Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is often called the cradle of civilization. It was located between two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, in the Middle East. People there built the world's first cities over 5,000 years ago. They also invented the first writing system. Many great kingdoms, like Sumer and Babylon, grew up in this land.

The First Writing

The people of Mesopotamia invented a way of writing called cuneiform. They used a pointy stick to press shapes into soft clay tablets. The tablets were then dried in the sun. Cuneiform was used to keep records, write stories, and make lists. It is one of the oldest forms of writing ever found.

Cities and Kings

Mesopotamians built large cities with temples called ziggurats. Ziggurats looked like huge stepped pyramids made of mud bricks. Powerful kings ruled over these cities. One famous king, Hammurabi, wrote a set of laws for everyone to follow. These were some of the earliest written laws in history.

Fun Facts

• The wheel was first used in Mesopotamia.
• Mesopotamians were the first to brew beer.
• They divided time into 60 minutes and 60 seconds.

Did You Know?

The Epic of Gilgamesh, written in Mesopotamia over 4,000 years ago, is one of the oldest stories in the world.