Foundations of Civilization
What is a civilization?
A complex society characterized by cities, a central government, job specialization, and social classes.
What are the two rivers in Ancient Mesopotamia?
The Tigris and Euphrates.
What is the significance of the Nile River to ancient Egyptians?
It provided water, fertile soil for agriculture, and a means of transportation.
What was the name of the two cities in the Indus Valley?
Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
What was the significance of the Silk Road?
It facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the East and West.
Name one of the first five major river valleys where early civilizations developed.
The Tigris and Euphrates, Nile, Indus, Huang He (Yellow River), or Amazon
: Who was the king known for the Code of Laws in Babylon?
Hammurabi.
What is mummification and why was it important?
Mummification is the process of preserving the body for the afterlife, reflecting beliefs about death.
What was the primary building material used in the Indus Valley?
Bricks
Describe one way that classical civilizations influenced modern society.
: Many modern government systems, legal codes, and philosophical ideas are based on classical civilizations.
What is the significance of agriculture in the development of civilizations?
Agriculture allowed people to settle in one place, leading to the growth of cities and complex societies.
Name one major achievement
The invention of the wheel, cuneiform writing, or the concept of time.
What was the role of pharaohs in ancient Egyptian society?
Pharaohs were considered gods on earth and were responsible for maintaining order and prosperity.
Name one significant invention of the Ancient Chinese.
Papermaking, the compass, or gunpowder.
How did the fall of classical empires affect the world?
It led to a period of instability and the rise of new powers and kingdoms.
Which writing system was developed in ancient Sumer?
Cuneiform.
What is one similarity between Mesopotamia and Egypt?
Both had river systems that supported agriculture.
Compare the writing systems of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.
Mesopotamia used cuneiform, while Egypt used hieroglyphics.
Name one major trade good from Ancient China.
Silk
What marked the beginning of the Classical Era?
The rise of major empires like Rome and China.
What role did trade play in early civilizations?
Trade facilitated cultural exchange, the spread of ideas, and economic growth.
How did geography influence the development of Ancient Civilizations?
Rivers provided water, transportation, and fertile land for agriculture.
How did religion influence governance in both civilizations?
Leaders were often seen as divine or chosen by the gods, integrating religion with political authority.
What was one major achievement of the Indus Valley people?
: Advanced urban planning and sanitation systems.
How did the Ancient Egyptians use hieroglyphics?
As a writing system for religious texts and record-keeping.