In this Grade 6 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies Chapter 2, students examine the rise of major Mesopotamian empires, including Sargon's Akkadian Empire — recognized as the world's first empire — and Hammurabi's Babylonian Empire. Students analyze how conquest and trade spread culture across regions and explore Hammurabi's Code, one of history's earliest written law systems. The lesson builds skills in identifying cause-and-effect relationships and comparing how empires differed from earlier Sumerian city-states.
Section 1
Sargon Creates the World's First Empire
Around 2300 B.C.E., a strong king named Sargon of Akkad rose to power in Mesopotamia. At the time, the region was a collection of separate city-states. Sargon used his powerful army to conquer these cities one by one.
By uniting these lands, Sargon created the world's first empire. The Akkadian Empire was a large territory where many different groups of people were ruled by a single leader.
Section 2
Hammurabi Unites an Empire with Laws
After the Akkadian Empire fell, King Hammurabi of Babylon conquered Mesopotamia around 1792 B.C.E. He wanted to unite the different peoples in his new Babylonian Empire. To do this, he needed a single, clear set of rules for everyone to follow.
Hammurabi created a famous code of laws with 282 specific rules. These laws were carved onto stone pillars and placed in public squares. They covered many aspects of life, including family matters, trade, and crime.
Section 3
Assyrians Conquer with Military Might
Later, starting around 900 B.C.E., the Assyrians built a fearsome empire through military force. Their society was organized around warfare, and they used a powerful, professional army to conquer neighboring lands and control trade routes.
To take over walled cities, the Assyrians developed siege warfare. They used new technologies like battering rams and moveable towers to break down defenses. This strategy made their army one of the most successful of its time.
Section 4
Nebuchadnezzar Rebuilds Babylon
After the Assyrian Empire fell, the Neo-Babylonians rose to power.
Around 605 B.C.E., their most famous king, Nebuchadnezzar II, wanted to restore the city of Babylon to its former glory and make it the most magnificent city in the world.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Sargon Creates the World's First Empire
Around 2300 B.C.E., a strong king named Sargon of Akkad rose to power in Mesopotamia. At the time, the region was a collection of separate city-states. Sargon used his powerful army to conquer these cities one by one.
By uniting these lands, Sargon created the world's first empire. The Akkadian Empire was a large territory where many different groups of people were ruled by a single leader.
Section 2
Hammurabi Unites an Empire with Laws
After the Akkadian Empire fell, King Hammurabi of Babylon conquered Mesopotamia around 1792 B.C.E. He wanted to unite the different peoples in his new Babylonian Empire. To do this, he needed a single, clear set of rules for everyone to follow.
Hammurabi created a famous code of laws with 282 specific rules. These laws were carved onto stone pillars and placed in public squares. They covered many aspects of life, including family matters, trade, and crime.
Section 3
Assyrians Conquer with Military Might
Later, starting around 900 B.C.E., the Assyrians built a fearsome empire through military force. Their society was organized around warfare, and they used a powerful, professional army to conquer neighboring lands and control trade routes.
To take over walled cities, the Assyrians developed siege warfare. They used new technologies like battering rams and moveable towers to break down defenses. This strategy made their army one of the most successful of its time.
Section 4
Nebuchadnezzar Rebuilds Babylon
After the Assyrian Empire fell, the Neo-Babylonians rose to power.
Around 605 B.C.E., their most famous king, Nebuchadnezzar II, wanted to restore the city of Babylon to its former glory and make it the most magnificent city in the world.