Museum Entrance

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Utopia

Curator office

Welcome to the Virtual Museum Welcome to the Virtual Museum Of Ancient CivilizationsOf Ancient Civilizations

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Note: Virtual museums were first introduced by educators at Keith Valley Middle School in Horsham, Pennsylvania. This template was designed by Dr. Christy Keeler. View the Educational Virtual Museums website for more information on this instructional technique.

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EgyptChinese river

Mesopotamia

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Indus river

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GreeceRome

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UtopiaUtopia

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Chinese river valley Chinese river valley

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EgyptEgypt

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MesopotamiaMesopotamia

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Indus River ValleyIndus River Valley

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GreeceGreece

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RomeRome

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Ancient history of bee keeping. Aloe living forever.n.d. 9-18-11 http://www.aloelf.com/beehoney/ancient-history-of-bee-honey/

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Egypt: Record Keeping

Only a very small percentage of the Egyptian population could read and write. As you could imagine, those with this skill set were highly sought after to become scribes.The scribes of the Egyptian civilizations were often called upon to keep track of various things within the civilization. Scribes were tasked to keep records for anything from grain to taxes.Here’s an interesting fact: The Egyptians were the first people to keep records of bee population.“Ancient Egyptian Lives-3.” Homepage. N.D. Web. 15 Sept. 2011.

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In order to make progress as a civilization, the Egyptians had to create tools to help them accomplish tasks, such as the building of the pyramids, creating jewelry, or even creating tools to help them make better tools.To aid them, they created tools like drills, saws, and quarries. The Egyptians created many more, but a full list would certainly take up the whole slide. These tools were often made of flint and other types of stone. Without these tools, the Egyptians would have been unable to create their outstanding architecture. “Advanced Machining in Ancient Egypt.” TheGlobalEducationProject. N.D.Web. 13 Sept. 2011.

Ancient Egyptian flint saw. Science and society picture library.n.d. 9-18-11 http://www.ssplprints.com/image/100

755/ancient-egyptian-flint-saw-c-3000-bc  

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Egypt: Technology

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One of Egypt’s greatest cities was the great city of Thebes. In this city lies the magnificent Temple of Karnak.The temple, which sprawls over an astounding 200 acres of land, is widely considered to be the greatest piece of Egyptian architecture, except for the Pyramids of Giza, of course.The temple was constructed by about thirteen different pharaohs. One of the pharaohs that aided in the construction was the famous Ramses II.“Temple of Karnak.” Destination360. N.D. Web. 15 Sept. 2011.

Temple of Karnak.destination 360.n.d.9-18-11 http://www.destination360.com/africa/egypt/karnak-temple

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Egypt: Cities

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Let’s face it: It’d be pretty great to be paid just to sit around and read and write.That was basically the life of a scribe. The position of scribe was a highly sought after job, mainly for its simplicity.Compared to being a jeweler, a blacksmith, or a carpenter, scribes had very simple lives.Just as parents today want their children to become doctors or lawyers, ancient Egyptian parents desperately wanted a child to become a scribe. They led easy lives, and it was easier to gain social status.“The Satire of the Trades.” AncientEgypt. N.D. Web. 13 Sept. 2011.

The Egyptian scribe… institute of archeology.n.d.9-18-11 http://www.andrews.edu/archaeology/pubs/scribe.html

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Egypt: Specialization

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The Egyptians’ spirits rose and fell along with the waters of the world’s longest river- the Nile. The Nile River served as Egypt’s main lifeline. They depended on its waters for transportation, irrigation, trade, as well as being the main source of drinking water. Perhaps the greatest contribution of the Nile was the silt, or fertile land, for farming purposes. Without this, the people would have little luck with trying to produce food.In addition to the Nile, the Egyptians also had the desert as a natural barrier from attackers.“Ancient Egypt for Kids: Gifts of the Nile.” Egypt.MrDonn. N.D. Web. 19Sept. 2011.

My opera.n.d.9-18-11 http://files.myopera.com/florisx/

albums/275499/Ancient_Egypt_Map.jpg  

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Egypt: Map

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In America, we separate church and state, but in ancient Egypt, the church was the state. Pharaohs, or Egyptian rulers, were considered to be divine gods. They were also thought to have a close connection with the sun god, Ra, and were the only ones that could perform certain rituals.Since the rulers had “divine support,” ancient Egypt was a theocracy. This is a style of government where the rulers are, or have close connections with, divine beings specified by the religion. Pharaohs were also thought to rule after their death, as well.“Egypt on the Nile.” Austinschools. N.D. Web. 13 Sept. 2011.

SLJ global.n.d.9-18-11 http://sljglobal.wikispaces.com/file/view/83825-004-8B847ABE.jpg/165543627/83825-004-8B847ABE.jpg 

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Egypt: Complex Organizations

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All religions must have some form of communication with their supreme being or beings. The Chinese were no different. They used oracle bones to speak with their gods and ancestors. They would write a question on an animal bone or turtle shell. Then they would heat the item until it cracked. Then they would analyze how the item broke, which gave them an answer to their question. This was often used to settle disputes or find life’s answers.

 

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Chinese: Complex Organizations

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The discovery of bronze and iron proved to be very helpful to the people of the Huang He river valley, what was even more helpful was those trained to us it.The discovery of iron helped them create better weapons and tools. This definitely helped create more durable tools, but it would be of no use with the help of blacksmiths. Bronze was considered a holy metal. Nobles often used it to make their jewelry. It was commonly used with jade, a holy stone. Of course, blacksmiths were happy to help the nobles.

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Chinese: Specialization

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Can you imagine a math class without decimals?You can thank the Chinese for that fabulous invention. The Chinese were very skilled mathematicians, which is shown by their knowledge of how numbers work. This led to the creation of the decimal system.The Chinese not only created decimals, but created a system of numbers that is very similar to the one we still use even today.

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Chinese: Technology

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The cities of the Chinese civilizations were divided by social classes, like many of the other river valley civilizations.Most of the farmers were clustered near fields, so they had easy access to their crops, cattle, or other products that they grew or raised.The artisans and merchants were next in the city. They were higher since they had to supply the nobles with their goods.In the highest seat, you had the nobles and warriors. They were the highest and lived in luxury.

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Chinese: Cities

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The Chinese kept records in books that were made out of wood or bamboo. In addition to mathematics (No pun intended), the Chinese were very creative writers. One of the greatest works of ancient Chinese literature is a story about the life of a farmer.Other works included pieces that praised warriors, kings, or other people of noble birth.Besides stories, others simply included details about ceremonies.

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Chinese: Record Keeping

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The geography of the Chinese river valley played a very significant role in the people’s beliefs.Since the civilization was so isolated due to its many natural barriers such as the Gobi Desert, mountain ranges, and dense jungles, the Chinese developed the belief that they were the only civilization. They also believed their land to be the center of the world. Basically, they literally thought the world revolved around them.

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Chinese: Map

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The people in the Indus river valley often used seals like the one on the right. The seals were used to keep track and show ownership of property. The seals were often used to represent glyphs.It is argued that the seals were never meant to represent any type of full language system, but were just a simple symbol system.Whatever the case may be, the people of this civilization did figure a way to record the ownership of properties.

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Indus: Record Keeping

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The religion of the Indus people was predominantly Hinduism, but often drew some references from Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. They used the Vedas which is the proper text of the Hindus. The text describes many rituals and ceremonies of ancient religions. This text is considered to be one of the oldest religious texts in existence.

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Indus: Complex Organizations

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The Indus became very gifted at pottery. They even went beyond the standard form of pottery and delved into the art of ceramics.Their ceramic creations, like this bowl figure found near the Sadaat Damb, a place heavily inhabited by the Indus people, are very closely designed like the ceramics were still create today.The potters (ironic) that created this were obviously very gifted at their craft. They would sell their wares to nobles and others.

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Indus: Specialization

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The Recumbent Mouflon was based off the wild sheep that inhabited the east. Even though many believe that the head of the sculpture was used to create the feeling alertness, the true function of the figure is unknown.This goes to show that advances in technology do not necessarily have to come in the form of tools. This sculpture, if those that believe are correct, was a piece of technology used to create alertness, which would improve the life of the people.

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Indus: Technology

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The picture on the right shows one of the earliest cities to ever be discovered. Harappa was once one of the largest and greatest cities in the Indus civilization. The once thriving city declined, however, in the second millennium. The city was left in complete ruin.The city was rediscovered in the 1920’s by R.D. Banerjee.

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Indus: Cities

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Like most of the other river valley civilizations, the Indus greatly depended on what their civilization name derives from- the river.The map on the right shows details about the geography and many of the once-great ancient cities. The map also shows details about the geography and location of many modern day cities, as well.

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Indus: Map

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Spartans used heavy armor during war; it was made of thick bronze. They would have the armor custom made to contour to their muscles. Their armor was usually accompanied by a large wooden shield that had bronze edgings and a bronze hole in the middle. They were made this way so that when an enemy attacked their sword would get stuck in the wood then they would stab them through the hole. This technology allowed them to form a more defensive form of attack so that they could fight larger armies without as much loss.

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Greece Technology

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Spartans were the believed to be the best warriors of their time. They achieved this by learning to fight as one in a group. They would start their training at a very young age, usual around seven. From then on they lived a hard and brutal life as a soldier. This way of life made Sparta not believe in art or science so all they knew was war.

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Greece Specialization

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Herodotus known as the “farther of history” studied historical events and wrote accurate books about them. He did this by looking at everything unbiased and from getting both sides point of views. This helped their society by allowing accurate records of what really happened be kept for others to read and learn from.

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Greece Record keeping

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Greece was separated into many city-states. This was because of the mountainous terrain and islands that made up Greece. Their Isolation made Sparta a very proud city-state that would fiercely defend their city. Though because of Sparta's inland location and isolation. they did not trade much with other countries.

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Greece Map

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Sparta was a larger city-state. Their society was based on warfare and they did not believe in arts or philosophy. The only records left behind were those of wars and business. This made their culture very lopsided. They also did not invent as much as other societies did so they did not have as much technologies as others did.

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Greece Cities

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Sparta’s government was a mix of a monarchy and a democracy. They had two kings and an assembly of elders to advise them. They would also have a council made up of all male citizens to approve of any major decision. The council would also elect five ephors who would run the day to day affairs and help power.

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Greece Government

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Our utopian city will be based on a futuristic high tech city. The cars fly the city flies and it is all automated and holographic. So there is a lot of human interaction even though you may be on the other side of the city. This would benefit our society by allowing more interaction and a simpler way of life.

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Utopian City

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The flying city repairman is our specialization because we need someone with unique skills to make sure our city flies and doesn’t fall. He would be a vital career because without him every one could die. So he is an asset to our society.

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Utopian Specialization

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The amazing go anywhere hologram computer will allow you to keep records any were you go. The base has the keyboard and touch pad built in and the top project a hologram screen. It never needs recharging or to be plugged in it is totally self sustained. This would benefit our society by allowing computer access whenever and wherever.

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Utopian Record Keeping

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The flying car will be a great technology. They are solar powered and can fly up to mach 8. they will allow people to travel at their leisure and never have to worry about gas prices or were to fill up. This will help our society by reducing pollution and allowing people to get to were they need to go quickly and efficiently.

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Utopian Technology

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Our government will be a democracy, but the people who get elected into the council will have their personality’s copied onto a computer and they could live their lives while a computer version of them makes all the decision based on what they believe and how they think. This will help our society by allowing people to lead normal lives but still run the government.

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Utopian Government

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Geography does not have a whole lot off an effect on our society because it is a flying city so we can trade and interact with other cities easily and the people in our city can easily travel from one side to the other so there is a lot of human interaction.

http://myminecraftonline.hoop.la/displayForumTopic/content/233223297125579204

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Utopian Map

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Before the creation of Roman Catholicism, which is still an extremely popular religion today, the Romans believed in many gods. They were polytheistic, but the original religion is considered to be more of a mix of taboos, superstitions, and beliefs.They viewed life, basically, as an agreement between those that lived on the earth and their divine beings.In order to maintain this agreement, the Romans performed many sacrificial rituals. Christianity did not come until much later."Roman Religion."Roman-Empire. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

"Roman Religion."Roman-Empire. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011

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Rome: Complex Organizations

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In the center of the Roman empire rested the very heart and soul of the Roman people- the great city of Rome.Rome had underwent a great change from its original status of a few congregated huts into the great, bustling city.The city of Rome was divided into four different sections; Suburana, Esquiline, Collina, and Palatine. The city was once completely destroyed by a fire, but it was rebuilt from nothing."Rome." MCE. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

"Rome." MCE. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011

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Rome: Cities

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The jobs of the Roman empire were put into different categories; Political, Administration, Military, Farming,Trade, Merchants, Construction, Religion, Entertainment, Artists, Lawyers, and Teachers.The roles within the Political, Administration, Trade, Merchant, and Religion areas were usually held by men of power. Areas such as Artists, Military, and Construction were held by slaves. Due to a high slave population, slaves with a proud history could hold higher jobs."Ancient Roman Jobs." Roman-Colosseum. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

"Ancient Roman Jobs." Roman-Colosseum. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

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Rome: Specialization

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Despite the numerous achievements and triumphs the Romans had, they were never very good with keeping accurate. The result of this was the loss of many dates, such as the dates of the birth and death of Jesus Christ.Originally the Romans wrote going from right-to-left, but eventually changed to right-to-left.Due to a lack of written records, many have concluded that the Romans did little writing and a bit more of carving and chiseling. I find this odd considering how complex their writing system, Roman calligraphy, was."How the Romans Wrote." Moorstation. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

"How the Romans Wrote." Moorstation. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011

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Rome: Record Keeping

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The Romans, well the rich Romans, knew how to live well. The Romans became the first people to have a heating system. The system was used in the homes of upper-class people and in public baths. The system was powered by slaves that kept a furnace burning. The hot air was pumped through the walls, which caused the air in the home to gain heat.This system was called a hypocaust. "How Did the Romans Heat their Homes?" BBC. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

"How Did the Romans Heat their Homes?" BBC. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011

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Rome: Technology

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The climate throughout the Roman empire remained pretty consistent. It stayed at a constant temperature and was fairlythorough. Many bodies of water flowed through the empire, creating an easy source for water, farmland, trade, and fishing. Though the Romans didn’t quite have everything available to them, what they didn’t have they were able to trade for with ease, considering the abundance of resources and the many trade routes and waterways."Roman Geography." Riverschool. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

"Roman Geography." Riverschool. N.D. Web. 27 Sept. 2011

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Rome: Map

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The people of the Mesopotamia civilization made many advancements in tools and technology. They are actually credited with the creation of the first wheeled vehicles.In addition to a writing and number system, the people created a calendar, glue, irrigation systems, and even advanced armor.A large part of the civilization was the use of the boats, as seen on the right. These were another advancement made by the people from this civilization.

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Mesopotamia: Technology

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Each Mesopotamian city was believed to be protected by its own god, similar to how cities in Greece in Rome had patron gods.With the religion, everyone was expected to be involved in religious ceremonies and sacrifices. It was actually mandatory to sing hymns. Originally, the only thing that went on in temples was religious events, but eventually the temples become open sources of learning and religion.

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Mesopotamia: Complex Organization

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The Sumerians (a people of Mesopotamia) are credited with the invention of the earliest known writing system.The Sumerians way of creating documents is very interesting. They created a triangular tipped stylus that was used to make wedge shaped indentations in soft clay.This was used to keep track of their records, as well as their way to create literature like those in other civilizations.

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Mesopotamia: Record Keeping

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Like other civilizations, the people of Mesopotamia also had a delicate social structure and system of classes.The Mesopotamians had three different social classes: Nobles, commoners, and slaves.The nobles were those of royal blood or those that had religious duties.The commoners worked for the nobles. They usually served as farmers, artisans, or merchants.Slaves lived in buildings that were owned by the nobles, just as they themselves were.

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Mesopotamia: Cities

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The jobs that a person could have was based on your class. The nobles were usually priests or some form of royalty. They didn’t particularly work too hard.The commoners did most of the interesting work. The people were known for their metalwork, textiles, and pottery.The creation of the wheeled vehicles greatly helped those merchant workers transport goods.

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Mesopotamia: Specialization

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The Mesopotamian area was between two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, which gave them waterways for travel and trade, fertile land for farming, and a source of water.The land was fairly isolated. There was only one way to gain entrance, which was from Syria. They were hemmed up by their rivers and the desert. Heat was often a problem for the people in the crescent. Temperatures usually ranged from 110-130 degrees. It really doesn’t sound too far off from Texas.

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Mesopotamia: Map