Here's the completed worksheet with correct answers and explanations:
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Ancient Mesopotamia
Match each sentence to the empire it describes.
*(Options: Sumerians, Babylon, Akkadian, Neo-Babylonian, Assyrians, Persian)*
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1. The _Akkadian_ Empire was the first empire to rule all of Mesopotamia.
✔ *Explanation:* Around 2334 BCE, Sargon of Akkad conquered the Sumerian city-states and created the world’s first known empire — the Akkadian Empire. It unified northern and southern Mesopotamia under one ruler.
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2. The law in _Babylon_ was known as Hammurabi’s Code.
✔ *Explanation:* King Hammurabi of Babylon (r. 1792–1750 BCE) created one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes — Hammurabi’s Code — inscribed on a stele and displayed publicly.
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3. The _Sumerians_ are believed to be the first human civilization.
✔ *Explanation:* Starting around 3500 BCE in southern Mesopotamia, the Sumerians developed cities, writing (cuneiform), agriculture, and complex social structures — making them the earliest known civilization.
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4. The Royal Road was built by King Darius the Great of the _Persian_ Empire.
✔ *Explanation:* Darius I (r. 522–486 BCE) constructed the Royal Road to connect the capital Susa to Sardis in Anatolia, enabling fast communication across the vast Persian Empire.
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5. The _Assyrians_ used iron weapons and chariots in battle.
✔ *Explanation:* The Assyrian Empire (especially during its Neo-Assyrian period, 911–609 BCE) was a military powerhouse that pioneered advanced siege warfare, iron weaponry, and war chariots to conquer vast territories.
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6. Nebuchadnezzar II of the _Neo-Babylonian_ empire built the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
✔ *Explanation:* Nebuchadnezzar II (r. 605–562 BCE) ruled the Neo-Babylonian Empire and is traditionally credited with building the Hanging Gardens — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — for his wife.
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Which civilization interests you the most? Why?
*(Sample answer — student should write their own opinion)*
> I am most interested in the
Sumerians because they invented writing (cuneiform), which allowed humans to record history, laws, and stories for the first time. Without them, modern civilization might not have developed so quickly!
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✔ Final Answer Key:
1. Akkadian
2. Babylon
3. Sumerians
4. Persian
5. Assyrians
6. Neo-Babylonian
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or further historical context!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of ancient mesopotamia worksheet.
