Unit 3: Early Agrarian Societies

Mesopotamian Civilization

Early civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Irrigation

Systems used to bring water to crops

City-state

An independent city with its own government

Sumer

Early Mesopotamian civilization

Cuneiform

First writing system developed in Mesopotamia

Ziggurat

Temple used for worship in Mesopotamia

Hammurabi’s Code

Written law code created by Hammurabi

Pharaoh

Ruler of Ancient Egypt considered both king and god

Dynasty

Rule passed down through a family

Hieroglyphics

Egyptian writing system using symbols

Mummification

Preserving bodies for the afterlife

Afterlife

Belief in life after death

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that rulers received the right to rule from heaven

Dynastic Cycle

Rise, decline, and replacement of dynasties

Oracle Bones

Bones used in Shang China to communicate with spirits and ancestors

Animism

Belief that nature and objects contain spirits

Monsoons

Seasonal winds bringing heavy rain

Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro

Major Indus River Valley cities

Grid System

Cities organized in straight rows and blocks

Great Bath

Religious bathing structure in Mohenjo-Daro

Stamp Seals

Symbols used to mark goods for trade

Democracy

Government where citizens participate in decision-making

Oligarchy

Government controlled by a small group

Olympics

Greek athletic competitions honoring the gods

Archipelago

Group of islands

Ring of Fire

Area with many earthquakes and volcanoes

Shintoism

Native religion of Japan

Kami

Nature spirits in Shinto beliefs

Yamato Clan

Early ruling family in Japan

Obsidian

Volcanic glass traded by the Olmecs

Bloodletting Rituals

Religious rituals involving blood sacrifice

Olmec Heads

Giant stone sculptures made by the Olmecs