Time Periods
Time period of the Paleolithic Age
What is 12,000 BCE?
Characteristics of Mesopotamia
Cuneiform
Extensive trade with Egypt & the Indus Valley
Epic of Gilgamesh
Early use of bronze tools, chariots Advanced astronomy; math based on 60
Pessimistic view of the world, perhaps because of regular, unpredictable flooding of the Tigris & Euphrates rivers
Polytheism – gods powerful/cruel Kings powerful, but not divine
RIVERS: Tigris & Euphrates
Era during 12,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE
What is the Neolithic age?
Used Oracle bones to communicate with ancestors
Patterns on bones formed basis for writing system
Bronze weapons & tools, horse-drawn chariot
Geographical separation from other civilizations (Gobi Desert & Himalaya Mts.)
RIVER: Huang He (Yellow)
What is Shang China?
What is 3,500 to 1,500 BCE?
Characteristics of Egypt
Concerned with decorative arts, ship-building, some medical knowledge
Less advanced in math & astronomy than Mesopotamians
Less extensive trade.
Polytheism, with pharaoh as a god. Optimistic view of life. Strong belief in the afterlife; Book of the Dead
Hieroglyphics – complex pictorial language.
RIVER: Nile
Referred to as the classical civilizations time period
What is 1,000 BCE to 600 CE
Characteristics of Indus Valley
Writing system undecipherable Soapstone seals indicate trade with both Mesopotamia & China
Cruder weapons than Mesopotamians - stone arrowheads, no swords
Polytheism – naked man with horns primary god; fertility goddesses
Two cities: Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro
RIVER: Indus
Characteristics of Meso and South America
Olmecs in Mesoamerica
Highly developed astronomy; used to predict agricultural cycles & please the gods.
Polytheism; religious rituals important, shamans as healers
Ritual ball games
Irrigation & drainage canals
Giant carved stone heads, probably with religious significance
Jaguar symbol important
Chavin in Andean region Polytheism – statues of jaguar men