Introduction and Course Documents: Rivers of Empire (Mesopotamia and Egypt)

In this module we will discuss the rise of urban centers, specialization of trades, and subsequent development of the world's first empires. In particular, we will focus on the Fertile Crescent with the mighty Tigris and Euphrates and the rise of dynastic Egypt along the world's longest river, the Nile. We will spend time looking at common features of early civilizations including touching on gender divisions in society, the rise of religious pantheons, construction of temples and regional identities, in addition to the development of important society advancements like systems of writing, math, and luxury items. 

Course Documents: *Note: Please read the assigned textbook pages and review the course PowerPoint before consulting these sources.*

Epic of Gilgamesh "The Flood" Links to an external site.

Noah and the Flood, from Genesis Download Noah and the Flood, from Genesis

Code of Hammurabi  Links to an external site.