Ancient River Civilizations

Transcription

1 SAISD Social Studies Department Page 1

2 SAISD Social Studies Department Page 2

3 Introduction: Ancient River Civilizations Nile River Valley Civilization The Nile River Valley Civilization started at the mouth and delta of the Nile River. This early civilization formed down the lush fields of the Nile River. Protected by the water and desert, the civilization was able to grow into Egypt. Impact of Geography: The Nile would flood each year starting in July and lasting until November. This flood would provide new, rich soil for the Egyptians and would wash away waste. The seas around the civilization served a barrier against war and disease. Economics: The inhabitants of the Nile River Valley Civilization depended heavily on farming. Close proximity to the Nile allowed easy access to water needed for crops. Seasonal flooding fertilized the land for the next year's crops. Agriculture was essential for survival, growth, and economic success. Social Structure: Beliefs: Level in Society Ruling (King or Pharaoh) Priests Craftsman (Artisans) Farmers Slaves Polytheistic beliefs based on nature. Buildings and Art Using advanced engineering for that period of time, the Egyptians were able to construct large palaces, pyramids and buildings out of stone. Their buildings contained depictions of the lives of the people and their gods. Technology and Literature Astronomy - Through observing the seasons and the use of astronomy, the Egyptians created a calendar based on a 365- day cycle. Geometry - Mathematicians and architects used geometry to design, develop and build structures such as the pyramids. Medicine - Part of the Egyptian culture was to embalm the dead to preserve the body and evidence has shown they knew basic anatomy to perform simple surgeries. Writing - The Egyptians developed the one of the first forms of writing through the use of hieroglyphics, or picture language. 1 Notable Civilizations / Empires Old Kingdom Middle Kingdom New Kingdom SAISD Social Studies Department Page 3

4 Introduction: Ancient River Civilizations Indus River Valley Civilization The Indus River Valley Civilization started about 2500 B.C.E. along the south-western part of the Indus River. The largest city was Mohenjo-Daro, in present day Pakistan, and settlements stretched all along the river. The Indus River Civilization stretched out across present day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Impact of Geography: Natural borders consisted of mountains and the Arabian Sea, sheltering the civilization from attack and disease. Water from the river fertilized and irrigated crops. Proximity to the river allowed boats to become a viable transportation option. Economics: The development of widespread irrigation systems allowed the indigenous population to provide food for themselves. Wheat and barley were primary crops, however rye, peas, cotton, and rice were also grown. Domestication of animals also served as an important tool for cultivation and as a source of food. The economy depended greatly on trade. Trade was conducted within the civilization as well as with Mesopotamia. Advancement in technology led to carts and early boats that were used as the main method of trade and travel. Social Structure: Based on a caste system in which you had no mobility. Beliefs: Level in Society Brahmins (Ruling Class and Priests) Kshatriyas (Military and Aristocrats) Vaishyas (cultivators, artisans, and merchants) Shudras (peasants and serfs) Development of monotheistic-polytheism beliefs known as Hinduism. Buildings and Art Developed granaries for food storage, sanitation systems, housing with access to water and were mainly constructed of dry bricks. Technology and Literature Creation of large irrigation systems for farming. Created the first system of precise measurements and tools for determining weight and measurements. Used a system of pictograms for their written language. Notable Civilizations / Empires Harappa Mohenjodaro 2 SAISD Social Studies Department Page 4

5 Introduction: Ancient River Civilizations Tigris-Euphrates River Valley Civilization Mesopotamia an area geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Mesopotamia means the land between two rivers. Mesopotamia began as urban societies in southern Iraq in 5000 BC, and ends in the 6th century BC. Impact of Geography: The valley between the Tigris and the Euphrates River was known as the land "between the rivers" in Greek. There was never a regular supply of water in Mesopotamia but the soil was enriched over the years by the layers of silt, deposited by the two rivers An arc of land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf called the Fertile Crescent had rich soil and abundant crops to sustain life in the early civilization Economics: The Sumerian city-states was based on farming and trade. Industry became an important factor in civilization as well with metalwork, woolen textiles, and pottery. Copper, tin, and timber were imported goods exchanged for dried fish, wool, wheat, and metal goods. Social Structure: Beliefs: Polytheistic based on nature Buildings and Art Level in Society Nobles (Rulers and Religious Leaders) Commoners (Merchants, Craftsmen, Farmers, and Lower Priests) Slaves The important buildings in the Sumerian city was the temple dedicated to the gods and goddesses of the city. The temple was called a ziggurat and was built atop a massive, stepped tower. Dwellings were built by sun-dried bricks. A small portion of buildings were made of stone or wood. Technology and Literature The Sumerians developed the wheel and the sailboat before any other civilization. They developed irrigation for farming and tools from copper and bronze. Mathematicians developed a system based on the number 60 and a calendar based on a twelve month cycle. They are also responsible for one of the earliest system of writing known as cuneiform. 3 Notable Civilizations / Empires Sumer Akkadian Babylonian Assyrian SAISD Social Studies Department Page 5

6 Introduction: Ancient River Civilizations Hueng Hu (Yellow) River Valley Civilization Around 4000 B.C the Yellow (Hueng He) River valley Civilization began in China. These early people called all rivers in China by the nickname "The Great Sorrow". That is because each year during the flood season, all homes along the Huang He River were destroyed. Each year, the ancient Chinese had to rebuild their homes and their lives. Over time, people learned the techniques of flood control. The rich began to built their homes high above the river. Impact of Geography: The Huang He (yellow) river stretches across China for more than 2,900 miles. It carries its rich yellow silt all the way from Mongolia to the Pacific Ocean. Also the Chang Jiang River or Yangtze River is longer, stretching about 3,400 miles across central china. The two major rivers merge together to create a food-producing area. Economics: Initially early dynasties depended on specialized goods and forming for trade. As time passed, large networks of trade developed to include not only the areas of development in China, but in western portions of Asia. Social Structure: Level in Society Ruling Class Warlords (Territorial Leaders) Farmers Merchants / Artisans Beliefs: Polytheistic influenced by nature. Many also paid tribute and worshipped their ancestors. Buildings and Art Cities were surrounded by protective walls. One city was surrounded by a wall 30 feet high, 65 feet thick, and 4 1/2 miles long Inside these walled cities lived the rulers, priests, and warriors. Merchants and craftsmen lived in mud houses built up against the outside walls of the cities. Farmers lived in nearby villages. Technology and Literature During the Shang Dynasty, the use of bronze began to develop. Also, a system of writing based on pictograms was developed and spread throughout the empire. Canals were built to move supplies over long distances. 4 Notable Civilizations / Empires Xia Dynasty Shang Dynasty Tang Dynasty SAISD Social Studies Department Page 6

7 Nile River Valley 1 SAISD Social Studies Department Page 7

8 Indus River Valley 2 SAISD Social Studies Department Page 8

9 Mesopotamia 3 SAISD Social Studies Department Page 9

10 Yellow River Valley 4 SAISD Social Studies Department Page 10