Government
Map Reading Skills Practice 1. What color is used to show the land of the Sumerians? Akkadians? Assyrians? Babylonians? Persians?
Map Reading Skills Practice 2. Which empire controlled much of Southwest Asia by 500 BC?
Map Reading Skills Practice 3. Which is the earliest civilization shown on the first map (right)?
Map Reading Skills Practice 4. Which civilizations controlled lands along the Nile River?
Sumerian Empire 3000-2000 BCE Babylonian Empire 1800-1600 BCE Assyrian Empire 1350-600 BCE
Read the page about the different empires of Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia and US Government How is Ancient Mesopotamian Government similar to modern day United States Government? Democracy: they both have citizen input (voting) in order to inform decisions two decision-making branches Ancient Mesopotamia has the Upper and Lower Houses. U.S. Congress has the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Mesopotamian Social Classes
Hammurabi s Code
That the strong might not injure the weak In order to protect the widows and orphans I have in Babylon So on these my precious words Written upon my memorial stone
Part 1 Answer the questions 1. 2. 2. How would you translate the quote above. Put into your own words: What do you think is the role/ job of a government? 3. Based on what you have learned about Mesopotamian life, do you think there was a need for a government? Why? Why not? 4. Write the definition of Government from Features of Civilization Vocab sheet or notes:
Hammurabi s Stele 8ft tall Carved Basalt Stone
Who was Hammurabi?
Let s rewatch the Mesopotamia song to find Hammurabi s Code... What did you notice?
Part 2 With a partner... 1. Write Hammurabi s law that you chose: Copy a law from the Code of Laws sheet. 2. How would you explain this law in your own words? Write it in simpler terms that would make sense in modern english. 3. What is the punishment? What happens to the person who breaks the law? Show Miss Trautmann when you are done for the next step. 4. Do you think it is fair? Harsh? Why? Why not? This is your opinion...
Part 3: Defer Code of Law Think of issues in this school building or classroom that might need a law. (this can include 6th grade issues or whole school issues, issues seen in class, recess, cafeteria, hallway, bus) Complete the outline below, then get materials for a stone pillar. 1.Write the school or classroom issues in this space to help brainstorm ideas for laws: Create at least 5 laws in Hammurabi style. The law statements are called, Proclamations. Follow the format: If a student. that student shall.. *While Hammurabi s laws were harsh, your Code of Laws need to be appropriate; not violent. **Once you are finished writing your laws, get a stele paper from Miss Trautmann to carve your laws into Defer History...
These are the questions Hammurabi asked. Are there any similarities to life now? What can I do to: 1. Keep my people happy and maintain stability here in Babylonia? 2. Let the people know that I am a fair and just ruler? 3. Reduce crime? 4. Guarantee fair wages? 5. Guarantee that citizens are treated fairly by trades people? 7. Relieve overcrowding? 8. Supply my magnificent armies with the materials they need and reward my generals and soldiers? 9. Find markets for our excess crops?
How is this quote different from Hammurabi s Law? What do you think it means? Do you agree?
Hammurabi s Court
I Can... I can interpret the code of law of Ancient Mesopotamia. I can rule a verdict in a court case using a primary source as evidence.
The Code of Hammurabi: Warm Up 1. What kind of behavior did the above laws punish? 2. What punishment did the law require if a father complained that his son hit him during a quarrel?
The Code of Hammurabi: Warm Up 3. Was everyone treated equally under Hammurabi s laws? Explain. 4. Why did Hammurabi distribute copies of his laws throughout his empire?
Hammurabi s Court For the next two days, our class will be a court of law in Ancient Mesopotamia, and our people, law, and decisions will be based on Hammurabi s Code. I am the honorable Judge Trautmann who will preside over the proceedings and who will give the final verdict after taking advice from my jury (the class).
Dividing the Groups We will have 5 groups of 4 (sometimes 5) that will act out a court case in front of the class. During your brainstorming session you must decide: 1. 2. 3. Who is playing who? What will you say? What does your group think the judgement will be? -That means who is right, who is wrong, who should be punished, and how.
Skit Presentation Etiquette What are some things we should be doing as good audience members?
What will we do after a group presents? After each group presents, we will decide: -Who is the plaintiff? -Who is the defendant? -What accusation is made? Take one minute to reflect (on Your Turn) and then we will discuss as a jury. The judge will then make her final verdict.
-Who is the plaintiff? -Who is the defendant? -What accusation is made? Reflect: fill out the Your Turn worksheet.
Hammurabi s Court: Get out your Hammurabi s Code & Your Turn Worksheets
I Can... I can interpret the code of law of Ancient Mesopotamia. I can rule a verdict in a court case using a primary source as evidence. Remember I will call on everyone at least once! How should we act in a courtroom? How should we act as a member of the case?
-Who is the plaintiff? -Who is the defendant? -What accusation is made? Reflect: fill out the Your Turn worksheet.
Complete the reflection based on your experience with Hammurabi s Court.