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History of Mesopotamia - Part 1 (2900-2000 BC)

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Nshan Kesecker

In this course, you will learn about the history of the Sumerians and Akkadians. The invention of writing, government propaganda, imperialism, letters - all of these were invented in Mesopotamia during the third millennium. This is an introductory course, but I plan on expanding and editing it over time to include more topics on literature, culture, and primary sources. This course will be helpful for college students who are taking an introductory course on Mesopotamian history and need to supplement their knowledge, or just for ancient history enthusiasts. There is information here for pure beginners, as well as for those with some knowledge of the field already. I will also be actively expanding the course - I look forward to your feedback.

Read more

In this course, you will learn about the history of the Sumerians and Akkadians. The invention of writing, government propaganda, imperialism, letters - all of these were invented in Mesopotamia during the third millennium. This is an introductory course, but I plan on expanding and editing it over time to include more topics on literature, culture, and primary sources. This course will be helpful for college students who are taking an introductory course on Mesopotamian history and need to supplement their knowledge, or just for ancient history enthusiasts. There is information here for pure beginners, as well as for those with some knowledge of the field already. I will also be actively expanding the course - I look forward to your feedback.

In the first section of a course, you will gain the necessary background knowledge needed to follow along.

In the second section, you will learn about the Early Dynastic period and the various Sumerian kings that vied for power.

In the third section, you will learn about Sargon of Akkad and his dynasty.

In the fourth section, you will learn about the Third Dynasty of Ur - the "Neo-Sumerian Empire."

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The history and culture of third millennium mesopotamia
  • Socio-political developments in third millennium mesopotamia
  • Early imperialism

Syllabus

Students will learn about the mighty, legendary kings of the Akkadian Empire: Sargon of Akkad, Naram-Sin, etc.

After 25 years of "peace," Lugalzagesi could not have expected what was to come...

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Sargon's grandson, Naram-Sin, crushes a large rebellion and declares himself a god.

Naram-Sin's son, who is also initially divine, does not fare as well as his father.

The Akkadian Empire collapses. Mesopotamia falls into a "Dark Age."

Test your knowledge of the Sargonic period!

Utu-hegal of Uruk finally kicked out the "barbaric" Gutians. What was next for Mesopotamia? Ur-Nammu of Ur had some ideas.

In this lecture, we will go over the chronology of third millennium Mesopotamia that you will need to follow along with the rest of the course.

In this lecture, you will learn some of the necessary terminology that you will need in order to follow along with the rest of the course.

In this lecture, you will learn the geography that you will need to know in order to follow along with the rest of the course.

In this lecture, you will learn about the periods prior to the Early Dynastic period, when writing was invented.

This lecture is just a short introduction to the invention of cuneiform and how it works (basically). I am planning a more in depth course introducing students to Sumerian and Akkadian, which will contain much more information about cuneiform.

The Sumerian King List - an extremely unreliable text, but we use it anyway.

In this lecture, you will learn about the Sumerian King List, a document that provides us with a basic outline (or does it?) of Mesopotamian history, king by king.

At the beginning of the Early Dynastic period, the city of Kish appears to have dominated Mesopotamian politics.

From the middle to the end of the Early Dynastic period, an epic, decades-long struggle between the city-states Umma and Lagash ended up defining Mesopotamia's future.

King Eannatum of Lagash smites all the foes of Lagash in his famous Vulture Stele text.

Urukagina of Lagash rights the wrongs of the past.

Lugalzagesi takes the reigns of power in Umma and possibly creates the world's first empire.

Lugalzagesi celebrates his conquests in this text.

Go over what you have learned in this section!

Utu-hegal of Uruk confronts the Gutian king and saves Sumer from certain doom.

King Shulgi decides to redo Sumerian literature. He also brags about his own intelligence.

Ibbi-Sin desperately tries to save the empire by building a border wall. It does not work.

Test your knowledge of the Ur III period!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the invention of writing, government propaganda, and imperialism, which are foundational concepts for understanding ancient civilizations and their lasting impact
Examines the socio-political developments of third millennium Mesopotamia, offering insights into the dynamics of power, conflict, and governance in early societies
Features primary source analysis of royal inscriptions and laments, providing learners with direct engagement with historical texts and perspectives
Requires learners to understand Mesopotamian geography and chronology, which are essential for contextualizing historical events and developments
Focuses on the Early Dynastic period and the Akkadian Empire, which are critical periods for understanding the rise of city-states and empires
Includes lectures on the Sumerian King List, which is an unreliable text, but is still used to provide a basic outline of Mesopotamian history

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive introduction to ancient mesopotamia

According to learners, this course offers a solid and comprehensive introduction to the history of Mesopotamia from 2900-2000 BC. Students find the instructor knowledgeable and passionate, providing valuable information and explaining complex topics accessibly. The syllabus is well-structured, presenting a logical chronology and including useful primary source analysis. While many praise the great foundation it provides, some note that the presentation style can feel a little dry and the course could benefit from more visual aids or suggested supplementary materials for those wishing to explore the topic in greater depth.
Analysis of sources is a valuable addition.
"The primary source analyses were a great touch."
"The primary source excerpts were very valuable."
"I found the analysis of royal inscriptions particularly interesting."
Provides a solid foundation for the historical period.
"Covers the material thoroughly..."
"A solid introduction to the period."
"Provides a comprehensive overview of a fascinating period."
"The syllabus was well-structured..."
"It laid a great foundation for understanding this crucial era."
Instructor's expertise and passion are highly praised.
"Absolutely fantastic course! The professor is clearly knowledgeable and passionate."
"Excellent! The instructor is enthusiastic and explains concepts clearly."
"The instructor knows his stuff."
"The instructor's knowledge shines through."
Delivery could be more engaging or varied.
"Sometimes the presentation style is a little dry..."
"The delivery could be better. It felt more like listening to a lecture..."
"Could use more visual aids or maps integrated into the lectures."
Could benefit from additional resources.
"Useful for getting the basic facts... Could use more depth or supplementary materials."
"My main criticism is the lack of suggested readings or external resources."
"It's a good start, but feels like it needs more depth if you're serious about the topic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in History of Mesopotamia - Part 1 (2900-2000 BC) with these activities:
Review Ancient Near East Geography
Familiarize yourself with the key geographical locations of Mesopotamia to better understand the context of historical events.
Show steps
  • Locate major cities on a map.
  • Identify key rivers and their importance.
  • Understand the geographical boundaries of Mesopotamia.
Review 'The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character' by Samuel Noah Kramer
Deepen your knowledge of the Sumerians through a focused study of their history and culture.
View The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on Sumerian culture.
  • Compare Kramer's interpretations with course materials.
Review 'Ancient Mesopotamia: At the Dawn of Civilization' by Leo Oppenheim
Gain a deeper understanding of Mesopotamian civilization through a classic text.
View Ancient Mesopotamia: Portrait of a Dead... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key themes.
  • Relate the book's content to the course material.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Compile a Glossary of Mesopotamian Terms
Improve your understanding of Mesopotamian history by creating a glossary of key terms and concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify unfamiliar terms from the course.
  • Research and define each term clearly.
  • Organize the terms alphabetically in a glossary.
Write a Fictional Diary Entry of a Mesopotamian
Engage with the material by writing a fictional diary entry from the perspective of someone living in Mesopotamia during the third millennium BC.
Show steps
  • Research daily life in Mesopotamia.
  • Choose a persona and write a diary entry.
  • Incorporate historical details into the entry.
Create a Timeline of Mesopotamian Rulers
Solidify your understanding of Mesopotamian chronology by creating a visual timeline of key rulers and dynasties.
Show steps
  • Research the major rulers and dynasties.
  • Organize them chronologically on a timeline.
  • Include key events and achievements for each ruler.
Research and Present on a Mesopotamian City-State
Expand your knowledge by researching and presenting on a specific Mesopotamian city-state, such as Ur, Uruk, or Lagash.
Show steps
  • Choose a city-state to research.
  • Gather information on its history, culture, and rulers.
  • Prepare a presentation to share your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete History of Mesopotamia - Part 1 (2900-2000 BC) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past. This course on the history of Mesopotamia may be suitable for a historian specializing in the ancient Near East, as it offers an in-depth exploration of the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations. The course addresses the invention of writing, the rise and fall of empires, and the socio-political developments of the third millennium. The course's engagement with primary sources, such as royal inscriptions and the Sumerian King List, also assists understanding historical interpretation, which is essential for any historian.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Archaeologist
An archaeologist studies past peoples and cultures by excavating and analyzing material remains. This course on third millennium Mesopotamia may be useful for an archaeologist interested in the ancient Near East, as it provides a foundation in understanding the history, culture, and socio-political developments of the Sumerians and Akkadians. The course's focus on the Early Dynastic period, the Akkadian empire, and the Ur III dynasty directly correlates to common areas of archaeological research in the region. Furthermore, understanding primary source texts, such as royal inscriptions, is essential for an archaeologist working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist
Museum curator
A museum curator manages and interprets collections of artifacts and other objects. A museum curator focusing on ancient Near Eastern art and history may find this course very helpful, as it offers a comprehensive background in the history and culture of third millennium Mesopotamia. The course provides an understanding of the context in which artifacts were created. The exploration of the Early Dynastic period, the Akkadian Empire, and the Ur III dynasty adds to a curator's understanding of the civilizations they manage. The course’s focus on the invention of cuneiform may also be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
Archivist
An archivist appraises, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to historical records and documents. An archivist working with ancient Near Eastern texts may find this course useful, as it provides background on the historical context in which such records were created. This course covers the invention of writing, the development of royal inscriptions, and the literary output of the Sumerians and Akkadians. Therefore, an archivist will gain insight into the content and purpose of the kind of material they may be dealing with. The course’s introduction to the Sumerian King List may also prove useful for those interacting with that specific primary source text.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist
University Lecturer
A university lecturer teaches courses to undergraduate and graduate students. This course may be helpful for a university lecturer teaching ancient history, especially those specializing in the ancient Near East. The course's comprehensive coverage of the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations, including socio-political developments, early imperialism, and the invention of writing, makes it a valuable resource. The course offers insight into the key topics, primary sources, and historiographical debates related to the period, and therefore may be helpful for preparing lectures and course content.
See salaries and explore the career path for University Lecturer
Research Associate
A research associate assists in academic or scientific research projects. This course focusing on third millennium Mesopotamia may be helpful for a research associate working on ancient Near Eastern studies. The course provides a detailed understanding of the socio-political, imperial, and cultural developments of the region. Furthermore, the course's exploration of primary source texts, such as royal inscriptions, enhances a research associate’s knowledge. The course's introduction to cuneiform may also assist a researcher in understanding primary source documents.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Associate
Editor
An editor reviews and prepares written material for publication. An editor specializing in academic works related to the ancient Near East may find this course helpful. This course offers a comprehensive background in the history of third millennium Mesopotamia, which may aid an editor in assessing the accuracy and quality of manuscripts related to this period. The course's references to primary source texts and key figures such as Sargon of Akkad and the kings of Ur would be useful knowledge for an editor working in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Editor
Writer
A writer crafts written content for various media. A writer focusing on historical or cultural topics may find this course useful, as it provides a detailed overview of the political and cultural history of Mesopotamia in the third millennium. The course's content regarding the rise and fall of empires, the invention of writing, and the impact of key figures such as Sargon of Akkad may provide useful background knowledge. This course could be a starting point for a writer wishing to create fictional work, or more accessible non-fiction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Content Creator
A content creator develops material for digital platforms. A content creator specializing in historical or educational content may find this course helpful. The course provides an accessible introduction to the socio-political development, culture, and history of third millennium Mesopotamia. The course's focus on the Sumerians and Akkadians, including the rise and fall of their empires, may provide excellent material for informative and engaging content, as the course introduces a number of key figures and turning points. The course's exploration of royal inscriptions may also provide a content creator with interesting research angles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Librarian
A librarian assists patrons in finding and using information resources. A librarian working in a university or research library with a collection related to the ancient Near East may find this course helpful. The course provides background knowledge regarding the history and culture of Mesopotamia in the third millennium, especially for the Sumerians and Akkadians. This course may help a librarian better understand the needs of researchers utilizing this part of the collection. The librarian may become more capable at assisting those looking for books and other materials related to Mesopotamian history.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian
Educational Consultant
An education consultant works with educational institutions to improve their programs and resources. This course may be helpful for an educational consultant developing curriculum related to ancient history or world civilizations. The course covers the history, culture, and socio-political developments of third millennium Mesopotamia, which fits closely with existing educational standards for world history. The course’s examination of primary source texts and significant events like the rise of Sargon of Akkad may assist an educational consultant designing engaging curricula.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Cultural Heritage Manager
A cultural heritage manager works to preserve and promote cultural sites and traditions. A cultural heritage manager working in an area with connections to the ancient Near East may find this course helpful. It may provide an understanding of the historical context of archaeological sites in the region. The course examines the rise and fall of empires and the development of socio-political systems, all of which may contextualize the work of a cultural heritage manager. The course’s focus on the Sumerians and Akkadians may also be useful for understanding the cultural context of certain sites.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Heritage Manager
Translator
A translator converts written content from one language to another. A translator specializing in ancient Near Eastern languages, especially Sumerian or Akkadian, may find this course useful, as it provides a historical context for texts in these languages. The course discusses the invention of writing and the development of royal inscriptions, offering insights into the cultural and political background of the materials they may be translating. However, it may be useful to note that this course does not offer intensive language training. An advanced degree is typically required to work as a translator focusing on ancient languages.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Genealogist
A genealogist researches and traces family histories. A genealogist interested in ancient cultures or the Near East may find this course useful. This course provides an overview of third millennium Mesopotamian history, which may provide context for individuals interested in the ancient world. While the course may not directly apply to specific family lineages, it may be useful for those wishing to explore the context in which individuals lived in this period. The course's inclusion of primary sources, like royal inscriptions, may be interesting to a genealogist interested in exploring more obscure areas of history.
See salaries and explore the career path for Genealogist
Political Analyst
A political analyst examines political systems and their development. A political analyst focusing on the history of political thought, or the development of political institutions, may find this course helpful. This course provides background knowledge regarding the political structures of third millennium Mesopotamia, which may provide material for comparative analyses. The course's discussion of early empires and socio-political developments may be useful in understanding the roots of political systems. Those who wish to pursue this role typically have advanced degrees.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Analyst

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History of Mesopotamia - Part 1 (2900-2000 BC).
Cover image
Ancient Mesopotamia
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Mesopotamian society, culture, and history. It offers valuable insights into the daily lives of Mesopotamians, their religious beliefs, and their political systems. It classic text in the field and is often used as a reference by scholars and students alike. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the context in which the historical events of the course took place.
Ancient Mesopotamia: Portrait of a Dead Civilization
Paperback
$$
Ancient Mesopotamia: Portrait of a Dead Civilization
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Sumerians
Save
Focuses specifically on the Sumerians, their history, culture, and contributions to civilization. It delves into their literature, religion, and social structures. It valuable resource for understanding the Sumerian perspective on their own history. This book provides additional depth to the course's coverage of the Sumerian civilization.
The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
2 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Nshan Kesecker
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the invention of writing, government propaganda, and imperialism, which are foundational concepts for understanding ancient civilizations and their lasting impact
Examines the socio-political developments of third millennium Mesopotamia, offering insights into the dynamics of power, conflict, and governance in early societies
Features primary source analysis of royal inscriptions and laments, providing learners with direct engagement with historical texts and perspectives
Requires learners to understand Mesopotamian geography and chronology, which are essential for contextualizing historical events and developments
Focuses on the Early Dynastic period and the Akkadian Empire, which are critical periods for understanding the rise of city-states and empires
Includes lectures on the Sumerian King List, which is an unreliable text, but is still used to provide a basic outline of Mesopotamian history
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