T.G.

 Discovery of Fire  Essential to spread of civilization  People could move into previously inhabitable cold climates through the use of fire  Sped up the movement of early humans across the world

 Cultivation of Grains  People started to grow crops along the Nile River, Tigris River, and Euphrates in Mesopotamia.  Basic grains grown were wheat, rice, rye, oats, millet, and barley.  First known farming town was Jericho.

 Early Use of Pottery  Made pots out of pottery.  They were used to store food.  They stored drinks, as well.

 Early Use of Linen  Fibers of plants and the fleece of sheep helped make clothing.  Linen cloth was found in Egyptian tombs.  The purpose of this linen was to make mummies.

 Mesopotamian Civilization  Mesopotamia is the oldest of the ancient civilizations.  The development of agriculture took place during this period, among other things, such as written language.  The developed the first calendars and cities.

 Development of Plowing  Wooden ploughs were first used by farmers to dig into soil.  They would use the pointed ends to dig into the soil.  These ploughs were held by the two handles.

 Carts with Wheels  Sumerians used wagons to carry goods and people.  Solid wooden wheels were attached to carts.  This created vehicles for transporting, weapons, people, and goods.

 Development of Writing  The first forms of writings were known as pictographs.  Sumer, Mesopotamia used cuneiform, or wedge shaped writing.  Egypt used hieroglyphics, which was another pictograph system.

 The First Clothes  The first clothing was made by Egyptians. The women wore long skirts made of linen, while the men wore short skirts.  If the Romans wore the wrong types of clothing, they would be heavily criticized.  The Japanese had a technique of woving patterns and designs into their clothing.

 Development of the Calendar  Mesopotamians made the original calendar.  It was divided into 12 months based on the moon and sun cycles. Every 4 years, an extra month was added to make up for the difference from the seasonal year.  The Greeks and Egyptians copied this calendar.

 Old Dynasty of Egypt  This period goes from the 3 rd to the 6 th dynasty of Egypt.  Zoser, (pictured above), was the first pharaoh of the Old Kingdom.  The Step Pyramid was the first Egyptian pyramid, as well as Zoser’s burial place.

 Construction of the Great Pyramids  Great pyramids were designed and built during the period of the Old Kingdom.  Khufu, Khafre, and Menkure had pyramids built to be their tombs in Giza.  Pyramids were made to protect the pharaoh’s bodies, family members, and possessions.