Ancient River Civilizations

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Nile River Valley Civilization

Introduction: 1
The Nile River Valley Civilization started at the mouth and delta of the Nile River.  This early civilization
formed down the lush fields of the Nile River. Protected by the water and desert, the civilization was able
to grow into Egypt.
!
Impact of Geography:
The Nile would flood each year starting in July and lasting until November.  This flood would provide new, rich soil for the
Egyptians and would wash away waste.  The seas around the civilization served a barrier against war and disease.
!
Economics:
The inhabitants of the Nile River Valley Civilization depended heavily on farming.  Close proximity to the Nile allowed easy
access to water needed for crops.  Seasonal flooding fertilized the land for the next year's crops.  Agriculture was
essential for survival, growth, and economic success.
!
Social Structure:
! Level in Society Notable Civilizations / Empires
!
! Ruling (King or Pharaoh) Old Kingdom
! Priests Middle Kingdom
!
! Craftsman (Artisans) New Kingdom
! Farmers
!
! Slaves
!
Beliefs:
Polytheistic beliefs based on nature.
!
Buildings and Art
Using advanced engineering for that period of time, the Egyptians were able to construct large palaces, pyramids and
buildings out of stone. Their buildings contained depictions of the lives of the people and their gods.
!
Technology and Literature
Astronomy - Through observing the seasons and the use of astronomy, the Egyptians created a calendar based on a 365-
day cycle.
Geometry - Mathematicians and architects used geometry to design, develop and build structures such as the pyramids.
Medicine - Part of the Egyptian culture was to embalm the dead to preserve the body and evidence has shown they knew
basic anatomy to perform simple surgeries.
Writing - The Egyptians developed the one of the first forms of writing through the use of hieroglyphics, or picture
language.

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Indus River Valley Civilization

Introduction: 2
The Indus River Valley Civilization started about 2500 B.C.E. along the south-western part of the Indus
River. The largest city was Mohenjo-Daro, in present day Pakistan, and settlements stretched all along the
river. The Indus River Civilization stretched out across present day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, and Bhutan.
!
Impact of Geography:
Natural borders consisted of mountains and the Arabian Sea, sheltering the civilization from attack and disease. Water
from the river fertilized and irrigated crops. Proximity to the river allowed boats to become a viable transportation option.
!
Economics:
The development of widespread irrigation systems allowed the indigenous population to provide food for themselves.
Wheat and barley were primary crops, however rye, peas, cotton, and rice were also grown. Domestication of animals
also served as an important tool for cultivation and as a source of food. The economy depended greatly on trade. Trade
was conducted within the civilization as well as with Mesopotamia. Advancement in technology led to carts and early
boats that were used as the main method of trade and travel.
!
Social Structure: Based on a caste system in which you had no mobility.
!
! Level in Society Notable Civilizations / Empires
! Brahmins (Ruling Class and Priests) Harappa
!
! Kshatriyas (Military and Aristocrats) Mohenjodaro
! Vaishyas (cultivators, artisans, and merchants)
!
! Shudras (peasants and serfs)

!
Beliefs:
Development of monotheistic-polytheism beliefs known as Hinduism.
!
Buildings and Art
Developed granaries for food storage, sanitation systems, housing with access to water and were mainly constructed of
dry bricks.
!
Technology and Literature
Creation of large irrigation systems for farming.
Created the first system of precise measurements and tools for determining weight and measurements.
Used a system of pictograms for their written language.

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Tigris-Euphrates River Valley Civilization

Introduction: 3
Mesopotamia an area geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Mesopotamia
means the land between two rivers. Mesopotamia began as urban societies in southern Iraq in 5000 BC,
and ends in the 6th century BC.
!
Impact of Geography:
The valley between the Tigris and the Euphrates River was known as the land "between the rivers" in Greek. There was
never a regular supply of water in Mesopotamia but the soil was enriched over the years by the layers of silt, deposited
by the two rivers An arc of land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf called the Fertile Crescent had rich soil
and abundant crops to sustain life in the early civilization
!
Economics:
The Sumerian city-states was based on farming and trade. Industry became an important factor in civilization as well
with metalwork, woolen textiles, and pottery. Copper, tin, and timber were imported goods exchanged for dried fish, wool,
wheat, and metal goods.
!
Social Structure:
!
! Level in Society Notable Civilizations / Empires

! Nobles (Rulers and Religious Leaders) Sumer

! Commoners (Merchants, Craftsmen, Farmers, and
! Lower Priests)
Akkadian

! Babylonian
! Slaves
Assyrian
!
Beliefs:
Polytheistic based on nature
!
Buildings and Art
The important buildings in the Sumerian city was the temple dedicated to the gods and goddesses of the city. The temple
was called a ziggurat and was built atop a massive, stepped tower. Dwellings were built by sun-dried bricks. A small
portion of buildings were made of stone or wood.
!
Technology and Literature
The Sumerians developed the wheel and the sailboat before any other civilization. They developed irrigation for farming
and tools from copper and bronze. Mathematicians developed a system based on the number 60 and a calendar based on
a twelve month cycle. They are also responsible for one of the earliest system of writing known as cuneiform.

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Hueng Hu (Yellow) River Valley Civilization

Introduction: 4
Around 4000 B.C the Yellow (Hueng He) River valley Civilization began in China. These early people called
all rivers in China by the nickname "The Great Sorrow".  That is because each year during the flood season,
all homes along the Huang He River were destroyed. Each year, the ancient Chinese had to rebuild their homes and
their lives. Over time, people learned the techniques of flood control. The rich began to built their homes high above the
river.
!
Impact of Geography:
The Huang He (yellow) river stretches across China for more than 2,900 miles. It carries its rich yellow silt all the way
from Mongolia to the Pacific Ocean. Also the Chang Jiang River or Yangtze River is longer, stretching about 3,400 miles
across central china. The two major rivers merge together to create a food-producing area.
!
Economics:
Initially early dynasties depended on specialized goods and forming for trade. As time passed, large networks of trade
developed to include not only the areas of development in China, but in western portions of Asia.
!
Social Structure:
!
! Level in Society Notable Civilizations / Empires

! Ruling Class Xia Dynasty

!
! Warlords (Territorial Leaders) Shang Dynasty

! Farmers Tang Dynasty

! Merchants / Artisans
!
!
Beliefs: Polytheistic influenced by nature. Many also paid tribute and worshipped their ancestors.
!
Buildings and Art
Cities were surrounded by protective walls. One city was surrounded by a wall 30 feet high, 65 feet thick, and 4 1/2 miles
long! Inside these walled cities lived the rulers, priests, and warriors. Merchants and craftsmen lived in mud houses built
up against the outside walls of the cities. Farmers lived in nearby villages.
!
Technology and Literature
During the Shang Dynasty, the use of bronze began to develop. Also, a system of writing based on pictograms was
developed and spread throughout the empire. Canals were built to move supplies over long distances.

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Nile River Valley

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Indus River Valley

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Mesopotamia

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Yellow River Valley

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