Original PromptLESSON 2: The First Empires
Your Standards:
CONNECT
GET READY TO READ
START UP
Project the Start Up Activity As students enter the classroom and get settled, ask them to examine the illustration of the city of Babylon. Ask them what details stand out in the image.
Formulate Questions Have students record two questions that they have about daily life in the city. (Sample answers: What activities took place in the green parklike spaces? Was the tall structure at the back a religious or governmen...
This resource explores the emergence of the first empires in Mesopotamia, particularly focusing on the Akkadian and Babylonian empires. It begins with an essential question about the nature of powerful cities, involves observing ancient architecture, and prompts critical thinking about resource scarcity and conquest. Key terms related to empires and governance are defined, followed by important historical events including the rise of Sargon of Akkad and Hammurabi’s contributions to law and culture. The document emphasizes the political strategies utilized by these rulers, the significance of legal codes, and the enduring legacies of Sumer's innovations. It also features discussion prompts, class activities, and wrap-up reflections aimed at deepening understanding of how these early empires shaped governance and social structures.