Chapter 2:First Chapter 2:First Civilizations: Africa and Civilizations: Africa and

AsiaAsia

Daniel BentivengaDaniel Bentivenga

Global 4Global 4thth Quarter project Quarter project

5/5/07 Period 1a5/5/07 Period 1a

Ancient Kingdoms of the Ancient Kingdoms of the NileNile

The Nile River is a fertile area where the The Nile River is a fertile area where the Egyptians were able to settle and farm.Egyptians were able to settle and farm.

The big deserts protected the Egyptians from The big deserts protected the Egyptians from invaders.invaders.

Two popular crops were wheat and flax, a plant Two popular crops were wheat and flax, a plant whose fibers were used for clothing.whose fibers were used for clothing.

The Nile flooded annually, soaking the land and The Nile flooded annually, soaking the land and depositing rich soil.depositing rich soil.

Egypt was made up of Upper and Lower Egypt.Egypt was made up of Upper and Lower Egypt. In 3100 B.C., King Menes united the two regions, In 3100 B.C., King Menes united the two regions,

using the Nile as a highway for travel and trade. using the Nile as a highway for travel and trade.

Old KingdomOld Kingdom

►The Old Kingdom lasted from 2700 The Old Kingdom lasted from 2700 B.C. to 2200 B.C.B.C. to 2200 B.C.

►Egyptian rulers formed a strong Egyptian rulers formed a strong centralized state.centralized state.

►Pharaohs claimed divine support and Pharaohs claimed divine support and thus had absolute power.thus had absolute power.

►During this period, the pyramids at During this period, the pyramids at Giza were built.Giza were built.

Middle KingdomMiddle Kingdom

Lasted from 2050 B.C. to 1800 B.C.Lasted from 2050 B.C. to 1800 B.C. Though it was a turbulent time, rulers did Though it was a turbulent time, rulers did

organize a drainage project, making a lot organize a drainage project, making a lot of new fertile land.of new fertile land.

In 1700 B.C., the Hyksos overtook the In 1700 B.C., the Hyksos overtook the delta area.delta area.

The Hyksos used horse-drawn war The Hyksos used horse-drawn war chariots, which the Egyptians later chariots, which the Egyptians later adopted.adopted.

New KingdomNew KingdomAfter 100 years, the Egyptians drove the Hyksos After 100 years, the Egyptians drove the Hyksos out and set up the New Kingdom.out and set up the New Kingdom.

Lasted from 1550 B.C. to 1100 B.C. This was an Lasted from 1550 B.C. to 1100 B.C. This was an age where Egypt reached from parts of Africa to age where Egypt reached from parts of Africa to western Asia.western Asia.

Two of the most famous rulers were Hatshepsut Two of the most famous rulers were Hatshepsut and Ramses II.and Ramses II.

After Ramses II, Assyrians, Persians, and later After Ramses II, Assyrians, Persians, and later Greeks and Romans all wanted to add the Nile Greeks and Romans all wanted to add the Nile Valley to a growing empire.Valley to a growing empire.

Section One VocabularySection One Vocabulary

Silt- SoilSilt- Soil Cataract- waterfallCataract- waterfall Delta- a triangular area of marshland Delta- a triangular area of marshland

formed by deposits of silt at the formed by deposits of silt at the mouth of some rivers.mouth of some rivers.

Dynasty- ruling familyDynasty- ruling family Pharaoh- Egyptian rulerPharaoh- Egyptian ruler Vizier- chief ministerVizier- chief minister

Egyptian CivilizationEgyptian Civilization Egyptians were polytheistic. They believed in the afterlife, where you will be Egyptians were polytheistic. They believed in the afterlife, where you will be

judged as a sinner or faithful.judged as a sinner or faithful. In society, the pharaoh was on top. High priests and priestesses were right below. In society, the pharaoh was on top. High priests and priestesses were right below.

Then came the nobles, and finally a small class of merchants and artisans.Then came the nobles, and finally a small class of merchants and artisans. Most Egyptians were peasant farmers and slaves. Women enjoyed more equality Most Egyptians were peasant farmers and slaves. Women enjoyed more equality

than in most ancient civilizations.than in most ancient civilizations. Egyptians used hieroglyphics, ideograms, and demotic in writing. The Rosetta Egyptians used hieroglyphics, ideograms, and demotic in writing. The Rosetta

Stone was deciphered in the early 1800s to help learn the meanings of the Stone was deciphered in the early 1800s to help learn the meanings of the symbols.symbols.

Egyptians made advances in medicine in medicine and science. They were able to Egyptians made advances in medicine in medicine and science. They were able to diagnose illnesses and perform surgical procedures. Some of their medicines are diagnose illnesses and perform surgical procedures. Some of their medicines are still used today. still used today.

Egyptian astronomers studied constellations and planets, developing a calendar Egyptian astronomers studied constellations and planets, developing a calendar that is very similar to our modern one.that is very similar to our modern one.

To survey land, geometry was used and engineering was required for huge To survey land, geometry was used and engineering was required for huge building projects like pyramids and irrigation systems.building projects like pyramids and irrigation systems.

Great structures like the Sphinx are from Egyptian architecture.Great structures like the Sphinx are from Egyptian architecture. Folk tales were popular in Egyptian culture. One famous story is Folk tales were popular in Egyptian culture. One famous story is The Tale of The Tale of

SinuheSinuhe..

Section Two VocabularySection Two Vocabulary

Mummification- the preservation of the Mummification- the preservation of the dead.dead.

Hieroglyphics- picture writingHieroglyphics- picture writing Ideogram- picture that symbolized an idea Ideogram- picture that symbolized an idea

or action.or action. Demotic- a simple form of writing for Demotic- a simple form of writing for

everyday use.everyday use. Papyrus- a plant that grows along the banks Papyrus- a plant that grows along the banks

of the Nile.of the Nile. Decipher- decode.Decipher- decode.

City-States of Ancient City-States of Ancient SumerSumer

• Sumer was founded in the area now known as the Middle East. At that time it was Sumer was founded in the area now known as the Middle East. At that time it was called Mesopotamia, which means “between the rivers” in Greek. It was also called called Mesopotamia, which means “between the rivers” in Greek. It was also called the Fertile Crescent because it is a very fertile piece of land. It is between the Tigris the Fertile Crescent because it is a very fertile piece of land. It is between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.and Euphrates Rivers.

• The rivers frequently flooded, devastating villages and crops. Villagers worked The rivers frequently flooded, devastating villages and crops. Villagers worked together to make dikes to stop water and create irrigation to bring water to their together to make dikes to stop water and create irrigation to bring water to their fields.fields.

• The first Sumerian city emerged around 3200 B.C. The area lacked many natural The first Sumerian city emerged around 3200 B.C. The area lacked many natural resources, but the cities still flourished.resources, but the cities still flourished.

• There was a class system like Egypt. The ruling family was first, then high priests There was a class system like Egypt. The ruling family was first, then high priests and leading officials. A small middle class was made up of merchants, artisans, and leading officials. A small middle class was made up of merchants, artisans, lesser priests, and scribes. Peasants and slaves were the majority.lesser priests, and scribes. Peasants and slaves were the majority.

• Women lost some power over time but still had legal rights.Women lost some power over time but still had legal rights.• Sumerians were polytheistic, and built pyramid-temples called ziggurats to the chief Sumerians were polytheistic, and built pyramid-temples called ziggurats to the chief

god/goddess of the city-state.god/goddess of the city-state.• Sumerians invented to first form of writing, cuneiformSumerians invented to first form of writing, cuneiform• They made basic algebra and geometry and made an accurate calendar from studies They made basic algebra and geometry and made an accurate calendar from studies

of the heavens.of the heavens.

Section Three VocabularySection Three Vocabulary

Hierarchy- system of ranks.Hierarchy- system of ranks. Ziggurat- a pyramid temple that Ziggurat- a pyramid temple that

soared toward the heavens.soared toward the heavens. Cuneiform- earliest form of writing.Cuneiform- earliest form of writing.

Invaders, Traders, and Empire Invaders, Traders, and Empire BuildersBuilders

In 2300 B.C., the ruler of Akkad, Sargon, invaded and conquered Sumer. In 2300 B.C., the ruler of Akkad, Sargon, invaded and conquered Sumer. He built the first known empire, but it was short-lived.He built the first known empire, but it was short-lived.In 1790 B.C., Hammurabi, king of Babylon, controlled much of In 1790 B.C., Hammurabi, king of Babylon, controlled much of Mesopotamia. He created a remarkable set of laws called the Code of Mesopotamia. He created a remarkable set of laws called the Code of Hammurabi.Hammurabi.The Hittites were strong because they made items out of iron ore, which The Hittites were strong because they made items out of iron ore, which were stronger than bronze and copper.were stronger than bronze and copper.The Assyrians were very militaristic. Babylon revived itself under the king The Assyrians were very militaristic. Babylon revived itself under the king Nebuchadnezzar.Nebuchadnezzar.He fell to the Persian armies under Cyrus the Great. He was followed by He fell to the Persian armies under Cyrus the Great. He was followed by Darius, his son, who divided Persia into provinces.Darius, his son, who divided Persia into provinces.It included areas from Asia Minor to India. The Persian was also the first to It included areas from Asia Minor to India. The Persian was also the first to have a uniform coinage system.have a uniform coinage system.Persian thinker Zoroaster created a monotheistic religion that is practiced Persian thinker Zoroaster created a monotheistic religion that is practiced today and is similar to Christianity and Islam.today and is similar to Christianity and Islam.The Phoenicians were a group of traders and merchants that had colonies The Phoenicians were a group of traders and merchants that had colonies across the Mediterranean Sea and invented a 22-letter alphabet that is across the Mediterranean Sea and invented a 22-letter alphabet that is similar to the one used today.similar to the one used today.

Section Four VocabularySection Four Vocabulary

Codify- arrange and set down in writing.Codify- arrange and set down in writing. Criminal Law- offenses against others.Criminal Law- offenses against others. Civil Law- deals with private rights and matters.Civil Law- deals with private rights and matters. Tolerance- acceptance.Tolerance- acceptance. Satrap- governor.Satrap- governor. Barter Economy- exchanging one set of goods or services Barter Economy- exchanging one set of goods or services

for another.for another. Money Economy- goods and services are paid for through Money Economy- goods and services are paid for through

the exchange of some token of an agreed value.the exchange of some token of an agreed value. Colony- territory settled and ruled by people from another Colony- territory settled and ruled by people from another

land.land. Alphabet- contains letters that represent spoken sounds.Alphabet- contains letters that represent spoken sounds.

The Roots of JudaismThe Roots of Judaism The Israelites were a nomadic people at first. Abraham The Israelites were a nomadic people at first. Abraham

migrated with his family to Canaan.migrated with his family to Canaan. The Egyptians enslaved them for 100s of years, then Moses The Egyptians enslaved them for 100s of years, then Moses

helped them escape to Canaan.helped them escape to Canaan. Kings David and Solomon built a capital at Jerusalem. The Kings David and Solomon built a capital at Jerusalem. The

empire divided into Judah and Israel. In 722 B.C., Israel fell empire divided into Judah and Israel. In 722 B.C., Israel fell to the Assyrians. In 586 B.C., Babylonian armies captured to the Assyrians. In 586 B.C., Babylonian armies captured Judah and enslaved them.Judah and enslaved them.

The Persians conquered Babylon, freeing the Israelites, who The Persians conquered Babylon, freeing the Israelites, who came to be known as the Jews during the Babylonian came to be known as the Jews during the Babylonian captivity. They remained under Persian rule, however.captivity. They remained under Persian rule, however.

They believe in one true God, and their religion is one of the They believe in one true God, and their religion is one of the major monotheistic religions today.major monotheistic religions today.

Section Five VocabularySection Five Vocabulary

• Monotheistic- believing in one true God.• Covenant- binding agreement.• Patriarchal- fathers and husbands held

great legal and moral authority.• Sabbath- holy day for rest and worship.• Prophets- spiritual leaders.• Ethics- moral standards of behavior.• Diaspora- scattering of people.

Regents Question 1Regents Question 1

1.One reason for the development of an early 1.One reason for the development of an early civilization in the Tigris-Euphrates river valleys civilization in the Tigris-Euphrates river valleys was that was that

A. the location protected the people from land A. the location protected the people from land invasion invasion

B. periodic flooding left rich soil, which was ideal B. periodic flooding left rich soil, which was ideal for farming for farming

C. these rivers provided a direct trade route C. these rivers provided a direct trade route between Europe and Asia between Europe and Asia

D. these rivers flowed into the Mediterranean SeaD. these rivers flowed into the Mediterranean Sea

Regents Question 2Regents Question 2

2. The early civilizations of the Nile River 2. The early civilizations of the Nile River Valley, Mesopotamia, and the Yellow River Valley, Mesopotamia, and the Yellow River Valley were similar because they wereValley were similar because they were

A. industrialized societies A. industrialized societies B. monotheistic B. monotheistic C. dependent on fertile land C. dependent on fertile land D. dependent on each other for tradeD. dependent on each other for trade

Regents Question 3Regents Question 3

3. One way in which the civilizations of the 3. One way in which the civilizations of the Sumerians, the Phoenicians, and the Maya Sumerians, the Phoenicians, and the Maya were similar is that eachwere similar is that each

A. developed extensive writing systems A. developed extensive writing systems B. emphasized equality in education B. emphasized equality in education C. established monotheistic religions C. established monotheistic religions D. encouraged democratic participation in D. encouraged democratic participation in

government government

Regents Question 4Regents Question 4

4. “If a seignior (noble) has knocked out the tooth of a seignior 4. “If a seignior (noble) has knocked out the tooth of a seignior of his own rank, they shall knock out his tooth. But if he has of his own rank, they shall knock out his tooth. But if he has knocked out a commoner’s tooth, he shall pay one-third knocked out a commoner’s tooth, he shall pay one-third mina of silver.” -Code of Hammurabimina of silver.” -Code of Hammurabi

Which idea of Babylonian society does this portion of the Which idea of Babylonian society does this portion of the Hammurabi code of law reflect?Hammurabi code of law reflect?

A. all men were equal under the law A. all men were equal under the law B. fines were preferable to corporal punishment B. fines were preferable to corporal punishment C. divisions existed between social classes C. divisions existed between social classes

D. violence was always punished with violenceD. violence was always punished with violence

Regents Question 5Regents Question 5

5. The ancient civilizations of 5. The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt were similar in Mesopotamia and Egypt were similar in that both culturesthat both cultures

A. developed along rivers A. developed along rivers

B. used the ziggurat form for their B. used the ziggurat form for their temples temples

C. established trade routes to China C. established trade routes to China

D. used a hieroglyphic writing systemD. used a hieroglyphic writing system

Answer Key

• 1. Choice B• 2. Choice C• 3. Choice A• 4. Choice C• 5. Choice A

BibliographyBibliography

http://www.regentsprep.org/Regents/http://www.regentsprep.org/Regents/core/questions/questions.cfm?Coursecore/questions/questions.cfm?Course=GLOB&TopicCode=2a=GLOB&TopicCode=2a

Prentice Hall: World History Prentice Hall: World History Connections to Today, by Elisabeth Connections to Today, by Elisabeth Gaynor Ellis and Anthony Esler pages Gaynor Ellis and Anthony Esler pages 24-47 Chapter 224-47 Chapter 2