Ancient River Valley Civilizations

What was a significant effect of the Neolithic Revolution?

Population increase and permanent settlement.

What new sources of conflict arose from the Neolithic Revolution?

Conflict with others over land and resources, and conflict with the natural environment.

What is one potential fear introduced by the Neolithic Revolution?

Fear of loss of land, crops, or life.

What two social dynamics emerged as a result of the Neolithic Revolution?

Competition and collaboration.

How did competition manifest in early societies?

Desire to have more resources and be wealthier than others.

What was a positive outcome of collaboration in early societies?

Working together led to the creation of innovative tools and structures.

What negative social structure emerged in River Valley Civilizations?

A class system that created inequality.

What was the role of power in the context of agricultural revolutions?

Power led to the establishment of control systems that suppressed certain groups.

What geographical feature characterized Mesopotamia?

It was part of the Fertile Crescent, located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

What was a consequence of the unpredictable flooding in Mesopotamia?

A negative outlook on life due to the uncertainty of agricultural success.

Who ruled the city-states in Mesopotamia initially?

Priest-kings.

What was Hammurabi's Code?

The first formal legal code developed in Mesopotamia around 1800 BCE.

What was one major technological innovation from Mesopotamia?

The invention of the wheel.

What type of writing system was developed in Mesopotamia?

Cuneiform.

What was a key cultural characteristic of Mesopotamia?

A polytheistic belief system where gods influenced societal prosperity.

What was the significance of ziggurats in Mesopotamian culture?

They were religious structures used for worship.

What was a major advantage of the Nile River for Ancient Egypt?

Predictable flooding that led to a positive outlook on life.

How did Egypt's geographical barriers affect its development?

It developed in relative peace and isolation, focusing on culture and innovation.

What type of government did Ancient Egypt have?

A theocracy led by a god-king known as the Pharaoh.

What was one technological advancement made by the Egyptians?

Advanced irrigation systems.

What writing system did the Egyptians develop?

Hieroglyphic writing on papyrus.

Who was Hatshepsut?

A female Pharaoh who ruled Egypt and took over after her husband's death.

What was a significant architectural achievement of Ancient Egypt?

The construction of the pyramids.

What was the time difference between the construction of the pyramids and Hatshepsut's reign?

1160 years.

What was a common social structure in Mesopotamia?

Social stratification with slavery being prevalent.

What was the role of women in Mesopotamian society?

Women were often restricted from holding most occupations and were lower in the social hierarchy.

What is a key characteristic of the religious beliefs in ancient civilizations?

They were polytheistic, believing in multiple gods with animal and human qualities.

What practice was common in ancient Egyptian culture related to the afterlife?

Mummification, with pharaohs buried in pyramids and the Book of the Dead used for guidance.

How were women viewed in ancient Egyptian society?

Women had relatively more rights, such as owning property and proposing marriage.

What was the significance of the Mandate of Heaven in ancient China?

It justified the rule of dynasties, stating rulers were chosen by heaven and could lose power if displeased.

What were the major early dynasties of ancient China?

Xia (2100 - 1800 BCE), Shang (1500 - 1100 BCE), and Zhou (1100 - 256 BCE).

What natural barriers contributed to the isolation of ancient China?

Surrounding mountains and deserts provided protection and limited outside contact.

What was a key cultural characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization?

They had a writing system using pictographs, although it remains indecipherable.

What were the two major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

What architectural features were notable in the Indus Valley Civilization?

Well-planned cities with roads on a grid system, clay brick houses, and plumbing.

What was the main political structure of the Olmec civilization?

Several city-states with a common culture, but not united under one empire.

What innovations were the Chavin civilization known for?

Drainage ditches, irrigation, metallurgy, pottery, and cotton textiles.

What role did priests play in Chavin society?

Priests held the most power and were central to the community's shared beliefs.

What is the significance of river valley civilizations?

They are considered cultural hearths, setting up trade routes and facilitating the diffusion of technology.

What was the Neolithic Revolution?

A period marked by the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.

What was a major reason for the development of early civilizations in river valleys?

Periodic flooding left rich soil, which was ideal for farming.

How did the early civilizations of the Nile River Valley, Mesopotamia, and the Yellow River Valley compare?

They were similar in being dependent on fertile land for agriculture.

What was a common feature of social structures in ancient civilizations?

They often had hierarchies, with varying degrees of rights and roles for different social classes.

What was the role of education in Confucianism?

Education was highly valued, emphasizing respect for relationships and social order.

What is quipu and which civilization used it?

Quipu was a record-keeping system used by the Chavin civilization.

What was a common economic activity in ancient river valley civilizations?

Trade of valuable goods such as bronze and silk.

What did the Olmec civilization contribute to cultural development?

They developed a writing system and calendar, influenced by their religious practices.

What was the significance of monumental architecture in ancient civilizations?

It reflected the civilization's religious beliefs and social organization.

What were the characteristics of the Indus Valley's architecture?

They featured well-planned cities with advanced drainage and plumbing systems.

What was the impact of nomadic invasions on ancient civilizations?

Many ancient civilizations declined around 1000 BCE due to invasions.

What was a unique aspect of the Indus Valley civilization's social structure?

They had no priestly class, making it one of the least religious societies.

What was the significance of the Olmec's colossal heads?

They represented their unique sculptural style and cultural identity.

What was the role of shamans in Olmec society?

Shamans acted as priests, overseeing religious practices and ceremonies.