The beginning of all human societies and the development of their communities, traditions, technologies, and cultures were influenced by the environment in which they lived.
Ancient Mesopotamia, “the land between the rivers” was the world’s first civilization. This region that lay along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in modern-day Iraq is also nicknamed the “Fertile Crescent” for its crescent moon shape and cultivable land. Learn more with Storyboard That!
G.R.A.P.E.S.: Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Life.
This storyboard explains the geographic features of Ancient Mesopotamia.
Storyboard Text
LOCATION: THE FERTILE CRESCENT
TIGRIS AND EUPHRATES RIVERS
Mesopotamia sits in the Middle East between Europe, Africa, and Asia. It comprised much of Iraq, Kuwait, Syria and parts of Lebanon, Turkey and Iran. Because it is the site of the world's earliest civilization, it is nicknamed the Cradle of Civilization.
Mesopotamia was named by the ancient Greeks and it means Land Between the Rivers. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers provided fresh water for crops.Frogs, toads, turtles, and fish also live in the rivers.
SYRIAN AND ARABIAN DESERTS
GEOGRAPHY OF MESOPOTAMIA
TAURUS AND ZAGROS MOUNTAINS
The Syrian and Arabian Deserts lie to the south of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and are home to dromedary camels, sand cobras, scorpions, jackal, and other animals.
The Zagros Mountains to the north and east form a natural barrier between Iran and Iraq with more mild weather and rain in the foothills. The Taurus Mountains provide another barrier to the northwest in modern day Turkey.