skip to main content

The Time Compass: Mesopotamia

20 minutes 8 seconds
Short Preview
Apply for Free Membership

Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available. Log In to view the full length title.

Browse Full-length Non-member Titles

The episode explores the major forces of history as it traces human movement from caves, to cities and towns, and eventually to civilized societies with governments, laws, and religious codes. Students learn of the development of tools from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, the development of cuneiform writing, the establishment of astronomy and astrology, and The Legend of Gilgamesh. They also learn of the succession of civilizations in Mesopotamia, from the Acadians, through the Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. The closing segment compares pyramids built in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Central America, and Peru.

Media Details

Runtime: 20 minutes 8 seconds

Request a DVD
Members Only - Apply Now
Student Activity Teacher's Guide
ASL
Digital illustration of ancient artifacts from the Shang dynasty including a stone dragon and oracle bone script with early Chinese calligraphy. Caption. Because the rulers were all from the same family.
The Time Compass
Episode 1
19 minutes 47 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Simple map with brown edges is labeled, "Dinastía Qin." Spanish caption. Qin Shi Huang se proclamó emperador.
The Time Compass
Episode 2
17 minutes 22 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
ASL
Digital illustration of diverse people exchanging goods for money in a crowded square. Caption. That it formed a new base of power for the Roman Empire.
The Time Compass
Episode 3
19 minutes 6 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Color illustration of a faded battle scene with an arc of gold objects passing through it. Spanish caption. Estas tremendas guerras que comenzaron en el año 1096.
The Time Compass
Episode 4
15 minutes 23 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
ASL
Color illustration of ancient Egyptian people standing in a garden with water running through it. Text on image reads, "Irrigation system. Shaduf." Caption. Which let them grow more crops.
The Time Compass
Episode 5
19 minutes 31 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Color illustration of fish swimming in water next to a green platform with water running through it. Text on image reads, "Sistema de riego. Shaduf." Spanish caption. Narrador. Los egipcios necesitaron mucho ingenio.
The Time Compass
Episode 6
16 minutes 7 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
ASL
Computer model of the city of Caral. The Incan city is tiered with a stairway connecting from the amphitheater at the bottom to a grouping of walled structures at the top. Next to this, an animated alpaca and sign that reads, "Caral year 3,000 B, C."
The Time Compass
Episode 7
18 minutes 37 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Digital map of South America with Chile highlighted in a light color. Labeled countries along Chile's Eastern border from top to bottom include, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Spanish caption. Hasta el norte de Argentina y centro de Chile.
The Time Compass
Episode 8
14 minutes 55 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
ASL
Animation of a woman wearing a white sheer dress dancing on a stage for a man wearing a green tunic and gold headband seated behind a small wood desk. Caption. It seems that Paris, a Trojan prince.
The Time Compass
Episode 9
19 minutes 38 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Computer rendering of a few Greek statues and artifacts made to look like they have been placed on display on top of a grassy field. Spanish caption. Los griegos se hicieron esa misma pregunta.
The Time Compass
Episode 10
16 minutes 30 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8

Viewer Comments

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Anonymous (Point Pleasant, NJ)
    May 3rd, 2023 at 10:11 AM

    I will continue to use the Time Compass Videos in my class

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Tonda S. (Burlington, WA)
    January 20th, 2021 at 10:44 AM

    A good video with great ASL interpretation - Thank you!

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Laura S. (Lillington , NC)
    May 18th, 2019 at 03:33 PM

    Great for unit reviews!

  • Tiny 53ec4ea9d90fd62d8cd5fae68357dfceee4cc7d13eba4a935e4a6beec3976de7.0 69152591038619 1
    James O. (Belleview, FL)
    May 3rd, 2019 at 09:42 AM

    engaging, relevant, fast paced and fun

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Tonda S. (Burlington, WA)
    September 26th, 2018 at 11:45 AM

    A nice overview of what we know about this time and area. Thank you!

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Janis H. (Danbury, NC)
    February 3rd, 2016 at 08:35 AM

    Great animation and explanation of the culture of Mesopotamia.

Apply for a Free Membership

Major funding provided by the Department of Education