The Rise of Civilization

Harappa – urban center in the Indus Valley, had c. 35000 inhabitants

Mohenjo-Daro – urban center in the Indus Valley, several times the size of Harappa

Huang He – river in China

Yangtzi – river in China

Shang – early dynasty in China

Tang – mythical founder of the Shang dynasty

Xia – mythical Chinese dynasty predating the Shang

“oracle bone inscriptions” – shoulder bones of cattle and bottom shells of turtles on

which messages were written for divination

Norte Chico – civilization in the Andes, in today’s Peru, characterized by monumental

architecture, non-grain-based farming, and the absence of a writing system and little

contact with the outside world.

Olmecs – early civilization of Mesoamerica, in parts of today’s Mexico dating to c. 1200-

450 BC; developed impressive ceremonial centers

San Lorenzo – Olmec center

La Venta – Olmec main center after 900 BC