Important Civilizations The rise and fall of different civilizations is a major theme in global history. Summarize your knowledge of what you have read by completing the following study organizer. The first item has been done for you as a model. Civilization Location Major Characteristics Impact/Achievements River Valley Civilizations Egypt (Nile) Mesopotamia Indus River Valley Huang He (Yellow River) The rivers deposited rich soils in annual floods, allowing farmers to grow surplus cropsmaking possible the rise of civilizations They were the first civilizations in which people lived in cities and developed systems of writing Roman Empire Italy; then expanded throughout Mediterranean, from Spain to parts of Asia Minor, north into France (Gaul) and parts of Britain Strong, well disciplined army Stable government during the Pax Romana Prosperous trade routes System of laws was Rome s greatest achievement basic principles, such as equality under the law, are basis for systems today Borrowed many Greek concepts in art and architecture Converted to Christianity Latin language united the empire; great literature Engineering built roads, bridges, aqueducts; improved the arch and dome
Dynastic China China isolated from other ancient civilizations due to geographic barriers [Call themselves the Middle Kingdom] Strong, well organized governments The dynastic cyclebelief in Mandate of Heaven Confucian values Qin Dynasty Shi Huangdi created centralized government; uniform measurements and writing system; building of Great Wall Han Dynasty civil service system; invention of paper, wheelbarrow, rudder; advancements in science such as acupuncture; artwork Tang and Song Dynasties Golden Ages; building of Grand Canal; expansion of trade; contributions in art, literature and architecture; influenced Japan Byzantine Empire Asia Minor; Eastern half of Roman Empire; Capital city of Constantinople Centralized Government Justinian was the greatest emperor Closely tied to the Orthodox Christian Church Ming Dynasty voyages of exploration (Zheng He); porcelain making; influenced Korea; became isolationist Uniform code of law (Justinian s Code) Contributions in architecture (Hagia Sophia), engineering, and art (mosaics) Gave Russia a written language and influenced Russian religion, government, art, and architecture Preserved Greco Roman culture
Arab Islamic Empire Middle East, North Africa, Spain and Sicily, India, Southeast Asia Preserved, blended, and spread the cultures of classical Greece, Rome, and India Economy based on trade Art influenced by Byzantine domes and arches; use of mosaics; calligraphy Literature poetry, tales, and philosophy Medicine trained doctors, hospitals Enjoyed a prosperous Golden Age Education was an important part of Muslim culture Mathematics developed algebra Science astronomy Trade network spread religious belief, culture, and technology Spread learning to Christian Europe Crusades Europeans were impressed with Muslim peoples and cultures as well as advances in arts and science [cultural diffusion]
Mesoamerican Civilizations (Maya, Aztec, Inca) Mexico and Central America Complex civilizations Skilled farmers could support large population Placed great importance on religion unified empires Governments ruled large empires Architecture pyramids Mayan calendar (365 days) Concept of zero Medical practices Aztecs could set broken bones; Incas performed surgery Engineering Aztecs built causeways to connect city to mainland; Incas built roads to connect their empire Farming Aztecs built floating islands called chinampas ; Incas farmed on terraces Communication Mayas had written language; Incas used quipus to keep records
West African Kingdoms West Africaalong the Niger River Trading empires Gold Salt trade Spread of Islam Mansa Musa s pilgrimage to Mecca influenced the culture of Mali he brought back Muslim scholars and artists Powerful kings Mansa Musa of Mali most famous Trade routes expanded to Europe and Asia Kingdoms had strong armies to maintain order and prevent attacks City of Timbuktu became an important center of learning Growth of trade led to the rise of slave trading