River Valley Civilizations Flashcards

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on river valley civilizations: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Indus Valley/Harappa, and Shang China.

What major architectural feat in ancient Egypt reflects geometry and centralized power?

The pyramids, monumental tombs for pharaohs that demonstrate advanced geometry and state authority.

Name two distinctive features of the Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilization.

Urban planning with grid-like street layouts and sophisticated drainage; housing often built with baked bricks.

What was the nature of religion in ancient Egypt and who held ultimate authority?

Polytheistic religion; the pharaoh functioned as a god-king with both religious and political power.

Which writing system is characteristic of ancient Egypt and used for inscriptions and records?

Hieroglyphics.

Which river was central to ancient Egyptian agriculture due to its predictable flooding?

The Nile River.

Which empire is associated with Hammurabi's Code and a monarchy?

Mesopotamia (Babylon); kings ruled within a monarchy.

What is a key feature of the Indus Valley (Harappan) script and urban centers?

Indus script (undeciphered) and well-planned cities like Harappa with standardized brick and drainage.

What are two hallmark features of Shang China?

Dynastic rule and oracle bones; bronze technology and early writing; advances in calendar.

What calendar system is mentioned in the notes as used by river valley civilizations?

A 12-month lunar calendar.

How did the Nile and Mesopotamian river systems differ in their flooding patterns?

The Nile had predictable flooding, aiding agriculture, while the Tigris and Euphrates floods were unpredictable.

What natural barriers helped isolate civilizations such as those in the Indus region?

Deserts and mountains (e.g., Khyber Pass); geographic barriers that created isolation.

What role did monsoon winds play in agriculture in the notes?

Monsoons provided vital seasonal rains for crops in regions like the Indus Valley.

How are social hierarchies typically structured in these river valley civilizations?

Kings or rulers at the top, followed by priests/officials, artisans and farmers, with slaves at the bottom.

What is one notable feature of urban centers described in the notes?

Large urban cities with brick houses and planned layouts.

What metal technology is associated with the Bronze Age across these civilizations?

Bronze usage for tools and weapons; a defining metal technology of the era.

What evidence of scientific or intellectual progress is mentioned in Harappan/Indus contexts?

Astronomy, calendar concepts, metallurgy, and writing traditions.

What evidence is there of trade between Mesopotamia and Egypt in these notes?

Notes indicate trading networks with goods such as wheat and other commodities, aided by urban centers and resource exchange.