Geography and Early Civilizations
Between which two rivers did Mesopotamia develop?
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
What major change did farming bring to human societies?
It allowed people to settle in one place and develop communities.
What was one main purpose of Hammurabi's Code?
To establish laws and punishments to maintain order.
What type of social structure existed in early civilizations?
A hierarchical social structure with classes or ranks.
What material did early humans first use to create tools?
Stone
Which river was central to the development of Ancient Egypt?
The Nile River
How did the domestication of animals influence the Neolithic lifestyle?
It provided a reliable source of food, labor, and clothing materials.
Which ancient set of laws, important in Judaism, influenced many legal systems and ethical teachings?
The Ten Commandments
What form of writing did ancient Egyptians develop?
Hieroglyphics
Name one technological advancement that helped early farmers increase crop production.
The plow
What natural barriers (geographic factors) helped protect Ancient China from invasions?
The Himalaya Mountains and deserts.
What effect did the Neolithic Revolution have on life expectancy?
Life expectancy increased
Name a characteristic of early political systems in river valley civilizations.
Centralized authority with rulers or kings
What type of religious beliefs were common in early civilizations?
Polytheism (belief in many gods)
What early invention allowed civilizations to keep records and communicate?
Writing systems like cuneiform or hieroglyphics.
How did the Fertile Crescent's location affect early human development?
Its rich soil and water sources made it ideal for farming.
Why was the Neolithic Revolution considered a turning point in history?
Because it marked the shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture.
How did early rulers justify their authority?
By claiming divine right or approval from the gods. (Theocracy)
List one achievement of early civilizations in art or technology.
How did the development of pottery impact early societies?
It improved food storage and cooking methods.
Name the four River Valley Civilizations
Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia (Sumeria), Indus River Valley, Ancient China (Yellow River Valley)
What role did climate change play in the shift from hunting to farming?
Climate changes made certain food sources scarce and large animals died which led to farming.
What role did laws play in maintaining order in early societies?
They regulated behavior and resolved disputes.
How did social roles differ between men and women in early civilizations?
Men often hunted or fought, while women gathered, cared for children, or farmed.
How did a surplus of food during the Neolithic Revolution contribute to the development of specialized labor?
It allowed people to focus on jobs other than farming, such as artisans, traders, and builders.