PPT: Writing and City Life | History Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


WRITING AND CITY 
LIFE
Page 2


WRITING AND CITY 
LIFE
Introduction
1
Mesopotamia: Cradle of 
Civilization
Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) is 
known as the "Cradle of 
Civilization."
2
Early Developments
It was one of the earliest places 
where human societies developed 
writing, urban centres, and 
organized governance.
3
Importance of Mesopotamia
Why is Mesopotamia important?
• First cities (like Uruk and 
Babylon) emerged here.
• The earliest writing system 
(Cuneiform) was invented.
Page 3


WRITING AND CITY 
LIFE
Introduction
1
Mesopotamia: Cradle of 
Civilization
Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) is 
known as the "Cradle of 
Civilization."
2
Early Developments
It was one of the earliest places 
where human societies developed 
writing, urban centres, and 
organized governance.
3
Importance of Mesopotamia
Why is Mesopotamia important?
• First cities (like Uruk and 
Babylon) emerged here.
• The earliest writing system 
(Cuneiform) was invented.
Mesopotamia
Definition and Location
Mesopotamia, meaning "land between two rivers" (Euphrates 
& Tigris), was located in modern-day Iraq. It was known for 
urban life, rich literature, mathematics, and astronomy.
Spread of Writing
Writing spread to Syria, Turkey, and Egypt after 2000 BCE.
Historical Periods
Key periods include Sumer and Akkad, Babylonia (2000 
BCE), and Assyria (1100 BCE). Languages evolved from 
Sumerian to Akkadian to Aramaic.
Page 4


WRITING AND CITY 
LIFE
Introduction
1
Mesopotamia: Cradle of 
Civilization
Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) is 
known as the "Cradle of 
Civilization."
2
Early Developments
It was one of the earliest places 
where human societies developed 
writing, urban centres, and 
organized governance.
3
Importance of Mesopotamia
Why is Mesopotamia important?
• First cities (like Uruk and 
Babylon) emerged here.
• The earliest writing system 
(Cuneiform) was invented.
Mesopotamia
Definition and Location
Mesopotamia, meaning "land between two rivers" (Euphrates 
& Tigris), was located in modern-day Iraq. It was known for 
urban life, rich literature, mathematics, and astronomy.
Spread of Writing
Writing spread to Syria, Turkey, and Egypt after 2000 BCE.
Historical Periods
Key periods include Sumer and Akkad, Babylonia (2000 
BCE), and Assyria (1100 BCE). Languages evolved from 
Sumerian to Akkadian to Aramaic.
North-East
Green plains and mountains with 
streams and wildflowers; suitable for 
agriculture, which began between 
7000-6000 BCE.
South
A desert where the first cities and 
writing emerged. The Euphrates and 
Tigris rivers deposit fertile silt, 
supporting agriculture through natural 
and man-made irrigation channels.
Agriculture
Despite low rainfall, southern 
Mesopotamia's agriculture was highly 
productive. Wheat, barley, peas, and 
lentils thrived.
Geography:
Page 5


WRITING AND CITY 
LIFE
Introduction
1
Mesopotamia: Cradle of 
Civilization
Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) is 
known as the "Cradle of 
Civilization."
2
Early Developments
It was one of the earliest places 
where human societies developed 
writing, urban centres, and 
organized governance.
3
Importance of Mesopotamia
Why is Mesopotamia important?
• First cities (like Uruk and 
Babylon) emerged here.
• The earliest writing system 
(Cuneiform) was invented.
Mesopotamia
Definition and Location
Mesopotamia, meaning "land between two rivers" (Euphrates 
& Tigris), was located in modern-day Iraq. It was known for 
urban life, rich literature, mathematics, and astronomy.
Spread of Writing
Writing spread to Syria, Turkey, and Egypt after 2000 BCE.
Historical Periods
Key periods include Sumer and Akkad, Babylonia (2000 
BCE), and Assyria (1100 BCE). Languages evolved from 
Sumerian to Akkadian to Aramaic.
North-East
Green plains and mountains with 
streams and wildflowers; suitable for 
agriculture, which began between 
7000-6000 BCE.
South
A desert where the first cities and 
writing emerged. The Euphrates and 
Tigris rivers deposit fertile silt, 
supporting agriculture through natural 
and man-made irrigation channels.
Agriculture
Despite low rainfall, southern 
Mesopotamia's agriculture was highly 
productive. Wheat, barley, peas, and 
lentils thrived.
Geography:
The Significance of Urbanism
Urbanization
Shift from rural to dense urban 
centers driven by labor 
specialization and social 
complexity.
Interdependence
Growing populations led to 
sophisticated systems of 
coordination, record-keeping, and 
writing.
Urban Power
Rise of cities with temples, palaces, 
and commerce reflected the power 
of urban elites.
Urban Economies
Trade, manufacturing, services, division of labor, 
organized storage/distribution.
Example
Bronze tools required copper, tin, charcoal. Carvers 
needed stones, trading networks.