The First CivilizationsMesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley and

China

All early civilizations arose near rivers. In the Middle East, the Sumerians settled

the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

In Africa the Egyptians established cities beside the Nile.

In South Asia an early Indian people built a civilization near the Indus River.

In East Asia, the Chinese farmed near the Huang He River.

Environment and Civilizations

Framers built canals to bring water to the fields for farming.

They also took fish from the rivers. Rivers also gave them a way to carry

surplus goods to be traded elsewhere. The civilizations had important differences. Each region grew different crops and

distinct cultures.

Because of Hot Dry Climate

Egyptians had an advantage over the Sumerians because the Nile area was less swampy.

Therefore, the villages along the Nile had more contact and less conflict than the isolated Sumerian communities.

The Indus Valley was hot and dry. Floods of the Indus River brought water and

rich soil to the region.

Geography

The floods did not occur regularly every fall but came unexpectedly.

Sometimes it did not come for long periods. Sometimes it was so strong that it

destroyed all the crops. The people of the Indus had to dig irrigation

ditches and build flood barriers.

Geography

King represented the god. He over saw the maintenance of the temple

and the irrigation system and commanded the army.

The King did have to answer in some ways to the priests.

300 laws gave the government a big role in punishments

Mesopotamia

Gave government control over daily affairs. Set punishments for dishonest business

practices and nonpayment of debts. Laws also increased the legal rights of

women and slaves. Punishments were harsher for people of the

lower rank than the nobility. Kings, priests, nobility, commoners,

criminals, debtors, prisoners of war, slaves. Woman were would care for the family.

The Pharaoh was the god. Upper class The Pharaoh’s main duty was to care for the

people. They kept powerful armies to protect Egypt

from enemies. Priests, nobles and governors also helped

the pharaoh. They collected and decided how money

would be spent. Slaves were the lowest. Woman enjoyed

more rights.

Egypt

No clear evidence of how the Indus were governed.

Nonetheless scholars believe this civilization developed under some strong organizing influence such as councils of businessman, craftsmen and farmers.

They built beautifully planned cities and efficient irrigation system.

Powerful merchants may have been the elite.

Not clear how woman were treated.

Indus valley

They had dynasties. King ruled the dynasty. Kings and nobles lived in palaces. Skilled workers such as craftsmen were

above the peasants and slaves who worked the land.

Women had few legal rights.

China