1. Concept of Civilisation

History

he study of the past, including eras and civilizations that cannot be directly experienced today

Define Revisionist History

Re-examining history from new perspectives to re-interpret traditional viewpoints as it was told fromt he Massa’s POV.

What is meant my pre-history/pre-literate?

Pre-history is considered the unrecorded past, period before human writing.

Why is "Pre-literate" a better term than "Pre-history"?

"Pre-history" implies an unrecorded era is not actually history. "Pre-literate" describes the period before human writing without being derogatory, relying on archaeological evidence to reconstruct the past.

What are the sources of information?

Primary & Secondary Source

Define Primary Source

records created directly at the time of study (e.g., diaries, official records, artifacts).

Define Secondary Source

An interpretation or analysis written by a historian using primary documents (e.g., biographies, history textbooks).

What are the types of sources?

1. Written - stone, parchment, papyrus, paper or computer readable files

2. Non-written: Human remains, Buildings, ruins, artifacts, Art, film, photos, textiles, Oral traditions, Folklore, Music, Folk traditions

Define Oral History

History by word of mouth by one who witnessed the event

Define Oral Tradition

historical accounts passed down through generations by individuals who did not personally witness the events.

What are the two main methods historians use to analyze sources?

• External Criticism: Verifying whether a document or artifact is authentic.

• Internal Criticism: Determining the meaning and accuracy of the content to gain insight into the historical period.

What was the Neolithic Revolution?

The major historical transition (~2500 BCE) where humans shifted from nomadic hunting and gathering (Paleolithic) to settled agriculture, animal husbandry, and permanent plant cultivation.

How did the Neolithic Revolution lead to complex Civilisations?

Agricultural surpluses led to population growth, the development of towns/cities, specialized occupations, social division, and shared cultural expressions like writing, art, and religion.

Define Culture

Culture is the learned way of life, beliefs, and practices through which a group understands itself and organizes collective life.

body of beliefs and practices where people understand themselves and the world and organize their individual and collective lives (Parekh 2000)

How can culture act as both a unifying and divisive force?

• Unifying: Brings together people who share similar values, language, and traditions.

• Divisive: Creates barriers and discrimination against those viewed as "other" or "inferior".

What was the Nile Valley Civilisation?

highly developed civilisation in northern Africa (Egypt) along the Nile River, composed of diverse cultural groups.

What were the three agricultural seasons of the Nile Valley Civilisation?

• Akhet (June–Sept): Flooding season that deposited rich river silt.

• Peret (Oct–Feb): Planting season.

• Shemu (March–May): Harvesting season.

Why was the Nile River essential to Egyptian civilisation?

It provided drinking water, food (fish/waterfowl), clay for pottery, building materials, and a transport network for trade and large architectural projects.

What was the Harappan / Indus Valley Civilisation?

An ancient civilisation (~3000 BCE) along the Indus River featuring over 100 planned cities and villages, notably Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.

What were key urban planning features of Indus Valley cities?

organized grid patterns for streets, covered drainage systems, advanced brickwork, and public structures like the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro.

What technical innovations were developed in the Indus Valley?

• Carts with wooden wheels

• single-masted ships

• metalwork (copper, bronze, lead, tin)

• Traded food, jewellery, cloth, razors, mirrors, toys, and fish hooks across the Persian Gulf.

• Extensive farming and irrigation schemes

• Variety of crops & domesticated animals