mesopotamia

Early Mesopotamian culture shaped our modern world in many ways. Also, look at my page Ancient Mesopotamia Fun Facts For Kids Who Love History for more hands-on history ideas.

Long before modern cities, written laws, or organized schools existed, the people of Mesopotamia were building one of the world’s first great civilizations.

Located between the Tigris River and the Euphrates River, this fertile land became home to powerful city-states, creative inventions, and stories that have shaped culture for thousands of years.

One of the most famous stories from this region is the Epic of Gilgamesh, a legendary tale about friendship, courage, and the search for meaning in life.

Because the characters are so memorable, they make a perfect inspiration for a simple felt puppet craft that helps children interact with the story in a hands-on way. Depending on their age and ability, you are going to see some really elaborate and creative puppets.

BOOKS ABOUT MESOPOTAMIA FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about Mesopotamia.

7 Books to Read About Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is a region situated within the Tigris–Euphrates River system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Today, Mesopotamia occupies modern Iraq.  In the broader sense, the historical region included present-day Iraq and parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey.

Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help.

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The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.

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Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Describes the enormous accomplishments of the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia in every scientific area, a heritage which affects our own everyday lives

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Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

Explores Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cultures, discussing social structure, lifestyles, and the military in these societies.

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Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Lugalbanda woke with a jolt. He opened his eyes and what did he see but the terrible Anzu bird beating its wings in its nest high above. . . . Did he quake? Did he quail? No. Lugalbanda the Brave sat and stared, and into his head came a brilliant idea.

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Mesopotamia (A True Book)

Presents the history of ancient Mesopotamia, describing the different groups of people who lived there, and their government, cities, everyday life, religion, and writing.

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You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave!

Invites readers them to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history.

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Next, look at more activities.

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA FUN FACTS

Mesopotamia is often called the “cradle of civilization.”

MESOPOTAMIAN CULTURE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Some of the earliest cities, governments, and written records appeared here. Civilizations such as Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria each contributed ideas that influenced the world.

The First Writing System- The people of Sumer developed Cuneiform, one of the earliest known forms of writing. Instead of letters like we use today, cuneiform used wedge-shaped marks pressed into wet clay tablets.

Writing allowed people to record trade and business, stories and myths, laws and government records, and religious beliefs. Without writing, famous works like the Epic of Gilgamesh might never have survived.

Organized Laws- One of the earliest written law codes was created by Hammurabi of Babylon. His famous Code of Hammurabi listed nearly 300 laws that helped guide how people behaved in society.

The idea that laws should be written down for everyone to see was a huge step toward organized government.

Amazing Architecture- The Mesopotamians also built impressive structures called Ziggurat. These massive stepped temples were built to honor their gods and were often the tallest buildings in the city.

People believed the gods lived above them, so building tall temples helped them feel closer to heaven.

Early Science and Math- the Mesopotamians made advances in astronomy, mathematics, calendars, irrigation, and farming. In fact, the 60-minute hour and 60-second minute we still use today come from Mesopotamian number systems.

THE STORY OF GILGAMESH

The hero of the Epic of Gilgamesh is Gilgamesh, a powerful king of Uruk. At the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh is strong but proud. The gods send a wild man named Enkidu to challenge him.

Instead of remaining enemies, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become close friends and go on many adventures together. They battle monsters, explore distant lands, and face difficult lessons about life and loss.

Because it is over 4,000 years old, the Epic of Gilgamesh is considered one of the oldest surviving works of literature in the world.

Gilgamesh was the powerful king of Uruk and the main hero of the Epic of Gilgamesh. He was known for his great strength and courage, but at the beginning of the story, he was also proud and selfish. Through his adventures and friendship with Enkidu, Gilgamesh learns wisdom and becomes a better leader.

Enkidu was a wild man created by the gods to challenge Gilgamesh. He lived among animals in the wilderness and was incredibly strong. After meeting Gilgamesh, the two become close friends and go on great adventures together. Enkidu helps Gilgamesh learn humility and the importance of friendship.

Ishtar was the powerful Mesopotamian goddess of love, beauty, and war. She was worshiped throughout Mesopotamia. In the story, Ishtar becomes angry when Gilgamesh rejects her and sends the terrible Bull of Heaven to punish him.

Humbaba was a frightening giant who guarded the sacred Cedar Forest for the gods. He had a terrifying appearance and great strength. Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel to the forest to defeat him, proving their bravery and becoming famous heroes.

Creating puppets is a fun way to bring ancient stories to life.

EASY FELT GILGAMESH PUPPETS

Kids can use them to retell the adventures of Gilgamesh and Enkidu or even create their own scenes. I think all in, I had less than $4 invested in felt and had several sheets leftover.

Supplies:

• Felt sheets in several colors-tan, brown, white, gold, and a few fun colors
• Scissors
• Craft glue or hot glue
• Markers or fabric paint

First, fold tan felt in half and cut into an oval shape with one straight end so that you have an identical front and back. You will want at least two characters: Gilgamesh and Enkidu, I also created Ishtar and Humbaba as well.

You may also want to create additional characters, like monsters or animals from the story.

Cut out hair, beards, and eyebrows for each of your characters.

To size the hair and beards, you can place your felt on the body shape, flip it, and trim around however you want the bulk it to stick out around the face.

Cut out noses.

Don’t forget a pair of eyes for every character.

Cut small pieces of felt for tunics, belts, jewelry, or armor. Ancient Mesopotamian clothing was usually simple wraps or skirts made from wool or linen.

Glue all the hair and features onto one of the body shapes.

Use markers, embroidery thread, or small felt pieces to add details on the clothing and mouths.

Finally, layer the two matching sides together and glue all the way around except for the bottom.

Leave an opening for a hand to fit inside.