Early Humanity in The Fertile Crescent

Introduction

9601 BCE

This timeline shows humanities' progression from nomadic to a civilized people in the Fertile Crescent. While early humans were here there were many advances that put humanity further up on the food chain. Tools, science, language, and many others all proved humanity to be superior,

Beginning of the Neolithic Era

9600 BCE

This period is known for the emergence of new stone tools, hence why it is also known as the New Stone Age. A result of these new tools is the agriculture and advanced defence techniques for the early humans. This era spans until 4500 BCE.

Beginnings of the Fertile Crescent

8500 BCE

The Fertile Crescent was the ideal place for humanity to start a thriving agrarian society. On the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the land was perfect for farming and setting up a civilization. ***Fertile Crescent. (2018). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://academic-eb-com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/levels/collegiate/article/Fertile-Crescent/34123

The Emergence of Cities in the Fertile Crescent

4300 BCE

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers where the lifeblood of the Fertile Crescent. The rivers kept the land healthy enough for sustainable farming and provided natural land barriers to keep invaders and nomadic tribes out of Mesopotamia. Naturally, cities began to form as farming communities joined together in their efforts to have greater power and resources. The cities that formed would soon turn into empires with a ruling and social classes.

First use of Cuneiform writing

3400 BCE

The development of cuneiform writing made a lasting impression on civilization, allowing words to be recorded and recalled. Signs, notices, and letters to be implemented as well as receipts for trade. This cuneiform writing allows us to better study their culture and customs, straight from the source. ***Mark, J. J. (2018, March 15). Cuneiform. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/cuneiform/

Mesopotamia invents the wheel

3300 BCE

The invention of the wheel was pivotal in the development in Mesopotamian culture, it not only allowed them to trade the invention with the Egyptians, but also allowed for continuous motion. This enabled them to move larger object greater distances with higher efficiency.The wheel is necessary for trade, construction, and agriculture, even to this day.

Ur falls into decline

2220 BCE

King Sargon of Akkad, the first ruler of an empire, made Ur the centralized capital of Mesopotamia. The city fell into a decline when too many nomadic tribes found their way in and created a food deficit. The food deficit allowed the Babylonians to slowly take over and begin their rule of the area.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

2100 BCE

One of the oldest pieces of known literature was written around this time period. The Epic of Gilgamesh is an Epic Poem following Gilgamesh, a hero. This shows an emergence of storytelling, and written language. ***Wikipedia contributors. (2018, October 3). Epic of Gilgamesh. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:33, October 8, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Epic_of_Gilgamesh&oldid=862236613

Babylon controls Fertile Crescent.

2000 BCE

Babylon was heavily mentioned in the Bible, this is where it is thought that God caused all people to speak different languages. It is unclear whether Sargon created Babylon or it existed before he came into power. Babylon grew in power through Hammurabi and other rulers. It was ideal in location, size, and power.

Reign of Hammurabi Begins

1792 BCE

Hammurabi was the sixth king of Babylonia's first dynasty; the Amorite dynasty. He is known for his strict code of laws, The code of Hammurabi. Hammurabi was essential in making Babylonia a strong power in the Fertile Crescent. Hammurabi reigns from 1792-1750 BCE.

The Code of Hammurabi

1772 BCE

One of the strongest law systems known to date. This system is known for the saying "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth"; meaning that if you stole from a person, your hand may be cut off as punishment. Having this code shows us that humanity had progressed enough to have laws and the idea of right and wrong, and what is acceptable in society. a major advancment brought along by Hammurabi was the public display of written law, up until this point, laws had not been made open to the people.

Reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II Begins

634 BCE

Grandfather to Alexander the Great. Nebuchadnezzar helped to free Babylonia from Assyrian rule. He also helped secure an alliance through marriage to Amytis of Media. His reign continues until 562 BCE. ***Wikipedia contributors. (2018, September 9). Nebuchadnezzar I. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:45, October 8, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nebuchadnezzar_I&oldid=858688104