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Top 10 Shocking Facts About Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, was a region that gave birth to numerous innovations and cultural practices that continue to influence our world today. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, this ancient civilization held many surprising secrets and practices that modern audiences might find shocking. Here are ten remarkable facts about this fascinating civilization that shaped human history.
1. The First Written Law Code Was Surprisingly Progressive
The Code of Hammurabi, dating back to around 1750 BCE, wasn’t just the first comprehensive legal system – it contained surprisingly progressive elements. While known for its “eye for an eye” justice, it also established minimum wages, regulated prices, and protected women’s property rights. Remarkably, it even allowed women to own businesses and initiate divorce proceedings, rights that wouldn’t be seen again in many societies for thousands of years.
2. They Practiced Advanced Brain Surgery
Archaeological evidence suggests that Mesopotamian physicians performed complex cranial surgeries as early as 2200 BCE. Skulls discovered in the region show signs of trepanation (surgical drilling into the skull) with signs of healing, indicating that patients survived these procedures. They used bronze and copper surgical instruments and had knowledge of medicinal plants for pain management.
3. Beer Was Used as Currency
The Mesopotamians not only invented beer but also used it as a form of payment. Workers often received their wages in beer rations, and it played a crucial role in religious ceremonies. The earliest known payroll records show that laborers could receive up to five liters of beer per day as compensation for their work.
4. They Had a 360-Day Calendar with Leap Months
The Mesopotamians developed a sophisticated calendar system that divided the year into 360 days, with 12 months of 30 days each. To account for the actual solar year, they periodically inserted leap months. This system formed the basis for our modern concepts of dividing circles into 360 degrees and time into units of 60.
5. Children’s Games Were Eerily Similar to Modern Ones
Archaeological discoveries have revealed that Mesopotamian children played games remarkably similar to modern-day board games, marbles, and jump rope. They even had a version of hockey played with sticks and a leather ball. These games were not just for entertainment but were often used to teach military strategy and mathematical concepts.
6. They Built Artificial Mountains
The ziggurats of Mesopotamia were massive artificial mountains built as temples, with some reaching heights of over 150 feet. These structures required millions of mud bricks and complex engineering knowledge. The most shocking aspect is that they built drainage systems within these structures that have survived for over 4,000 years.
7. They Had Sophisticated Dental Practices
Contrary to popular belief about ancient dental care, Mesopotamians had advanced dental practices. They understood the concept of tooth decay, developed tooth-cleaning implements, and even had treatments for tooth pain. Archaeological evidence suggests they could perform dental procedures like gold wire binding for loose teeth.
8. Marriage Contracts Included Infertility Clauses
Mesopotamian marriage contracts were surprisingly detailed and included provisions for various scenarios, including infertility. If a wife couldn’t bear children, the contract often allowed the husband to marry a second wife, but the first wife maintained seniority and household authority. Some contracts even included clauses about adoption rights.
9. They Created the First Known Love Poem
The world’s oldest known love poem originates from Mesopotamia, dating back to around 2000 BCE. Written in Sumerian on a clay tablet, “The Love Song of Shu-Sin” describes the intimate relationship between King Shu-Sin and a priestess who participated in a sacred marriage ritual. The existence of such poetry reveals a sophisticated understanding of emotional expression.
10. They Had Professional Mourners
Mesopotamian funerals featured professional mourners who were hired to demonstrate grief publicly. These individuals, usually women, would tear their clothes, pull their hair, and wail loudly during funeral processions. The more important the deceased, the more professional mourners would be hired, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
Conclusion
These ten shocking facts about Ancient Mesopotamia demonstrate the sophistication and complexity of one of humanity’s earliest civilizations. From their advanced medical practices and legal systems to their cultural innovations and social structures, the Mesopotamians laid the groundwork for many aspects of modern society. Their achievements in science, literature, and social organization continue to influence our world today, proving that this ancient civilization was far more advanced than many might assume.