Civilizations

• What is a civilization?

  A complex and structured society distinguished by high cultural, social, economic, and technical progress.
• What are the essential features of a civilization?

  • Urban centers with specialized labor
  • Structured system of administration
  • Social hierarchies
  • Notable cultural and creative accomplishments
  • Utilization of a written language
• What are common characteristics exhibited by civilizations?

  • Expertise in agriculture
  • Technical advancement
  • Construction of enduring structures and infrastructure
• What is Ancient Mesopotamia known as?

  The "cradle of civilization."
• When did Ancient Mesopotamia emerge?

  Around 3500 BCE.
• Where is Ancient Mesopotamia located in modern geography?

  In modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria.
• Which cultures were part of Ancient Mesopotamia?

  • Sumerians
  • Akkadians
  • Babylonians
  • Assyrians
• What key invention around 3500 BCE revolutionized transportation and machinery?

  The Wheel.
• What writing system was created by the Sumerians around 3200 BCE?

  Cuneiform Writing.
• What was the purpose of cuneiform writing?

  For record-keeping.
• What type of architecture did Mesopotamians build for religious and administrative purposes?

  Ziggurats.
• What were some contributions of the Babylonians?

  • Advanced Mathematics: Developed a sexagesimal (base-60) numeral system.
  • Metallurgy: Created bronze tools and weapons from copper and tin.
  • Law: Established the “Code of Hammurabi” with 282 laws.
• What does the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" refer to?

  It refers to a principle of justice in the Code of Hammurabi.
• What significant invention did Ancient Egypt develop around 3100 BCE?

  Papyrus.
• What was the significance of hieroglyphics in Ancient Egypt?

  It was one of the earliest writing systems used for religious and historical messages.
• What helped decipher hieroglyphics in 1799?

  The Rosetta Stone.
• What medical advancements were made in Ancient Egypt?

  • Medical papyri detailed surgical procedures and medicinal recipes.
  • Egyptian physicians practiced dentistry and performed surgeries.
  • Used a variety of herbs and medicines.
• What is the Great Pyramid of Giza known for?

  It is a marvel of ancient engineering built around 2560 BCE.
• What irrigation systems did Ancient Egyptians develop?

  Sophisticated irrigation systems for agricultural success along the Nile River.
• What is the time period of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  3300 BCE - 1300 BCE.
• What were the significant centers of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
• What urban planning features were present in the Indus Valley Civilization?

  • Intricate street grids
  • Sophisticated drainage systems
  • Multi-story brick houses
• What does the presence of standardized weights and measures in the Indus Valley suggest?

  It indicates contributions to mathematics and a commerce and trade system.
• What does the "Dancing Girl" figurine from the Indus Valley suggest?

  It shows realistic anatomy, suggesting possible interest in medical sciences.
• What does the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro indicate?

  Evidence of advanced water management and communal hygiene.
• What are the technological contributions of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  • Standardized weights and measures
  • Well-crafted seals with an undeciphered script
  • Evidence of surgical instruments
• What is the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  • Innovative urban planning
  • Engineering feats
  • Technological advancements
• What are the Four Great Inventions of Ancient China?

  Papermaking, gunpowder, compass, and movable-type printing.
• Who is credited with the invention of papermaking?

  Cai Lun in the 2nd century BCE.
• What did gunpowder transform?

  Warfare and had profound implications for science.
• When did the compass emerge?

  During the Han Dynasty.
• What was the significance of movable-type printing?

  It revolutionized information dissemination.
• What contributions to medicine did Ancient China make?

  • Huangdi Neijing: Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
  • Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Cataloged medicinal plants.
• What technological and engineering advancements did Ancient China achieve?

  • Great Wall of China: Military defense.
  • Hydraulic Engineering: Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
• What mathematical contributions did Ancient China make?

  They demonstrated proficiency with the abacus and developed calendars.
• What time period does Ancient Mesoamerica cover?

  2000 BCE - 16th Century.
• What were the advanced civilizations in Ancient Mesoamerica?

  • Olmecs
  • Maya
  • Aztecs
  • Incas
• What were the staple crops of Ancient Mesoamerican societies?

  • Maize
  • Beans
  • Squash
• What contributions did the Maya make to astronomy and mathematics?

  • Advanced calendar system
  • Contributions to hieroglyphic writing
• What engineering achievements are notable in Mesoamerica?

  • Pyramids of Teotihuacan
  • Step-pyramids of the Maya