Grade 1 - Early world Civilizations

60 Early World Civilizations: Supplemental Guide 3A | The Religion of Babylon

 Show image 3A-2: Gods and goddesses of Mesopotamia

Way back in time, one explanation some people came up with

was that the world was planned and created by powerful beings,

male and female, called gods and goddesses. Gods were male,

and goddesses were female. They believed that each god and

goddess had power over a part of the universe. These stories

helped the people feel less confused about their world.

Explain to students that the people of Mesopotamia had a

polytheistic religion. Tell students that poly– means many,

and theistic comes from a word meaning a god or God. So a

polytheistic religion is one in which people believe in many gods

and/or goddesses. Have students say the word polytheistic with

you. Be sure to stress the prefi x poly– when you say it.

Vocabulary Preview 5 minutes

Babylon

 Show image 3A-3: Palace and temple

1. Today’s story is set—or takes place—in an ancient city called Babylon.


2. Say the word Babylon with me three times.


3. Babylon was a city in Mesopotamia. It was located between the Tigris
   and Euphrates Rivers.
   [Have students fi nd Babylon on their map and circle it red. Explain that
   Babylon was a thriving and busy city during the time of Mesopotamia,
   but now Babylon no longer exists.]


4. Warad, Iddin, and Amur lived in Babylon.


5. [Show different pictures of ancient Babylon, and have students
   discuss whether or not they think Babylon was a large, rich, and busy
   city.]