Ancient River Civilizations

Nile River Valley Civilization

Introduction:
The Nile River Valley Civilization started at the mouth and delta of the Nile Ri
ver.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 fl
ood would provide new, rich soil for the
Egyptians and would wash away waste.The seas around the civilization served a barr
ier against war and disease.
Economics:
The inhabitants of the Nile River Valley Civilization depended heavily on farmin
g.Close proximity to the Nile allowed easy
access to water needed for crops.Seasonal flooding fertilized the land for the nex
t year's crops.Agriculture was
essential for survival, growth, and economic success.
Social Structure:
Beliefs:
Polytheistic beliefs based on nature.
Buildings and Art
Using advanced engineering for that period of time, the Egyptians were able to c
onstruct 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 Egyptian
s created a calendar based on a 365-
day cycle.
Geometry - Mathematicians and architects used geometry to design, develop and bu
ild structures such as the pyramids.
Medicine - Part of the Egyptian culture was to embalm the dead to preserve the b
ody 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.

Indus River Valley Civilization

Introduction:
The Indus River Valley Civilization started about 2500 B.C.E. along the south-we
stern part of the Indus
River. The largest city was Mohenjo-Daro, in present day Pakistan, and settlemen
ts stretched all along the
river. The Indus River Civilization stretched out across present day India, Paki
stan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, and Bhutan.
Impact of Geography:
Natural borders consisted of mountains and the Arabian Sea, sheltering the civil
ization from attack and disease. Water
from the river fertilized and irrigated crops. Proximity to the river allowed bo
ats to become a viable transportation option.
Economics:
The development of widespread irrigation systems allowed the indigenous populati
on to provide food for themselves.
Wheat and barley were primary crops, however rye, peas, cotton, and rice were al
so grown. Domestication of animals
also served as an important tool for cultivation and as a source of food. The ec
onomy depended greatly on trade. Trade
was conducted within the civilization as well as with Mesopotamia. Advancement i
n 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:
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 weigh
t and measurements.
Used a system of pictograms for their written language.
2
Level in Society
Brahmins (Ruling Class and Priests)
Kshatriyas (Military and Aristocrats)
Vaishyas (cultivators, artisans, and merchants)
Shudras (peasants and serfs)
Notable Civilizations / Empires
Harappa
Mohenjodaro

Tigris-Euphrates River Valley Civilization

Introduction:
Mesopotamia an area geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rive
rs. Mesopotamia
means the land between two rivers. Mesopotamia began as urban societies in south
ern 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 "bet
ween the rivers" in Greek. There was
never a regular supply of water in Mesopotamia but the soil was enriched over th
e 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 impo
rtant factor in civilization as well
with metalwork, woolen textiles, and pottery. Copper, tin, and timber were impor
ted goods exchanged for dried fish, wool,
wheat, and metal goods.
Social Structure:
Beliefs:
Polytheistic based on nature
Buildings and Art
The important buildings in the Sumerian city was the temple dedicated to the god
s and goddesses of the city. The temple
was called a ziggurat and was built atop a massive, stepped tower. Dwellings wer
e 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 o
f writing known as cuneiform.
3
Level in Society
Nobles (Rulers and Religious Leaders)
Commoners (Merchants, Craftsmen, Farmers, and
Lower Priests)
Slaves
Notable Civilizations / Empires
Sumer
Akkadian
Babylonian
Assyrian
SAISD SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
6 Ancient River Civilizat

Hueng Hu (Yellow) River Valley Civilization

Introduction:
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 yea
r during the flood season,
all homes along the Huang He River were destroyed. Each year, the ancient Chines
e 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-produ
cing area.
Economics:
Initially early dynasties depended on specialized goods and forming for trade. A
s 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:
Beliefs: Polytheistic influenced by nature. Many also paid tribute and worshippe
d 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. Mercha
nts 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 o
ver long distances.
4
Level in Society
Ruling Class
Warlords (Territorial Leaders)
Farmers
Merchants / Artisans
Notable Civilizations / Empires
Xia Dynasty
Shang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty

.........................................................................
Ancient River Valley
Civilizations
1. Mesopotamia: Tigris and
Euphrates Rivers
2. Egypt: Nile River
3. India: Indus and Ganges Rivers
4. China: Yellow and Yangtze
Rivers
The Growth of Civilization
Agricultural Revolution: farming created settled
communities
The five traits of a civilization
Cities
Writing
Specialized workers
Complex institutions
Technology
Mesopotamia /
Fertile Crescent
Located between Tigris and
Euphrates Rivers
Some contributions of
ancient civilizations
Sumer: first civilization, plow, sailboat,
wheel, cuneiform, ziggurats, polytheism
Babylon: Code of Hammurabi
Phoenicians: the alphabet and improved
shipbuilding
Jews: ethical monotheism, Judaism
Persians: well-built empire based on
tolerance
Egypt, Gift of the Nile
History of pharaohs
Around 3200 B.C., King Narmer of Upper
Egypt conquered Lower Egypt and united
the two kingdoms
The Egyptian kinds used the title of
pharaoh and were considered god/kings
Some contributions of
Egyptian civilization
Hieroglyphics
Egyptian religion (polytheistic)
Pyramids
 Mummificatio
Medicine
Br o nz e Ag e
E mp i r e s
Indus Valley
Located between Indus and
Ganges Rivers
Some of the many contributions of
Indus Valley civilizations include. . .
Sanskrit
Hinduism
Buddhism
Reincarnation
Caste system
Complex Institutions
Religion in the Indus Valley
Hinduism
Hinduism is a mixture of Aryan and
ancient Indian culture
The sacred writings are the Vedas that
explain the basic philosophy of
Hinduism.
Beliefs include reincarnation, moksha,
and castes.
A second religion of the Indus
Valley is Buddhism.
Founder = Sidhartha Gautama
Beliefs = Four Noble Truths,
Eightfold Path,
Nirvana
No complex rituals, as in Hinduism, and it
is taught in the everyday language.
Indus River Valley
Indus sites not fully discovered yet
No kings/queens known
Few available records
Was largest empire until Persia
develops 1000 years later
Indus River Valley
Two main cities of the Indus Valley
Harappa
Mohenjo-Daro
Both carefully planned & laid out in
a grid pattern
Structures built of oven-fired bricks
Homes had indoor plumbing
Indus River Valley
Archaeologists believe the 2 cities
had strong organized government
Food seemed to be in good supply
City planning indicates
development of mathematical skills
Indus first to cultivate cotton
Polytheistic religious beliefs
Huang He River Valley
China s geography has isolated it
Chinese developed belief that
China was the center of the Earth &
source of all civilization
China to south & southwest
hemmed in by Tien Shan &
Himalaya mountains
China s River Valley
Located between the Yellow (Huang-He)
and Yangtze (Chang Jiang) Rivers
Chinese philosophies
Confucianism: based on family, respect
and education
Daoism: based on living simply and
harmony with nature
Legalism: based on a strict and powerful
government
Some of China s many
contributions include. . .
Printing
The Great Wall of China
Dynastic cycle
Huang He River Valley
China s history began in Huang He
Valley
People learned to farm during the
Neolithic Age
The yellow soil particles in the river
give it its name Yellow
Also known as China s Sorrow
because of the unpredictable
flooding
Huang He River Valley
The flooding is due in part to the loess in
the water that raises the level of the river
Flooding has often been disastrous
First Chinese in the valley to develop
were the Shang
Zhou overthrew the Shang
Developed Mandate of Heaven idea
Huang He River Valley
Mandate of Heaven says that the
gods allowed a dynasty to rule until
that dynasty got old & corrupt
New dynasty was given new Mandate
of Heaven to over throw old
This changing of dynasties is called
the Dynastic Cycle
T h e
Dy na st i c
Cy c l e
A new
dynasty
comes to power.
Lives of common
people improved;
taxes reduced;
farming encouraged.
Problems begin
(extensive wars,
invasions, etc.)
Taxes increase;
men forced to
work for army.
Farming neglected.
Govt. increases
spending;
corruption.
Droughts,
floods,
famines occur.
Poor lose
respect for govt.
They join rebels
& attack landlords.
Rebel bands find
strong leader who
unites them.
Attack the emperor.
Emperor is
defeated !!
The emperor
reforms the govt.
& makes it more
efficient.
Start here
Huang He River Valley
By 1000 BC Chinese had develop silk
production
Chinese also produced first books
under the Zhou
Also produced porcelain, writing,
coined money and cast iron
Other Civilizations to Consider
Indo-European Civilizations
Aryans
Hittites
Aryans
Developed Caste System
Lighter skin, higher caste
Aryans blended cultures
Brought in Hinduism
Believed in reincarnation
Karma & dharma
Cows are sacred
Hittites
Centered in Anatolia (modern Turkey,
Asia Minor)
Developed iron technology
Developed the chariot which changed
warfare dramatically
Other Civilizations to Consider
Fertile Crescent
Phoenicians
Coast of eastern Mediterranean
Sea
Carriers of civilization
Created alphabet
Final Thoughts
How are these groups similar?
How are they different?
What did they contribute to the world?
What impact did geography have on
each society?
......................................................
RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS
QUESTIONS TO KEEP IN MIND:
How did geography impact the first civilizations?
How did changes in the Neolithic Revolution lead to the development of River Val
ley Civilizations?
KEY VOCABULARY
Civilization form of culture in which some people live in cities and have comple
x social institutions, use some form of writing, and are skilled in science, art
, and technology
Empire group of territories or nations ruled by a single ruler or government
Theocracy government headed by religious leaders or a leader regarded as a god
Polytheistic belief in many gods
Monotheistic belief in only one god
THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION
Arose in 4 separate river valleys around 3500 B.C.
Fertile soil, mild climate, waterway for transportation, water for crops & drink
ing
Provided for abundant crops and food surpluses
MESOPOTAMIA (3500 B.C.E.-1700 B.C.E.)
The Land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
Also called The Fertile Crescent
First civilization was SUMER
GOVERNMENT
City-states
Each had its own ruler (also head of religion theocracy)
Were eventually united under
single rulers
King Hammurabi created the
first written law code
Pertained to all aspects of life
Did not apply to all people equally
ECONOMY
Farming basis for economy
Grew grains, vegetables, dates, flax
Domesticated sheep, goats, cows, oxen, and donkeys
Evidence shows they traded with other civilizations
Merchants
artisans
RELIGION
King was the head of the religion, as well as the government
Each city-state had its own chief deity
Like most ancient religions, Sumer was polytheistic (believed in as many as 2000
gods)
Built amazing temples (ziggurats) to honor gods)
SOCIETY
Three social classes
King and nobles
Merchants and artisans
Peasants and slaves
Women had few legal rights in Sumerian society
INNOVATIONS (Technology)
Developed the first writing cuneiform
Built clay brick structures ziggurats (temples)
Developed the arch, ramps, sewers, and the wheel
Number system based
on 60 and algebra
Had a lunar calendar
Assignment:
Write a summary on your Cornell notes
Begin your comparison chart of ancient civilizations
Reading assignment for homework
The Fertile Crescent
ANCIENT EGYPT
Gift of the Nile
GEOGRAPHY
Located in the Nile River Valley in North Africa
Fertile soil
Yearly floods
Building resources
Natural protection from invasion
POLITICS
Ruled by dynasties (ruling families)
King was called pharaoh , (monarchy)
Controlled army & defended Egypt from invasion
Owned all the land and made all the laws
Eventually created empires by uniting sections of Egypt
There were even some
women pharaohs
(Hatshepsut was the
1st woman ruler in the
world)
ECONOMY
The pharaoh controlled the economy
Nearly everyone was involved in agriculture
Some were merchants and craftsmen
Trade was prominent throughout the kingdom and with other civilizations
RELIGION
Polytheistic
Believed in a specific afterlife
Mummified bodies
Believed pharaoh was a god-king
SOCIETY
Pharaoh was at the center of Egyptian society
Social classes
Ruling family and nobility (including priests and scribes)
Farmers, merchants, artisans, warriors
Peasants & Slaves
Women had some legal rights, but were still considered less than equal to men
INNOVATIONS
Number system based on 10, as well as geometry
Great astronomers
Excellent irrigation systems
Mummification
Hieroglyphic writing
The Arts
Built huge temples and pyramids
Sphinx, obelisks
Decorated tombs and temples with drawings and hieroglyphics that recorded histor
y and depicted everyday life, as well as the pharaohs and their families
Assignment
Write a summary on your Cornell notes for Egypt
Add to your PERSIA Chart
Reading for homework Egypt
Reading Quiz on Tuesday
INDUS RIVER VALLEY
The Harappan Civilization
GEOGRAPHY
Located in the Indus River Valley on the Indian subcontinent
Yearly floods deposit fertile soil in the region
Weather is influenced by yearly monsoons
The Kyber Pass thru the Hindu Kush mountains allow people to cross into the Indu
s River Valley
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
The center of government was the citadel
The Harappan s had a strong and well-organized central government
We are unsure of the exact political structure
There were twin capitals at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
Eventually, the Arayans took control
ECONOMY
People who lived in the towns and cities were mostly merchants and craftsmen
People who lived in areas outside the cities were farmers and herders
The Harappans invented the first system of weights and measures for trade
They traded as far away as ancient Sumer where they imported textiles and food i
n exchange for copper, lumber, precious stones, cotton, and luxury goods
RELIGION
Polytheistic
Originally, probably an animistic religion
Rulers probably ruled by divine right
Eventually developed the Hindu religion when the Arayans brought their ideas
SOCIETY
More people involved in trade and craftsmanship than other civilizations
Little evidence to suggest what their class system was like
Women had no legal rights and were considered the property of their husbands
As the Arayan influence spread, a caste system developed
INNOVATIONS
Well-planned cities (streets at 90o angles)
Sewer systems and garbage bins
Private and public baths
Kilns for baking bricks
Public wells provided water
Written language (mostly pictographic)
[The Arayans brought the Sanskrit language when they took over]
THE END OF HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION
No one really knows what happened to the Harappans
Theories
Natural disaster (earthquake, floods) destroyed the cities and the people migrat
ed to other areas
They were conquered by other people
They moved from the region for some other reason
THE ARAYANS (FYI)
Nomadic people from the Caspian and Black Sea region
Patriarchal tribes of herders
Did not associate with the natives of India which they conquered
Did not build large cities or permanent settlements
Influenced modern social structure and religion of India
Assignment
Add Harappan civilization to your PERSIA Chart
WARM-UP
Title your map River Valley Civilizations
Locate the 4 River Valley Civilizations on your map and draw an outline of the c
ivilization (you don t have to be exact).
Color each civilization a different color and create a key on the map showing Su
mer, Egypt, Indus Valley, and China
Label the continents of Africa, Europe, and Asia, as well as the Atlantic, India
n, and Pacific Oceans
CHINA
GEOGRAPHY
Located in the Huang He River Valley
Also called the Yellow River (silt yellowish color)
Also called China s Sorrow (devastating floods)
Contained by a system of dikes
Relatively isolated
Surrounded by mountains, desert, and water
Little influence from other civilizations
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
Known for its dynastic cycle (see diagram)
The first known dynasty was the Shang
Built China s first cities
Established a capital at Anyang
Emperors were military leaders who ruled with the help of powerful nobles
Principle of government was the Mandate of Heaven (gods approval of the emperor)
When an emperor lost Mandate of Heaven there was an uprising and often a new dynas
ty would take control
ECONOMY
Based on agriculture
Used mostly barter system of trade
Though skilled at many crafts, trade was discouraged outside the empire
RELIGION
Polytheistic (animistic)
Believed in ancestor worship (think Mulan)
Shang emperors also served as high priests and often offered sacrifices to their
royal ancestors
SOCIETY
Social structure was based on agricultural society
Three social classes
Emperor/Royal Family/Nobility
Warriors
Farmers/merchants/craftsmen
Family was key social unit
Women had no legal rights
Arranged marriages
Extended families lived together
INNOVATIONS
Skilled metal workers
Weapons made of bronze
Bronze ceremonial vessels
Silk
Mirrors
Fireworks/gunpowder (later dynasties)
The Arts
Unique architecture
Decorated pottery
Pictographic writing (5000 characters)
OTHER ANCIENT PEOPLES
The Phoenicians
Seafaring people along the eastern Mediterranean coast
Traded a number of goods with other people
Purple dye
Cedar lumber
glass
Established colonies throughout the Mediterranean
Developed an alphabet of 22 characters
The Hebrews (Israelites) 1200 B.C.E
Mostly nomadic herders
Influenced both Mesopotamia and Egypt due to its geographic location near the ea
stern Mediterranean
Developed the first monotheistic religion
Ten Commandments
Forefathers, Abraham and Moses entered into covenants with God (Yahweh)
............................................................
What are the Social Structure/classes in River valley civilizations and there ef
fects?
What are the Social Structures and classes in river civilizations?
Tigris-Euphrates Civilization started in 5000 B.C.
Yellow/Huang-He River Civilization
The Yellow River (The Shang) civilization started in 4000 B.C
Indus River Civilization
Indus Civilization started in 2500 B.C.E
Tigris-Euphrates Civilization
The Tigris-Euphrates Civilization's Social Structure...
The Nile Valley Civilization
The Nile Valley Civilization started in 3100 B.C.
Nile's Social Structure (Think of it as a Pyramid) is...
King Or Pharaoh
-> Special Status or is 'a descendent from god' and is the ruler of the the land
. (He runs the show)
Ruling Class
-> Is related or of high importance to the King Or Pharaoh.
---------------^
---------------^
------------------^
Farmers
--> Most people of the Nile tribes were farmers that can only be vaguely disting
uished by their tombs.
Craftsman
--> make weapons and tools for the people and Work on the decorations for tombs
for the Pharaoh
Marginalized Groups
--> Acted as Military for the Pharaoh
---------^
----------^
Slaves
--> People used as tools (built the pyramids) the bottom of the social Structure
.
There were three major social groups in the Sumerian city-states
1).
The Nobles
which included many/most of the royal and religious officials.
2).
The Commoners
worked for palace and temple domain, they also worked as farmers, merchants, and
crafts people. 90% of people fit in this category because of how fertile the ar
ea was.
3).
The Slaves
worked in building and also belonged to palace official
Indus River Civilization's Social Structure...
Caste System with 4 main social classes that one is born in and can never change
.
Brahmins
--> Which are mostly priests and kings.
Kshatriyas
--> Which were warriors and aristocrats - Rulers.
Viashyas
--> Which were cultivators, artisans and merchants. - Commoners
Shudras
--> Were the peasants and the serfs
Social Structure
Social Structure
Def. - the people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteris
tic pattern of relationships
Social class
- people having the same social, economic, or educational status; "the working c
lass"; "an emerging professional class"
The Yellow River (The Shang) civilization's Social Structure...
The ancient Huang-He/Yellow River civilization's social structure is based on wh
at the chinese believed to be is the "Mandate of Heaven" Which gave rulers and e
mperors the right to rule.
First Class
: The Emperor -> Was the king because he had the mandate of heaven BUT if someth
ing were to happen (Natural disaster etc..) he would be kicked out because it wa
s a sign he wasn't doing he's job.
Second Class:
Si Kong -> They were the nobles because they had more material (gems, gold etc..
) then classes below them.
'Third' Class:
Xiao Si Tu -> Soldiers & Warrior were considered higher cause they were respecte
d.
Middle Class:
Ju Zheng -> They were the merchants; they weren't rich but played a key role in
trade and economics.
Lower Class:
Jun Ren -> Substance farmers
Slaves:
No influence, were used as tools and told what to do.
................................................................................
........
PALEOLITHIC - NEOLITHIC ERAS

The most important technological development ever to occur in human history was
the domestication of plants (agriculture) and animals (pastoralism). Together th
ese developments are called the Neolithic Revolution and they allowed the develo
pment of urban centers (towns and, later, cities), trade and most of the other t
hings we consider to be components of "civilization."
Characteristics
With the Neolithic Revolution civilizations now began popping up in unsurprising
locations - river valleys. These river valleys provided people with fertile soi
l due to their floods. These floods, combined with the new-found knowledge of fa
rming and animal domestication, allowed for a stable food supply and so the Neol
ithic people settled down around these rivers. As these people lived together in
one spot civilizations arose, which often shared theses common characteristics:

Advanced Technical Skills

Sometime around 3000 BC, the Neolithic peoples around these river valleys learne
d how to make and use bronze tools and weapons. This in part allowed these peopl
es to construct permanent shelters and homes since they no longer were nomads, f
ollowing their food source and looking for caves as shelter.

Governments
The floods that helped to provide the fertile soil for survival also posed a pro
blem. The floods were sometimes massive and could wipe out an entire village if
uncontrolled and farmers needed to get water to their fields during the dry seas
on. As a result an irrigation system (dikes and canals) was necessary to control
these waters. The construction of these projects required organization and coop
eration among the Neolithic people on a massive scaled. So governments probably
developed to direct these projects and to provide rules by which to live.

Division of Labor
As agricultural productivity increased, fewer people were needed to work in the
fields producing food (much like the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century i
n England). These "extra" people who weren't needed to farm could then become ar
tisans, or merchants or traders and production of all sorts was able to increase
thereby providing a better standard of living for all.

The Neolithic Revolution

 Dependency on Natural Resources
Before: Moved with their food supply
After: Water and good soil for crops
Government
Before: Families (male ruled) evolutionary, from family to village to city.
After: Chief with council.
Economy
Before: No real economy
After: Barter system
Technology
Before: Stone tools
After: Farming, baking and firing pottery, specialized tools, bronze tools and w
eapons
Religion
Polytheistic - believed in life after death.
Cause and Effect
Neolithic Revolution
Two major effects were the development of agricultre, and the domestication of a
nimals.
These two changes allowed people to stay in one spot instead of wandering from p
lace to place following their main food source (animals). Somehow Neolithic peop
le learned how to plant and raise crops and keep and raise livestock for food. N
ow people were put in the situation of living together permanently and as a resu
lt much cooperation was needed for survival and civilizations started to arise.
.............................................................................
TIGRIS/EUPHRATES RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATION

Mesopotamia an area geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rive
rs. Mesopotamia means the land between two rivers. Mesopotamia began as urban so
cieties in southern Iraq in 5000 BC, and ends in the 6th century BC.
Source: World History: Ancient Civilizations
Impact of Geography
It was the two rivers that became the basis upon which the wealth of the region
There was never a regular supple of water in Mesopotamia but the soil was so enr
iched over the years by the layers of silt which is material deposited by the tw
o rivers
The valley between the Tigris and the Euphrates River was known as the land "bet
ween the rivers" in Greek
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 civiliza
tion
Ancient Mesopotamia consists of current day Assyria, Akkad, and Sumer
The three main independent cities in Southern Mesopotamia were Eridu, Ur, and Ur
ak, these cities had a political and economic over the surrounding countryside

Economy
The Sumerian city-states was based on farming and trade
Industry became an important factor in civilization as well
The people of Mesopotamia were known for their metalwork, woolen textiles, and p
ottery
Copper, tin, and timber were imported goods exchanged for dried fish, wool, whea
t, and metal goods
Around 3000 B.C. the invention of the wheel was created making transportation of
good easier and quicker

Social Structure
There were three major social groups in the Sumerian city-states
The groups were the nobles, commoners, and the slaves
The Nobles included many of the royal and religious officials
The Commoners worked for palace and temple domain, they also worked as farmers,
merchants, and crafts people
More than 90 percent of the people in Mesopotamia were farmers due to the rich s
oil
The slaves worked in building buildings and also belonged to the palace official
s

Buildings/Structures
The most famous and important building in the Sumerian city was the temple dedic
ated to the gods and goddesses of the city.
The temple was called a ziggurat and was built atop a massive stepped tower
Housing were built by sun-dried bricks
A small portion of buildings were made by stone or wood
Characters/Gender Roles
Female slaves:
Often used to weave cloth and grind grains
The Sumerian kings:
Families lived in large palaces and helped rule
Tools/Weapons/Technology
Tools
Saws
Chisels
Hammers
Braces
Bits
Nails
Pins
Rings
Hoes
Glue
Weapons
Arrowheads
Axes
Knives
Lancepoints
Swords
Daggers
Clubs
Armor
 Technology
Writing system
Number system
First wheeled vehicles
Irrigation systems
Boats
Calendar
Religion
What they believed:
In Mesopotamia, each town and city was believed to be protected by a god
The Mesopotamians believed that these pyramid temples connected heaven and earth
At first, many religious events were held at the temple but later as priesthood
developed, the temple became the center of both religion and learning for the en
tire community
The gods in Sumerian were called dingir
Their gods and goddesses had supernatural powers
Every single city had its own patron god or goddess who owned everything and eve
ryone in the city
Everyone was expected to sing hymns, say prayers, make sacrifices and bring offe
rings to the local temple (ziggurat) for the gods
In Mesopotamia the people looked to religion to answer their questions about lif
e and death, good and evil, and the forces of nature
The Sumerians believed in divine order, that is, everything that occurs is prepl
anned by the gods
There are four all-powerful gods that created and controlled the universe
An was the god of heaven
Enlil was the air-god
Enki was the water-god
Ninhursag was the mother earth-goddess
Each of these gods created lesser gods who were also important in Mesopotamia
Utu, the sun-god
Nanna was the moon-god
Writing/Literature
One of the greatest accomplishments of the Sumerian people was the invention of
the earliest known system of writing
The Sumerians created written documents by using a triangular-tipped stylus to m
ake wedge-shaped impressions in soft clay
Enuma Elish and Gilgamesh are examples of great religious literature, while the
Code of Hammurabi is one of the greatest early examples of juridical literature
People who lived north of the Sumerian city-states also known as Akkadians (Semi
tic) spoke a Semitic languag
....................................................................
River valley civilization
A river civilization or river culture is an agricultural nation or civilization
situated beside (and often drawing sustenance from) a river.
Contents
History Edit
The first great civilizations all grew up in river valleys. The oldest, 3300 to
2500 BCE, was along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the Middle East; the name
given to that civilization, Mesopotamia, means "land between the rivers". The N
ile valley in Egypt had been home to agricultural settlements as early as 5500 B
CE, but the growth of Egypt as a civilization began around 3100 BCE. A third civ
ilization grew up along the Indus River around 2600 BCE, in parts of what are no
w India and Pakistan. The fourth great river civilization emerged around 1700 BC
E along the Yellow River in China, also known as the Huang-He River Civilization
.[1][2]
Causes Edit
Civilizations tended to grow up in river valleys for a number of reasons.The mos
t obvious is access to a usually reliable source of water for agriculture and hu
man needs. Plentiful water, and the enrichment of the soil due to annual floods
, made it possible to grow excess crops beyond what was needed to sustain an agr
icultural village. This allowed for some members of the community to engage in n
on-agricultural activities such as construction of buildings and cities (the roo
t of the word "civilization"), metal working, trade, and social organization.[3]
[4]
Early civilizations Edit
Mesopotamia was the earliest river valley civilization, starting to form around
3500 BCE. The civilization was created after regular trading started relationshi
ps between multiple cities and states around the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Me
sopotamian cities became self-run civil governments. One of the cities within th
is civilization, Uruk, was the first literate society in history. Eventually, th
ey all joined together to irrigate the two rivers in order to make their dry lan
d fertile for agricultural growth. The increase in successful farming in this ci
vilization allowed population growth throughout the cities and states within Mes
opotamia.[5]
Egypt also created irrigation systems from its local river, the Nile River, but
it was different from the other civilizations because its irrigation system was
more intricate than the others. The Egyptians would rotate legumes with cereal w
hich would stop salt buildup from the fresh water and enhance the fertility of t
heir fields. The Nile River also allowed easier travel among the civilization an
d eventually created two kingdoms at the north and south areas of the river unti
l both were unified into one society by 3000 BCE.[6]
The Indus valley civilization is different from the civilizations of Egypt, Meso
potamia, and China in that much of its history is unknown. Discovered in the 192
0s, Harappan society remains a mystery because the Harappan system of writing ha
s not yet been deciphered. It was also larger than both Egypt and Mesopotamia, w
hich is strange considering its apparent lack of both violence and a ruling clas
s. There are no distinctive burial sites and there is not a lot of evidence to s
uggest a formal military. Historians, however, believe that the lack of knowledg
e about the ruling class and the military is mainly due to the inability to read
Harappan writing.[7]
Localized chiefdoms were the primary forms of society in China until the third c
entury BCE. Early Chinese tribes were organized into patriarchal lineages. Men h
eld roles as leaders and members of the lineages, while women were considered ass
ets that could essentially be traded between tribes to establish alliances[citati
on needed]. When women entered new lineages through marriage, they had no status
until they gave birth to a son. As their sons grew older, mothers gained status
and security through them. Although women could gain high status by arranging f
or their sons to hold prominent places in court, many had to settle for exercisi
ng power only in domestic matters. Ritual sites were also significant to early C
hinese civilization. Those who had access to ritual sites had political power. S
hrines were dedicated to specific lineages, and worshipers paid tribute to their
ancestors in the hopes that they would have successful harvests and good luck.
Gifts included objects such as jade carvings and pieces of pottery. Archaeologic
al evidence suggests that violence was a common occurrence in the Yellow River V
alley. Although violence led to changes in political leadership, no significant
cultural changes resulted from such conflict.[8]