Early Humans
What do we call humans who move from place to place in search of food?
Nomads
What does it mean to 'domesticate' plants or animals?
To tame or train them for human use
What two rivers gave Mesopotamia its name?
Tigris and Euphrates
What is a ziggurat?
A large, stepped temple in the center of city-states
What river was the 'lifeblood' of ancient Egypt?
The Nile River
What hard stone was used to make early tools?
Flint
Why did farming lead to permanent villages?
People no longer had to move to find food
Why was Mesopotamia called the 'Fertile Crescent'?
Its rich soil and crescent-shaped land made farming possible
What writing system did Mesopotamians invent?
Cuneiform
What natural event caused the Nile River to leave behind rich soil for farming?
The yearly flooding of the Nile
What material did early humans use to make clothing before weaving cloth?
Animal skins
What is a surplus, and why was it important?
Extra supply of food; allowed population growth and trade
What farming system did Mesopotamians build to control floods and water crops?
Irrigation systems
Who created the first written code of laws?
Hammurabi
What natural barriers protected Egypt from invasions?
Deserts, seas, and cataracts (rapids on the Nile)
What is the term for people who hunt animals and gather plants for food?
Hunter-gatherers
Name one new job that specialization of labor created.
Examples: potters, weavers, toolmakers, traders, priests
What was the world’s first civilization in Mesopotamia?
Sumer
Name one invention from Mesopotamia that improved daily life.
Examples: wheel, plow, sailboat, math, calendar
In what direction does the Nile River flow?
North
What was one way fire helped early humans survive?
It provided warmth, light, protection, or cooking food
What is the system of trading goods for goods called?
Barter
What group in Mesopotamian society was responsible for writing records?
Scribes
Why did Mesopotamians build temples in the center of their city-states?
To honor their gods and show religion was central to life
What desert covers much of ancient Egypt?
The Sahara Desert