Mesopotamia Compare And Contrast Essay

Historians have come up with certain criteria they believe a society must obtain in order for it to be considered a civilization. These criteria are that the society must be stratified, must contain monumental architecture, and must have a formal system of law and order. Other historians may argue that writing must be part of a society in order for it to be considered a civilization, but that is not a criterion that is certainly agreed upon. According to this definition of a civilization, I conclude that both the ancient societies of Mesopotamia and Athens can both be considered civilizations. Mesopotamia is often referred to as the first civilization in history. Named after it’s geographical location, “land between two rivers,” Mesopotamia was settled between the
These hills would eventually turn into their own city-states, called poleis, which brought with them constitutional governments, positive moral purpose and feelings of community and citizenship. The mountains and seas would isolate poleis and create independence among them. All in all, Athens gained much more from their geographical location than Mesopotamia did. Regarding whether or not Athens would be considered a civilization, I would say absolutely. Athens did have stratification very similar to upper, middle and lower classes we see in today’s society. Athens no doubt had monumental architecture—visitors today still go to see the vast buildings created in Athens. And yes—Athens did have writing and language. Like Mesopotamia, Athens might be well known for their system of law and order. Athens saw the beginning of democracy and government like we know it today. In Athens, government now included citizens, not just representatives like in previous systems. For one of the first times in history, regular citizens could play key roles in how their community and government was