabi and examine the significance of Hammurabi's Code, including its "eye for an eye" principle and its lasting influence on the legal systems of Greece and Rome.
Section 1
The First Empires of Mesopotamia
Around 2340 B.C., Sargon of Akkad created the world's first empire by conquering Sumerian city-states. Later, King Hammurabi established the Babylonian Empire (1792 B.C.) and created his famous Code of Laws. These early empires united different lands under single rulers and spread their cultures through conquest and trade.
Section 2
Hammurabi's Code and Its Legacy
Hammurabi created a comprehensive set of laws that governed nearly all aspects of Babylonian life. The code introduced the principle of "an eye for an eye" to match punishments with crimes while also protecting the less powerful. This influential legal system was publicly displayed and later influenced Greek and Roman law codes.
Section 3
The Powerful Assyrian Empire
The Assyrians built a massive empire (900-650 B.C.) using their well-trained army of 50,000 soldiers with advanced iron weapons. They controlled conquered territories through provinces, built roads for communication, and collected tributes. Despite their harsh rule, they preserved knowledge by creating one of the world's first libraries.
Section 4
The Glory of Babylon Under the Chaldeans
After defeating the Assyrians in 612 B.C., the Chaldeans established the New Babylonian Empire. King Nebuchadnezzar transformed Babylon into the world's richest city with massive walls, palaces, and the famous Hanging Gardens. Babylon became a center of trade, science, and astronomy before falling to the Persians in 539 B.C.
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Section 1
The First Empires of Mesopotamia
Around 2340 B.C., Sargon of Akkad created the world's first empire by conquering Sumerian city-states. Later, King Hammurabi established the Babylonian Empire (1792 B.C.) and created his famous Code of Laws. These early empires united different lands under single rulers and spread their cultures through conquest and trade.
Section 2
Hammurabi's Code and Its Legacy
Hammurabi created a comprehensive set of laws that governed nearly all aspects of Babylonian life. The code introduced the principle of "an eye for an eye" to match punishments with crimes while also protecting the less powerful. This influential legal system was publicly displayed and later influenced Greek and Roman law codes.
Section 3
The Powerful Assyrian Empire
The Assyrians built a massive empire (900-650 B.C.) using their well-trained army of 50,000 soldiers with advanced iron weapons. They controlled conquered territories through provinces, built roads for communication, and collected tributes. Despite their harsh rule, they preserved knowledge by creating one of the world's first libraries.
Section 4
The Glory of Babylon Under the Chaldeans
After defeating the Assyrians in 612 B.C., the Chaldeans established the New Babylonian Empire. King Nebuchadnezzar transformed Babylon into the world's richest city with massive walls, palaces, and the famous Hanging Gardens. Babylon became a center of trade, science, and astronomy before falling to the Persians in 539 B.C.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter