Ancient Mesopotamia
The Land Between Two Rivers

Ancient Mesopotamia had so many firsts - they invented the first wheel, the first super hero, the first written language, the first library, and besides all that, they were also the first farmers!

Thousands of year ago, there were three major civilizations in ancient Mesopotamia - ancient Sumer, ancient Babylon, and ancient Assyria. These were the first real civilizations in ancient times. That's why ancient Mesopotamia is nicknamed the Cradle (or birth) of Civilization. It's other nickname is "the land between two rivers".

Ancient Mesopotamia covered an area that was about 300 miles long and about 150 miles wide. The villages, towns and cities in ancient Mesopotamia were built between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. These two rivers flowed into the Persian Gulf. With all this water, it's no wonder the ancient Mesopotamians invented the first sailboat. They made beautiful pottery and built two-level, three-level, and even four-level homes of sturdy sun-baked brick.

They had the gloomiest gods and the biggest heroes. Come meet the ancient Mesopotamians and prepare to be surprised!

Geography, History, Government The importance of geography in Ancient Mesopotamia Early Pioneers in Ancient Mesopotamia, settling down Development of Agriculture Development of Government What does it take for a group of people to become a civilization? Ancient Sumer Ancient Babylon Ancient Assyria Trade & Commerce, Clay Balls and Tokens Architecture, Buildings Daily Life Classes of People Women Homes Kids went to school Toys & Recreation Art & Craftsmen Music and Instruments (hear it!) Cuneiform the first written language Cylinder Seals, personal IDs! Royal Tombs of Ur

Deities, Legends, Inventions Religion - A Big Part of Daily Life The Gloomy Gods & Goddesses Myth: How Marduk Became King The Legend of Gilgamesh (the first superhero!) Gilgamesh Makes A Friend Gilgamesh and the Tree of Eternal Life More Myths and Stories (some interactive, some animated) Ziggurats - Temples And More Inventions, Achievements - So Many Firsts - the Wheel, the Sailboat, the Plow, and more The Library at Nineveh Hammurabi's Code - Written Laws Hanging Gardens - Ancient Wonder Games! Stories & Interactive Games Quiz! Interactive Quizzes with Answers For Teachers PowerPoints Lesson Plans Activities and Projects Cartoon Clipart Video Clips

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Mr. Donn and Maxie's Ancient History PowerPoints Series
Written by Lin & Don Donn,
illustrated by Phillip Martin, Published by Good Year Books

Mr. Donn and Maxie's Always Something You Can Use Series
Written by Lin & Don Donn, Published by Good Year Books

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