Meaning of Civilisation
When the man started producing enough food, he began thinking of new things. He thought about a settled society, better food, better clothes. He also learnt how to read and write. He began to use his knowledge to improve his life. He started taking part in leisure activities. Thus we can say that when a man looks for more just fulfilment of his basic needs, that stage is known as the stage of civilisation. A society that has witnessed advancement in terms of its social life, culture and organisation would be referred to as civilisation. For example, the unique drainage system of the Indus Valley reveals the town planning skills of the people.
The extent of the Civilisation
Mesopotamia ( modern Iraq and part of Iran ) is situated in Western Asia. Around 4000 BCE to 3500 BCE, the great Mesopotamian civilisation flourished in this area. Mesopotamia means ‘the land between the rivers.’ The two rivers were the Tigris and the Euphrates, which brought a plentifully supply of water and fertile soil. These rivers were regularly flooded, so the Mesopotamians built canals. These canals helped in irrigation, navigation and transport of goods from one place to another. The southernmost region of this civilisation was called Sumer and its people Sumerians. In the northwest of Sumer, regions were known as Babylonia and Akkad. The highland in the north was called Assyria.
What were the literary sources of the Mesopotamian Civilization?
Archaeological and literary sources such as the ziggurat at Ur and the Epic of Gilgamesh provide us with information about Mesopotamian civilisation.
What were the occupations of Mesopotamian people?
Agriculture was the main occupation of the people and farmers grew barley, corn, dates, fruits and vegetables. They had a good system of irrigation. They were the first to use the potter's wheel and make glassware. They domesticated animals such as sheep, goats, donkeys, and cows. They traded with many countries, including India.
Progress in Science
The Mesopotamians made great progress in the field of sciences. They were experts in mathematics, medicine and astronomy, and were the first to develop algebra and geometry. They used the figure of 60 for measuring time in hours, minutes and seconds. They were the first to divide a circle into 360• and the day and night into 12 hours each. Like the Egyptians, they invented a calendar of 12 months with 30 days each. They also gave different names to different stars.
Decline
After Hammurabi, the Hittites ruled from 1600 BCE to 750 BCE. The Assyrians founded an empire by 750 BCE. Nineveh became the finest city with vast places and magnificent temples. The Assyrian greatness came to an end when nomads destroyed Nineveh in the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. The Euphrates River, which was the lifeline of this great civilisation, changed its courses. The people migrated to other areas and the forces of nature eroded and buried this great civilisation.
The earliest cities in Mesopotamia date back to Bronze Age, C. 3000 BCE. Mesopotamian weapons were also of bronze - for example, the tips of the spears. Mesopotamians were one of the first Bronze age people in the world.
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