Mesopotamia
This writing system used sharp reeds to press symbols into clay tablets.
Cuneiform
Egyptians called this river the “Gift of Egypt” because it flooded and left rich soil.
Nile River
These two rivers supported farming and population growth in early China.
Yellow River and Yangtze River
This river in northern India supported farming and helped cities grow.
Ganges River
A civilization is defined by having cities, leaders, and this shared feature of culture and organization.
complex society
These two rivers created fertile but unpredictable farmland where the first cities developed.
Tigris and Euphrates?
This leader was seen as both a king and a god, which made Egyptians obey without question.
pharaoh
This idea said that rulers had the gods’ approval—until natural disasters suggested otherwise.
Mandate of Heaven
This long-lasting era is called India’s “Golden Age” because of peace, science, art, and trade.
Gupta Empire
Farmers in many civilizations used this method of bringing water to crops.
irrigation
This temple, described as a “stairway to heaven,” served as a religious and community center in Mesopotamian cities.
ziggurat
What was the purpose of building pyramids like the Great Pyramid of Giza?
They were tombs for pharaohs and protected their bodies for the afterlife.
This important trade network connected China to the Mediterranean.
Silk Road
These two epic stories shaped Gupta religion, art, and society.
Mahabharata and Ramayana
This vast trade network connected India, China, the Middle East, and Africa by sea.
Indian Ocean trade
This early written law code helped create stability by making rules public for all to hear.
Hammurabi’s Code
This careful ritual involved removing organs, drying the body with natron, and wrapping it in linen.
mummification
The Han Dynasty chose officials based on tests about this philosophy that focused on respect and order.
Confucianism
This strict social system organized people into hereditary classes with specific jobs.
caste system
These two farming methods allowed the Maya to grow food in mountains and rainforests.
terracing and slash-and-burn?
This process—exchanging goods, ideas, and culture—spread stories, technologies, and religious beliefs across Mesopotamia.
trade/cultural diffusion
This pharaoh changed his name to Akhenaten and tried to make Egypt worship only one god.
Amenhotep IV/Akhenaten
The Han Dynasty created inventions that strengthened government and record-keeping. Name two.
Paper, seismograph, improved plow, standardized weights/measures.
Gupta scholars made a major math contribution still used today.
concept of zero (and the decimal system)
According to the “First Civilizations” video guide, cities allowed people to become specialists and do this—create new ideas.
innovate