Ancient Civilizations Introduction Vocabulary

civilization

A society with cities, a central government, job specialization, and social classes

ancient

very old; of a long time ago

agriculture

farming

Mesopotamia

an ancient region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, now part of Iraq

Ancient Egypt

Ancient civilization located along the Nile River

Mediterranean

A large sea between Europe and Africa

spices

an important trade good from China

Silk Route

The most famous ancient trade route connecting China to the Mediterranean area

society

A community of people who share a common culture

government

the ruling authority for a community

river valley

the fertile land surrounding a river

Why did early civilizations begin near rivers?

rivers provided water for:

irrigation (farming)

trading

traveling

bathing, cooking, and drinking