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Ancient Mesopotamia is located within the Fertile Crescent, but the Crescent covers more geography than ancient Mesopotamia. Today, the Crescent includes such countries as Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Kuwait, as well as the Sinai Peninsula and northern Mesopotamia. Ancient Mesopotamia was mostly in the same area as modern day Iraq, positioned between two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates. The word Mesopotamia is Greek meaning "the land between the rivers". Ancient Mesopotamia included an area that was about 300 miles long and about 150 miles wide. These rivers flow into the Persian Gulf. The land was very fertile. In the Northern part of Mesopotamia, rivers and streams were fed from the mountains. In addition, there was a rainy season that helped water the soil. While the southern region was much hotter and dryer, the two large rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, allowed for irrigation. The land between the rivers was filled with wildlife and edible vegetation. People who wandered into the area discovered they could plant crops and store food to add to the natural food supply. With the discovery of agriculture, people began to settle down, and build homes and then villages and then towns and then cities. People developed new inventions to take advantage of the geography, inventions like the first sailboat, the wheel, and the first plow. The Cradle of Civilization: The geography of ancient Mesopotamia had a huge effect on civilization. Cause: People developed agriculture. Effect: A steady supply of food was available. Cause: A steady supply of food was available. Effect: Development of permanent housing. Cause: Development of permanent housing. Effect: Beginnings of government. This is why ancient Mesopotamia is nicknamed the Cradle of Civilization. Mapping Mesopotamia: The geographic features you will need to identify on a test or quiz will probably include the following: City of Ur City of Uruk City of Babylon Tigris River Euphrates River Syrian Desert Arabian Desert Taurus Mountains Zagros Mountains Persian Gulf For Kids and Teachers: Maps Ancient Mesopotamia Map, interactive, free download from teachers pay teachers Mesopotamia Map Activity Fertile Crescent Map Classroom Activity Free - Mesopotamia Map Outline (free from teachers pay teachers) Explore Ancient Mesopotamia Ancient Mesopotamia for Kids The Land Between Two Rivers - The First Civilization What does it take for a group of people to become a civilization? Geography, History, Government The importance of geography in Ancient Mesopotamia Early Pioneers in Ancient Mesopotamia, settling down Development of Agriculture Development of Government Ancient Sumer Ancient Babylon Ancient Assyria Trade & Commerce, Clay Balls and Tokens Daily Life Classes of People Women Homes Kids went to school Toys & Recreation Art & Craftsmen Music and Instruments (hear it!) Cuneiform the first written language Cylinder Seals, personal IDs Religion, Gods, Myths Religion - A Big Part of Daily Life The Gloomy Gods & Goddesses Myth: How Marduk Became King The Legend of Gilgamesh (the first superhero!) Gilgamesh Makes A Friend - illustrated PowerPoint for kids Gilgamesh and the Tree of Eternal Life More Myths and Stories (some interactive, some animated) Ziggurats - Temples Royal Tombs of Ur Inventions and Achievements So Many Firsts - the Wheel, the Sailboat, the Plow, and more Hammurabi's Code - Written Laws Hanging Gardens - Ancient Wonder, A love story Interactive Games Interactive Games Interactive Quizzes with Answers about Ancient Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria Ancient Mesopotamia Five Themes of Geography Ancient Sumer Government Ancient Sumer Religion Ancient Sumer Daily Life Ancient Sumer Art & Inventions Ancient Babylon Ancient Assyria Ancient Mesopotamia for Teachers Lesson Plans and Units Activities and Projects Interactive Games Cartoon Clipart Video Clips All Rights Reserved Have a great year.