Civilizations of the Ancient World By Jeffery Vasquez 6/1/12 1 st Hour

Questions to Ask Yourself 1.How/what did early civilizations trade? 2. What kinds of technologies did they have? 3. How did their governments work and who were their leaders? 4. What kinds of religions were present in these cultures?

Trade Aztecs The Aztecs had access to a wide range of goods and crafts due to their large empire. They traded many things, such as clothing, jewelry, art, and food products. These were extremely important to their entire domain. Trade routes were established between major cities, territories, and allies. Zimbabwe The Great Zimbabwe had a huge import/export system. They traded gold, ivory, iron, glass beads, cotton, glazed pottery and silk cloth, which they received along the Silk Road. Chinese Silk became China's most important export. The West's demand for the material led to the Silk Road, the trade routes that linked East with West, becoming one of the most important trade routes in the world. It was a highly valued material within China, and there was a huge profit margin from export.

Technology Aztecs The Aztec alphabet, in the sense of each symbol representing only a sound, was an introduction by the Spanish. The original Aztec language was not really written in an alphabet but a sequence of glyphs. Zimbabwe The empire of Zimbabwe used iron to develop armor, and weapon's such as arrows, battle axes, spears, hoes, arrow points, knives, etc. They built with mortar and had unique building styles. Chinese Bronze was cast into many different intricately decorated vessels and weapons. Jade was carved into sophisticated pendants and ornaments.

Government Aztecs The Aztecs did not rule the way the term ‘empire’ would make you think. Conquered lands were forced to pay tribute, but left some freedom. Zimbabwe The Zimbabwe had a parliamentary democracy. In the beginning, the Shona ruled, followed by the Nguni and the Zulu. Chinese The first Chinese state started at around 1500 BC, with the Shang Dynasty in power. The Great Wall was built to protect China from intruders.

Religion Aztecs Aztec religion was very complex and thorough. Most of their beliefs centered around nature and the end of the world. Zimbabwe The majority of Zimbabwe people practiced Christianity, brought to them by European explorers. Some indigenous churches and groups were started by branching off from major religions. Chinese The Ancient Chinese believed life after death to be true. They thought they could resume their lives after dying. Tombs contained important sentimental items for the ‘ghost’ to use in the afterlife.

Conclusion The civilizations of the past were very technologically, culturally, and governmentally advanced. They are an extremely important part of world history, as they brought us here today. Everybody should know who, what, when, where, why, and how the world evolved into the global society it is today.