Ancient River Valley Civilizations: Key Developments and Innovations

What are the four major ancient river valley civilizations?

Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Indus Valley, and Ancient China

Where is Mesopotamia located?

between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (modern-day Iraq)

What was the first writing system developed in Mesopotamia?

cuneiform

What significant legal code originated in Mesopotamia?

Code of Hammurabi

What major architectural achievements are associated with Ancient Egypt?

Pyramids (Great Pyramid of Giza)

What writing system did Ancient Egyptians use?

hieroglyphic writing

What was a key innovation of the Indus Valley civilization?

advanced urban planning and sophisticated drainage systems

Name two major cities of the Indus Valley civilization.

Mohenjo-daro and Harappa

Where is Ancient China primarily located? 

along the Yellow River (Huang He) Valley 

What significant construction began in Ancient China during the 7th century BCE?

construction of the Great Wall

What was a major innovation from Ancient China?

paper, compass, and gunpowder

What common features did these ancient civilization share?

river-based agriculture, complex writing systems, centralized governments, advanced architecture, trade networks, and religious/cultural practices

What period did the Ancient River Valley Civilizations span?

3500 BCE to 500 BCE

What was a significant unifying factor in Ancient Egypt?

establishment of a unified kingdom under pharaohs 

What were the fist two cities of Mesopotamia?

Ur and Uruk

What are two innovations from Ancient Egypt?

math and medicine  

What are two innovations from the Indus Valley?

standardized weights and measures

Name a key development from Ancient China.

oracle bone writing