History

History

You must answer this question in 1,200-1,800 words, and citations are not necessary:
How was Ancient Mesopotamia characteristic of civilization in general? Why is it the first society in which detailed historical study is possible? You should make references from the Uruk Period down to the Old Babylonian Period under Hammurabi (4300-1750 BC). There are lots of topics to write about: politics, religion, society, economy, art, etc. Briefly discuss the significance of the Assyrian Empire or Persian Empire. If you need an additional topic--let me know how Ancient Israel and the rise of Monotheism fits into the study of the Ancient Near East [this would be optional]. 
In the final part of your essay, please do the following: Read the excerpts from the Analyzing Primary Sources
A. "The Code of Hammurabi". What does this law code tell us about the complexities of ancient Mesopotamian society.
B. "The Diplomacy of Mycenaeans and the Hittites". What does this letter reveal about Late Bronze Age (ca. 1200 BCE) diplomacy. 

Advice:
Begin to write early on even if it is difficult (or even if what you write ultimately proves unusable).
Good ideas actually come to you in the process of writing.
Good papers will demonstrate a deep reading and an interrogation of the sources.
Please be sure to answer all the questions in the alloted length of the essay.