Bibliography on ancient mesopotamia

BIBLIOGRAPHY ON
ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA
A listing of resources
October 2002
Compiled by Carole Geile
Learning Resources & Curriculum

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOK RESOURCES
Baumann, Hans. In the land of Ur: the discovery of ancient Mesopotamia. New
York: Pantheon Books, 1969. (WB 935 BAU32)
Summary: Describes archaeological finds in Mesopotamia and what they have
revealed of the ancient civilizations of that area.
Currier, Richard L. City planning in ancient times. Minneapolis, MI: Lerner
Publications Company, 1977. (WB 913 CUR93C)
Summary: Examines the art of city planning as it was in ancient times, and
describes some of the oldest planned cities, now in ruins, of Greece, the
Roman Empire, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Grade 5 and up.
Everyday life in ancient times: highlights of the beginnings of Western civilization in
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Washington, DC: National Geographic
Society, 1961. (OVR WB 930 NAT21E)
Summary: These four ancient countries put in more time on the progress of
mankind than did any other country or people. Mesopotamia gave us
writing, metallurgy, law, and such basic inventions as the wheel and the
true arch. From it also came the razor, the frying pan, and the 60minute
hour.
Lauber, Patricia. The story of numbers. New York: Random House, 1961. (WB 510
LAU36)
Summary: Tells of early man's first need to count, the influence of agriculture and
herding on the development of the tally, and numerical systems from
Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, Rome, and India.
Maestro, Betsy. The discovery of the Americas. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard
Books, 1990. (OVR WB 973.1 MAE268D)
Summary: Discusses both hypothetical and historical voyages of discovery to
America by the Phoenicians, Saint Brendan of Ireland, the Vikings, and
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such later European navigators as Columbus, Cabot and Magellan.
Grade 1 and up.
Millard, Anne. The atlas of ancient worlds. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1994.
(OVR WB 911 MIL611A)
Summary: Explores the history of the ancient world from the Sumerians in 3500
B.C. to the Incas in 1500 A.D. Includes Phoenicians: rulers of the sea.
Grades 5 and up.
Mollet, David. Ancient civilizations: Israelites. Torrance, CA: Waldorf Education
Resources, 1994. (WT 300 6ZMOLAN22C48)
Summary: Ancient Israelites comes alive for 6 th graders to explore such topics as
their historical and geographical background, judges, kings, prophets,
and their Persian, Greek, and Roman rule.
Mollet, David. Ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia. Torrance, CA: Waldorf
Education Resources, 1993. (WT 300 6ZMOL AN22C6)
Ancient Mesopotamia comes alive for 6 th graders to explore such topics
as their historical and geographical background, mythology and
religion, from Sargon to Hammurabi, and Babylonia and Assyria.
Moss, Carol. Science in Ancient Mesopotamia. New York: Franklin Watts, 1988.
(WB 509.35 MOS855S)
Summary: Describes the enormous accomplishments of the Sumerians and
Babylonians of Ancient Mesopotamia in every scientific area, a heritage
which affects our own everyday lives. Grades 5-9.
Nardo, Don. The Assyrian Empire. San Diego, CA: Lucent Books, 1998. (WB
935.03 NAR166A)
Summary: Discusses the history of the Assyrian Empire, including its early people,
the rise of the Assyrian nation, its rebirth, the empire at its height, and
the nation's collapse. Includes a section on between the great rivers: the
early peoples of Mesopotamia. Grades 5-9.
Near East ancient civilizations - Egypt, Mesopotamia, Babylonia, Sumeria. Oroville,
CA: Butte County Office of Education Curriculum Resource Center, 1992. (WU 300
S/BUTT.C N27E)
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Summary: Middle school and high school levels.
Neurath, Marie. They lived like this in ancient Mesopotamia. New York: Franklin
Watts, 1964. (WB 935 NEU39T)
Summary: A short story on what life was like in this ancient city.
Odijk, Pamela. The Israelites. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett Press, 1990.
(OVR WB 933 ODI35I)
Summary: Explores Jewish life and culture in ancient Israel. Grades 5-8.
Pofahl, Jane. Ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia. Minneapolis, MI: T.S. Denison &
Company, 1993. (WE 300 DENI P752A6)
Summary: The Time Traveler Series will aid you as you teach the colorful history
of ancient civilizations to grades 3-6 and explore such topics as
development of language, early government, culture and art forms,
scientific discoveries, and the historic personalities who helped shape
our own present-day culture. Grades 3-6.
Robinson, Charles Alexander. The first book of ancient Mesopotamia and Persia.
New York: Franklin Watts, 1962. (WB 935 ROB56F)
Summary: Contents include the Ancient Near East, land of the two rivers,
government, the Sumarians, digging for the past, the Babylonians, the
Assyrians, the Persian Empire, and the legacy of the Ancient Near
East.
Shiotsu, Vicky. Mesopotamia. Torrance, CA: Frank Schaffer Publications, 1997.
(OVR WB 935 SHI63M)
The civilization of Mesopotamia produced many "firsts." Schools,
calendars, medicine and surgery, writing, and even the wheel all have
their origins traced to Mesopotamia, "the land between the rivers." The
information and activities in this book focus on the culture of the city of
Sumer. Grades 4-7.
Weisgard, Leonard. The beginnings of cities; re-creation in pictures and text of
Mesopotamian life from farming to early city building. New York: Coward-McCann,
1968. (OVR WB 913.3 WEI43B)
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Summary: Describes, as supported by archaeological evidence, the development of
early cities in Mesopotamia from small hamlets to centers of culture
which influenced subsequent civilizations. Includes a glossary of terms
and names.
Woolley, Leonard. Discovering the royal tombs at Ur. New York: Macmillan, 1969.
(OVR WB 913.35 WOO88D)
Summary: Traces the planning and execution of the 1922 archaeological
expedition to Ur in southern Iraq and the discovery of the tombs and
the ancient city.
PICTURES
Ancient civilizations. Cypress, CA: Creative Teaching Press, 1992. (*930 11058-
11062 Cha)
Depicts five civilizations (including Mesopotamia) of the past and their
contributions to the modern world, with a map of each region and a brief
timeline.
Ancient civilizations map & timeline. Madison, WI: Knowledge Unlimited, 1992.
(**930 11527 Cha)
Summary: Shows the geographic locations of nine major civilizations including
Mesopotamia. The timeline at the base of the map gives a comparison
of the times in which each civilization arose, flourished, and ended.
Ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean. Courley, France: Editions J.M.Fuzeau
S.A., 19??. (**930 11528 Cha)
Summary: Covering 1500 BC to AD500, this colorful time chart features maps,
works of art, fine-line drawings, artifacts, and portraits depicting the
ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Hebrews, Phoenicians and Etruscans.
Traders and warriors. Mt. Dora, FL: Documentary Photo Aids, 1979. (*930.09
10303 Pic)
Summary: Covers the period of the rise and fall of the mighty empires of the
Middle East including the Phoenicians, as well as those cultures in
China, and Central and South America.
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VIDEOS
Africa: a history denied. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Video and Television, 1995.
(960 AF83A Vid C)
Summary: Because the white settlers of Africa couldn't believe that natives were
responsible for the once great kingdoms of Great Zimbabwe and the
Swahili Coast, these ancient cultures were either credited to wandering
Phoenicians, the Queen of Sheba or other white travelers. Now the
place where human history began is being reclaimed by descendants of
those lost cultures, and the glories of their accomplishments are
revealed.
Mesopotamia. Boston: WGBH Boston, 1989. (935 M562W Vid C)
Summary: The oasis between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was Mesopotamia, a
land of fantastic gods and ruthless pragmatism. Mesopotamia was also
the source of the origins of western laws, trade and money.
Mesopotamia: return to Eden. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Video and Television,
1995. (Vid C 935 M562R)
Summary: The roots of the world's major religions lie in the valleys of
Mesopotamia's Fertile Crescent. Here archaeologists are digging for the
sites of Biblical stories, and unearthing clues to the dawn of civilization.
WEB SITES
“Ancient History Sourcebook: A Collection of Contracts from Mesopotamia, c. 2300 –
428 BCE.” 1999. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/mesopotamiacontracts.html
(9 October 2002)
Summary: Contracts included are a Contract for the Sale of a Slave, Reign of Rim-
Sin, c. 2300 B.C.; Contract for Hire of Laborer, Reign of Shamshu-Iluna,
c. 2200 B.C.; Contract for Loan of Money, Fourteenth year of
Nabopolassar, 611 B.C.; Contract of Marriage, Sixth year of Nabonidus,
549 B.C.; Contract for Adoption, c. 2000 B.C.; and many more.
“Ancient Mesopotamia.” 2001.
http://www.ci.shrewsbury.ma.us/Sps/Schools/Central/Curriculum/ELEMENTARY/SO
CIALSTUDIES/Mesopotamia%20html/ancient_mesopotamia.htm (9 October 2002)
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Summary: Provides information about geography, religion, daily life, and clothing.
Includes classroom activities and homework help. Grade 4.
“Ancient Mesopotamia.” 1997. http://www.ed.psu.edu/k-
12/edpgs/su96/meso/mesopotamia.html (9 October 2002)
Summary: Defines vocabulary related to the study and provides short descriptions
of key people and events. Also includes project ideas and printable
quizzes. Grade 7.
“Ancient Mesopotamia.” Ancient tablets, ancient graves: accessing women’s lives in
Mesopotamia. 2001. http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/lesson2.html (9 October
2002)
Summary: An interactive site full of information and resources about women's
experiences in world history. For teachers, teenagers, parents, and
history buffs. Women's rights in Mesopotamia were not equal to those of
men, but in early periods women could go out to the marketplaces, buy
and sell, borrow and lend, and engage in business for themselves. High
status women, such as priestesses, might learn to read and write, and
powerful goddesses were worshipped; in some city-states they were the
primary deities.
“Awesome Library – Social_Studies.” Ancient Mesopotamians. 1996-2002.
http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Classroom/Social_Studies/Ancient_Civilizations/Anci
ent_Mesopotamians.html (9 October 2002)
Summary: Includes lesson plans, lists, papers, and projects. Grades 6 and up.
“Babylon (580BC).” Babylon 580 B.C. 2000.
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Cavern/5178/main.html (10 October 2002)
Summary: Provides a virtual tour of this ancient city and give information on
Mathematics, culture, literature, and more. Grades 6-8.
BetBasoo, Peter. “History of Assyrians.” Brief history of Assyrians. 2001.
http://www.aina.org/aol/peter/brief.htm (10 October 2002)
Summary: Divides Assyrian history into six periods: Emergence, First Golden Age,
First Dark Age, Second Golden Age, Second Dark Age, and Diaspora.
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“The Costume Gallery’s Research Library- Mesopotamia.” The costume gallery:
ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia. 1997-2000.
http://www.costumegallery.com/Mesopotamia/ancient.htm (9 October 2002)
Summary: Includes suggested readings for children and adults as well as links to
Mesopotamian, Assyrian, and Babylonian fashion and history.
“Cuneiform Writing @ University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and
Anthropology.” 2001. http://www.upenn.edu/museum/Games/cuneiform.html (9
October 2002)
Summary: Sumerians created cuneiform script over 5000 years ago. It was the
worlds first written language. The last known cuneiform inscription was
written in 75 AD.
“CyberSleuthkids: ancient Middle East – Babylonia.” Babylonia. 1999.
http://cybersleuthkids.com/sleuth/History/Ancient_Civilizations/Ancient_Middle_East/Babylonia/
(10
October 2002)
Summary: Learn about Babylon, the capital of Babylonia, an ancient empire of
Mesopotamia, a city on the Euphrates River, in what is now southern
Iraq. Learn the history of their counting system, and more. Also
includes an article on the more important aspects of the Babylonians.
“CyberSleuthkids: ancient Middle East – Mesopotamia.” Mesopotamia. 1999.
http://cybersleuthkids.com/sleuth/History/Ancient_Civilizations/Ancient_Middle_East/Mesopotamia/
(10 October 2002)
Summary: Information on the Mesopotamia civilization, a collection of contracts
from Mesopotamia, plus a collection of links about Ancient
Mesopotamia. Includes art, mythology, history, mathematics, and more.
Donn, Donald G. “Ancient Mesopotamia Unit.” Mr Donn’s Unit: Ancient
Mesopotamia. 2002. http://members.aol.com/MrDonnUnits/Mesopotamia.html (9
October 2002)
Summary: Provides 12 lesson plans that concentrate on geographic and language
arts skills. Shows how ancient peoples are similar to the people of today.
Some of the units covered are geography, tools, inventions, daily life,
and achievements. Includes lesson plans, activities, and resources for
all levels of sixth grade students.
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“gilgamesh.” Gilgamesh Study Guide. 1998-2002.
http://novaonline.nv.cc.va.us/eli/eng251/gilgameshstudy.htm (10 October 2002)
Summary: Tells about an ancient King of Uruk who is thought to have actually
existed. Considered the oldest historical story in the world. Grades 6 and
up.
“Hammurabi Title Page.” Hammurabi’s Code. 1998.
http://www.phillipmartin.info/hammurabi/ (10 October 2002)
Summary: Explore ancient history through the Hammurabi Code of Law. Grades
4-8.
“Mesopotamia.” 1996-2002.
http://www.cmi.k12.il.us/Urbana/projects/AncientCiv/Meso/meso.html (9 October
2002)
Summary: What do chariots, sailboats, and wheels have in common? The ancient
Sumerians invented them all. Learn more about the ancient
civilizations of Mesopotamia and Sumer here. Grades 6-8.
“Mesopotamia.” 1997.
http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/2292/Meso/quiz4a.html (10 October 2002)
Summary: Interactive quiz tests knowledge of this region. Includes related links.
Grades 6-8.
“mesopotamia.htm.” Mesopotamia. 2001.
http://www.rowe.k14.mass.edu/cetto/mesopotamia.htm (9 October 2002)
Summary: Fourth graders explain why was life good in Mesopotamia for its people.
Dowling, Mike. “Mesopotamia in the Electronic Passport.” Mr. Dowling’s electronic
passport: Mesopotamia. 1999-2002.
http://www.mrdowling.com/603mesopotamia.html (10 October 2002)
Summary: Provides information about the Fertile Crescent. Includes, a brief look
at its geography, culture, and history. Grades 6-8.
“Lesson Exchange: Making Hammurabi’s Code real (Middle, Social Studies).”
Making Hammurabi’s Code real. 1996-2002.
http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/2439.html (10 October 2002)
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Summary: An activity using boxes, brown paper, and magic markers to help
students understand Hammurabi's Code. Grade 6.
“McClung Museum – Treasures From the Royal Tombs of Ur.” Treasures from the
Royal Tombs of Ur. 1999. http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/specex/ur/ur.htm (9
October 2002)
Summary: One of the most spectacular discoveries in ancient Mesopotamia
(modern day Iraq), the royal tombs at Ur opened the world's eyes to the
full glory of ancient Sumerian culture (2600-2500 BC) at its zenith.
“Mesopotamia Crossword.” Abcteach Mesopotamia crosswords. 2002.
http://www.zeal.com/exit.jhtml?cid=10083776&wid=100504503&so=&xr=/website/pro
file.jhtml%3Fcid%3D10083776%26wid%3D100504503 (10 October 2002)
Summary: Furnishes a crossword puzzle that will help students learn about the
history and civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia.
“Mesopotamia – Main Page.” Ancient Mesopotamia. 2001.
http://www.penncharter.com/Student/meso/index.html (9 October 2002)
Summary: Includes the culture, daily life, geography, government, industry, social
levels, and more. Grade 6.
“Mesopotamia – The British Museum.” 2002.
http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/menu.html (10 October 2002)
Summary: Discover tales of astronomers, merchants, archaeologists, epic heroes
and ruthless kings. Explore a palace, the library of an astronomer, and
the Royal Tombs of Ur. Then, build your own ziggurat. From the British
Museum. Grades 6 and up.
“Mesopotamian Mathematics.” 2002.
http://it.stlawu.edu/~dmelvill/mesomath/index.html 9 October 2002)
Summary: The purpose of this page is to provide a source of information on all
aspects of Mesopotamian mathematics. It explains the origins of
mathematics in Mesopotamia, through the development of Sumerian
mathematics to the Old Babylonian period, and on into the later periods
of Mesopotamian history.
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“The Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Collection of Ancient near Eastern Art:
Introduction.” Ancient Near Eastern Art. 2000-2002.
http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/department.asp?dep=3 (10 October 2002)
Summary: Includes examples of art from ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon, Sumer,
and the Indus Valley. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Grades 6
and up.
“Pro Teacher! Mesopotamia lesson plans for elementary school teachers in grades K-
6.” Mesopotamia. 1998-2002. http://www.proteacher.com/090097.shtml (9 October
2002)
Summary: Information on Babylonia, Cuneiform tablets, Hammurabi’s Code of
Laws, teacher’s tips, hands on activities, quizzes, and much more.
Grades K-6.
Siren, Christopher B. “Hittite/Hurrian Mythology REF.” Hittite/Hurrian mythology
Ref 1.2. 1998. http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze33gpz/hittite-ref.html (10
October 2002)
Summary: Detailed study guide explains who these people were and tells what
deities they worshipped. Grades 8 and up.
“Understanding Primary Sources: Hammurabi’s Code of Laws.” 1999.
http://www.eduplace.com/ss/hmss/6/unit/act3.1.html (10 October 2002)
Summary: The objective of this lesson is for students to closely examine several of
Hammurabi's laws and compare them to laws and/or values we use
today. Grade 6 and up.
“WER/Mesopotamia.” Mesopotamia: the land between the rivers. 1999.
http://members.aol.com/WERedu/Meso.html (9 October 2002)
Summary: In this unit on Mesopotamia teachers and students will find activities,
stories, dramas, and assignments that will bring the Sumerian cities
and the later cities of Babylonia and Assyria alive in the classroom.
Middle and high school students.
“Write Like a Babylonian.” 2002. http://www.upennmuseum.com/cgibin/cuneiform.cgi
(10 October 2002)
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Summary: Tells about the first written language, called cuneiform, which was
invented by ancient Babylonians. Displays visitors' names in cuneiform.
Grades 6 and up.
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