CSET S1 (Early Civilizations)

What does the term Mesopotamia mean?

"land between the rivers"

Which two rivers define the region of Mesopotamia?

Tigris and Euphrates rivers

What role did rivers play in early civilizations?

Rivers fed the surrounding area with water, which was crucial for farming.

What led to the development of civilizations?

Farming → Surplus food → Population growth → Permanent settlements

What are the benefits of specialization in early societies?

Created a diversity of jobs and skills within the community, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Which regions had the first civilizations?

Near East, Africa, and Asia.

What were the Four River Valley Civilizations?

Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China

What region was Mesopotamia located?

Southwest Asia

What rivers were significant to early Indian civilization?

Indus and Ganges rivers

What geographic region is associated with early Indian civilization?

Southern Asia

What region was Egypt located?

Northeastern Africa

What natural phenomenon brought seasonal flooding to the Indus River Valley?

Monsoon rains

What geographical features created natural boundaries to the west of the Indus River Valley?

Balochistan Plateau to the west

What geographical features created natural boundaries to the east of the Indus River Valley?

Thar Desert to the east

What mountain range is located to the north of the Indus River Valley?

Himalayan Mountains

Which sea's coastal regions facilitated maritime trade with Mesopotamia?

Arabian Sea

Where is the Indus River Valley located?

Modern-day Pakistan and northwest India

What type of culture developed in early Indian civilization?

An urban culture developed, characterized by the establishment of planned cities.

What is Harappa known for?

One of the largest and most well-known Indus Valley cities, featuring a fortified citadel, granaries, and well-planned streets that demonstrate advanced urban planning.

What is Mohenjo-daro famous for?

Advanced drainage system and the Great Bath (public religious bathing)

What is Lothal known for?

Vital and thriving trade center in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and valuable ornaments

What unique archaeological feature is found in Kalibangan?

Fire altar and the earliest known example of a ploughed agricultural field.

What is notable about Dholavira?

Sophisticated water management systems and unique signboard with Indus script.

What is Rakhigarhi recognized for?

Largest known Indus Valley site, with evidence of an extensive drainage system and ceramic workshops.

What is a key feature of the urban centers in early Indian civilization?

Planned cities with comprehensive citywide sanitation systems

What materials were commonly used in metallurgy in early Indian civilization?

Gold, copper, bronze, and tin.

How did the Arabian Sea contribute to ancient Indian civilization?

Facilitated trade and cultural exchange;

Maritime route for transporting goods

What was the social structure of Indus Valley society?

Hierarchical, social stratification based on occupation and wealth.

Where did rulers and the elite class live in the Indus Valley?

Rulers and the elite class lived in the citadels, which were separated from the lower town where commoners resided.

What role did craftsmen and artisans play in the Indus Valley economy?

Craftsmen and artisans (potters, metalworkers, bead makers) played a crucial role in the economy.

What does evidence suggest about the society of the Indus Valley?

Evidence suggests a relatively peaceful society, with no signs of warfare or large-scale weapons.

What formed the backbone of the Indus Valley economy?

Agriculture and pastoralism

What facilitated trade and commerce in the Indus Valley?

Standardized weights and measures

With which regions were the Indus Valley trade networks connected?

Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula

Which site served as a major port for maritime trade in the Indus Valley?

Lothal

What system was likely used for local exchange in the Indus Valley?

Barter system

What valuable objects may have served as a form of currency in the Indus Valley?

Gold, silver, and copper

What geographic region is associated with Ancient Chinese civilization?

East Asia

What is the Paleolithic period?

The earliest and longest period of human prehistory characterized by the use of simple stone tools.

The Paleolithic period ended with

the advent of agriculture in the Neolithic period around 10,000 BC

What is the Neolithic period?

A later period of prehistory marked by the development of agriculture, pottery, and more complex stone tools.

When did the Bronze Age begin in Mesopotamia?

Around 3300 BCE.

When did the Bronze Age begin in Britain?

Around 2100 BCE.

What is the Neolithic Revolution?

The switch from nomadic lifestyles to a settled agricultural lifestyle.

What did the Neolithic Revolution lead to?

the development of permanent settlements and the start of civilization.

What factors contributed to the Neolithic Revolution?

Climate changes that made farming viable and the domestication of plants and animals.

How did storage methods evolve during the Neolithic Revolution?

Storage methods evolved to include granaries for surplus food, which allowed communities to sustain larger populations.

Describe the geography of Mesopotamia

Flat, open geography

Important civilizations in Mesopotamia

Sumer, Babylon, Hittites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, New Babylon, Persia

Where was Sumer located?

Southern Mesopotamia

What agricultural innovation is associated with Sumer?

Irrigation systems

What type of political structure existed in Sumer?

City-states, each with its own government and deities.

What major religious practice was prominent in Sumer?

Polytheism, worshiping multiple gods and building ziggurats as temples.

Sumerians existed around what time period?

3500-2000 B.C

Who conquered the Sumerians?

Sargon of Akkad

Cuneiform

World's first system of writing developed by Sumerians, in which wedge-shaped symbols represented words or syllables

What is a unique feature of city-states regarding religion?

City-states worship their own distinct patron god.

What is a key characteristic of city-states regarding governance?

City-states are self-governing.

Which ancient civilization is known for developing city-states?

Ancient Greeks

City state

a city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.

What is a Semite?

A member of any of the peoples who speak or spoke a Semitic language.

Which two groups are particularly identified as Semites?

The Jews and Arabs.

What was the time period during which Babylon existed?

2000-1500 BC

Who recorded the culture of Babylon?

Scribes

What type of architecture is associated with Babylon?

Ziggurat (temples, meeting places, storehouses)

Who was Hammurabi?

Ruler of Babylon, built a great empire, unified region under a more centralized government

What did Hammurabi do for the region?

Unified the region under a more centralized government

Hammurabi's Code

First written code/set of laws that all were expected to obey;

Dealt with every part of daily life

What was the social structure like in Babylon?

Complex social hierarchy, including classes such as nobility, merchants, and farmers.

What is a significant architectural feature of Babylon?

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

What time period did the Hittites exist?

2000-700 BC

Where did the Hittites primarily live?

Modern-day Turkey and northern Syria

What regions did the Hittites conquer?

Much of Northern Mesopotamia and Asia Minor

What type of relationships did the Hittites have with Egypt?

They had both conflicts and alliances

What significant technological advancement did the Hittites develop?

Iron smelting

What was the capital of the Hittite Empire?

Hattusas

What happened to the Hittite Empire around 1200 BC?

The Hittite Empire burned and fell down

What does 'The land of purple' refer to?

Phoenicia

What skills did the Phoenicians excel in?

Sailing and selling

What was the most famous export of the Phoenicians?

Purple dye

Why was purple dye significant in Phoenician trade?

It was very expensive and a symbol of royalty.

What important contribution did the Phoenicians make to writing?

They gave us the first alphabet

What is Assyria often referred to as?

Romans of Asia

What type of government systems did the Assyrians have?

Organized government systems

How would you describe the Assyrians in terms of their military approach?

Warlike people

What region did the Assyrians conquer?

Much of Mesopotamia

What methods did the Assyrians use to maintain control over their empire?

Ruled by terror and intimidation

What was a characteristic of Middle Assyrian law?

Strict and harsh laws with severe punishments

What infrastructure did the Assyrians build to improve communication and travel?

Highway systems, extensive libraries, and a postal system

When was New Babylon founded?

700-500 BC

Who founded New Babylon?

Chaldeans

Under which king did New Babylon reach its greatest power?

King Nebuchadnezzar

What form of government was established in New Babylon?

1st bureaucracy form of government

When did the Persian Empire emerge?

6th century BCE

Who was the founder of the Achaemenid dynasty?

Cyrus the Great

What regions did Cyrus the Great conquer?

Lydia and Babylon

What was a strategic advantage of Persia's location?

It facilitated control over trade routes connecting Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Iranian Plateau.

What policies did Cyrus the Great adopt to gain loyalty from conquered peoples?

Religious tolerance and local autonomy

Which king conquered Egypt in 525 BCE?

Cambyses II

Which king extended Persian rule to the Indus Valley and Thrace?

Darius I