Monday, February 20, 2023

Round One: Mesopotamian civilization


Mesopotamian civilization

Around 3500 BC, human societies were transitioning from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer way of life to settled agricultural communities. Agriculture was becoming more widespread, and people were beginning to cultivate crops and raise domesticated animals for food. The specific ways in which people obtained their food would have varied depending on their location and environment. In some areas, people may have still relied primarily on hunting and gathering, while in others they may have been more focused on agriculture. 

 


Framers like Sargn played a significant role in the early civilizations that emerged around 3500 BCE - 350 BC, particularly in the regions known as the Fertile Crescent, Egypt, Indus Valley, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome,  Certainly, here's how Sargon and students have contributed to the evolution of farming during each phase of Mesopotamian civilization.

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Sargon was a prominent figure in history, known for his military conquests and political achievements, and he comes from a farming family. Sargon was also known for his efforts to expand and improve the transportation network within his empire, which allowed for the more efficient distribution of crops and other goods. This in turn helped to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living for his people. However, Sargon was also a keen advocate of agriculture and recognized the importance of farming in maintaining the stability of his people.


During the time period between 3500 BCE and 350 BC, several major civilizations had a significant impact on farming and building. 

However, the Mesopotamia civilization that emerged in the area now known as Iraq around 3500 BCE is credited with developing irrigation systems to control and manage water for farming. This allowed for the cultivation of crops on a larger scale, leading to surplus food and population growth. They also built impressive structures such as ziggurats, temples, and palaces.

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Sargon could have been one of the earliest farmers in Mesopotamia, experimenting with cultivating crops and domesticating animals. He may have helped to develop new techniques for irrigation and soil preparation, as well as ways to store and transport food. Sargon and his generations could have continued to play a role in the evolution of farming throughout the different phases of Mesopotamian civilization.

The Ubaid period (ca. 5300-4000 BCE): This was the first known phase of Mesopotamian civilization, characterized by the development of permanent settlements and the emergence of agriculture. In addition, the Mesopotamians began to cultivate crops such as wheat and barley and to domesticate animals such as sheep and goats. They also developed simple irrigation systems to water their crops and created pottery to store and transport food. Sargon and his students have continued to play a role in the evolution of farming throughout the different phases of Mesopotamian civilization. 

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The Uruk period (ca. 4000-3100 BCE): This period saw the rise of the city-state of Uruk, which became the dominant political and economic center of Mesopotamia. During this time, the Mesopotamians developed a system of writing, created monumental architecture such as ziggurats, and engaged in long-distance trade. This period saw the emergence of large-scale irrigation systems, including canals and dikes, which allowed the Mesopotamians to expand their agricultural production. They also developed plows and other tools to help them till the land more efficiently. Sargon's students may have played a critical role in the development of large-scale irrigation projects. They may have worked as laborers or overseers, helping to construct canals and dikes and ensuring that they were properly maintained. They may have also been involved in the development of new tools such as plows and sickles.

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The Akkadian Empire (ca. 2334-2193 BCE): This was the first empire in Mesopotamia, established by Sargon of Akkad. The Akkadians united the city-states under a centralized government and created a standing army. They also developed a system of diplomacy and established trade relations with other civilizations. Sargon's students may have become specialized farmers, focusing on specific crops or techniques. They may have experimented with crop rotation, developed new irrigation methods, or worked to improve soil fertility. They may have also been involved.

 

The Old Babylonian period (ca. 2000-1595 BCE): This period saw the rise of the city of Babylon as a major center of Mesopotamian civilization. The Babylonians developed a system of law known as the Code of Hammurabi, which codified various aspects of Mesopotamian life, including farming practices. ): This period saw the development of new agricultural technologies such as a type of water wheel used for irrigation, and the use of animal traction to power plows. The Babylonians also established a system of land tenure that allowed for the efficient distribution of agricultural resources. During this time, Sargon's students may have continued to work as farmers, using new technologies and animal traction to improve agricultural production. They may also have been involved in the creation of a more formal system of land tenure, which would have allowed for the more efficient distribution of agricultural resources.

 

The Assyrian Empire (ca. 911-612 BCE): This was a powerful empire that dominated Mesopotamia and surrounding regions. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and their advanced engineering and architectural skills. The Assyrians continued to expand their agricultural production, including the cultivation of new crops such as sesame and flax. They also developed new irrigation systems and built extensive gardens and parks for recreational purposes. By this time, Sargon's students may have been established farmers who were deeply connected to the land. They may have helped to cultivate new crops, develop new irrigation systems, or improve crop yields using fertilizers or other techniques.

 

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The Neo-Babylonian period (ca. 626-539 BCE): This was a time of cultural and intellectual flourishing in Mesopotamia, marked by the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II. The Neo-Babylonians created impressive architectural structures such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and made important contributions to astronomy and mathematics which allowed them to make precise calculations using fractions and ratios. They used this system to measure land, calculate crop yields, and determine the amount of water needed for irrigation. In addition, The Mesopotamians were skilled astronomers who carefully observed the movements of celestial bodies and recorded their observations on cuneiform tablets; and Sargon's descendants may have been able to use his knowledge of these subjects to their advantage in farming such as Calendar-making, management of water resources, and Crop yield estimation. Sargon's students have been involved in the development of impressive agricultural structures such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. They have been gardeners or landscapers who helped to design and maintain these structures, or they have been farmers who experimented with new techniques such as the use of animal manure as fertilizer.

 

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Overall, Mesopotamian farming evolved over time as civilization developed new technologies and agricultural techniques, expanded their irrigation systems, and cultivated new crops. These advancements in agriculture played a critical role in the growth and prosperity of Mesopotamian civilization.




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