Ancient Civilization
Mesopotamia
Location: In the text, it said it ways occasionally crossing into some of Iran, Syria, and Turkey. On page 6 the text says that "Most of Ancient Mesopotamia lay within the borders of Iraq." (Steele 6)
Writing: On page 12, Steele says that artists cuneiform was used to communicate simple needs and deals, like cattle, grain, and housing.
Art: On page 28 Steele says the Mesopotamians mastered many technologies and crafts at an early point in their history. They were molding clay into simple pots and pans and other pieces. Sometime before 3500 BCE someone made pottery wheels to make it easier for them to make pottery
Government: In the text Steele says some rulers such as Gilgamesh of Uruk, became legends and they were entangled in all kinds of myths.
Religion: The author states the Mesopotamians worshipped Enki, god of the water and wisdom. Nanna, god of water, Inanna goddess of love and war. They worshipped many others.
Architecture: On page 24 Steele states Ziggurats represented mountains stretching from the Earth to the heavens and ziggurats were thought to be the Earthly home of the gods.
Ancient Egypt
Location: In the text, the author says that Desert took over 90 percent of ancient Egypt, however the Egyptians live on the Nile River, this brought the Egyptians prosperity and fertile agricultural resources. (Hart 8)
Writing: In the text it says the Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to record moments in their history. The hieroglyphics were used to resemble animals, gods, and people. Pictured: Amun-Re (Hart 34)
Art: The Egyptians created the sphinx because of the greek myth of King Oedipus as a ferocious female creature, however, the Egyptians changed it to a lion with the head of the ruler. (Hart 11)
Government: The Egyptian government relied on the pharaoh to make the decisions for them. The pharaoh also leads the military and is kind of like the king. Hart 10
Religion: The Egyptians were polytheistic and worshiped many Gods and Goddesses. I know this because there are records of them worshiping Bast, Amun-Re, and Osiris.
Hart 24
Architecture: The most famous symbols of Egyptian architecture are the great pyramids of Giza. These were made to hold the king at the time (Khufu) after he died. Now they are considered one of the biggest architectural accomplishments in human history. (Hart 21)
Ancient China
Location: On page 6, it says vast desert and mountain ranges limit the civilization from other asian countries. It also says that Asia is the world oldest continuous civilization. On page 6 the author included a image in the book that can help you better understand the location. (Cotterell 6)
Architecture: In the text on page 40 it states that towns were surrounded by walls to protect from intruders, and there were drums on the lookout towers to warn the habitants. The people staying would have to stay the night y different towns. Markets were usually on widely used streets so people could easily access food.
Religion: In the text it states on page 12 "Confucius developed a new moral outlook." This shows that they religiously followed Confucius. He was a large figure in Ancient China. Confucius was also the creator of confucianism. (Cotterell 12)
Art - On page 56 it said In imperial China, luxury goods formed the major exports commodities. Chinese bronze, jade, silk, lacquer, and porcelain were prized in Asia and Europe.
(Cotterell 56)
Trade: On page 58, the author states that the Yuan Dynasty controlled the Silk Road. The Silk Road was a famous trade route throughout Asia. This led all the way to Europe. This made traders receive lots of goods on their way through the Silk Road. (Cotterell 58)
Government: On page 16 it said that Zheng united the warring states and created the Chinese empire in 221 B.C. After the death of Zheng the government was overrun by peasants. He was so rich and powerful his tomb was surrounded by terracotta soldiers to protect him after death. (Cotterell 16)
Writing: On page 11, it says "Shang kings used oracle bones to ask their ancestors about important matters." The oracle bone was burnt until it cracked. Oracle bones were often tortoise shells or ox bones. (Cotterell 11)
Ancient India
Architecture/Technology: The site says "within many homes, some rooms had facilities in which waste water was directed to cover drains and these lined the major streets" this shows that their Civilization is very advanced. This Civilization was very well planned and they liked their hygiene. They had dockyards, granaries, warehouses, brick platforms, and protective walls because of their advance technology.
Government: The text says "caste system" which was the name of the social classes. The Ancient India social class had five stages which were the Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Sudra, and the untouchables. The Brahmann were the best and the untouchables were the worst. From: Prentice Hall World Studies
Writing There have been over 400 symbols that have been uncovered. There is little known about its government. "One of the most confusing aspects of this ancient civilization is that the writing cannot be deciphered." From: Prentice Hall World Studies
Religion: The text says "Much of what we know about them today also came from sacred writing called the Vedas" which Vedas is the sacred text. The main religion was Brahmanism which later developed into Hinduism which both have a lot in common. From: Prentice Hall World Studies
Location: On the website, it says that around 5000 years ago. The civilization was developed around the Indus river in South Asia. This was due to the large amount of fertile land.
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