First Civilizations: Cities, States, and Unequal Societies

Chapter 3: First Civilizations: Cities, States, and Unequal Societies

Introduction to First Civilizations

• Definition: A new way of living and a new form of human society that began its long march towards encompassing almost all of humankind by the $20^{th}$ century.

• Six Primary First Civilizations: Emerged independently across the planet within a few thousand years (March to January, implying a broad timeframe).

  • Olmec (Mesoamerica/Central America)

  • Norte Chico (South America)

  • Indus River Valley (South Asia)

  • Mesopotamian (Middle East)

  • Nile River Valley (Africa)

  • Shang Dynasty (East Asia/China)

• Olmec Cultural Influence: Sometimes regarded as a