1. Unit 1: Early Civilizations Prehistory – A.D. 1570
Part 1: Chapters 1 - 3

2. Quick Review: Ch. 1 - 2 What is the ‘Neolithic Revolution’ about?
What are some of the basic features of early civilization?
What is the Fertile Crescent?
How did Egyptian religious beliefs influence their society?
What makes the Ancient Jewish people and their religion of Judaism unique?

3. Chapter 3 Ancient India and China
2600 B.C. – A.D. 550
EQ: What are the main characteristics of the ancient civilizations of Asia?

4. Section 1: Early Civilizations of India and Pakistan
About 2600 B.C., the earliest S. Asian civilization emerged in the Indus River valley, present-day Pakistan.

5. Aryans Rise to Power
Around 1800 B.C., Aryans migrate from Central Asia and rise to power in the Indus River Valley

6. Section 2 Hinduism and Buddhism
Both of these major world religions began in Ancient India.
Buddhism would later travel to East Asia and spread.

7. Keys to Hinduism
Many gods, but everything is part of an all-powerful spiritual force known as Brahman.
Goal: Achieve Moksha (union with Brahman)
A Hindu’s karma (life actions) determines their reincarnation (level of rebirth in next life) and closeness to Moksha
Linked to the Caste System
Castes are social classes
A person in a higher caste is purer and therefore closer to Moksha than a person in a lower caste
Discussion Q: Any similarities / differences between Hinduism and religion in America?

8. Keys to Buddhism
Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha: ‘Enlightened One’)
4 Noble Truths
Life is full of pain
Pain is caused by selfish desire
Cure for pain = remove selfish desires
How to remove selfish desires? = Follow the Eightfold Path
Ex: right speech, right conduct, right mindfulness, etc.
Goal = Achieve Nirvana (spiritual union with the universe)
The Buddha’s devoted followers spread his teachings into many parts of Asia
Discussion Q: Any similarities / differences between Buddhism and religion in America?

9. Section 3: Powerful Empires of India
Maurya Empire (321 BC – 185 BC)
1st Indian Empire
Vast and United
Most Honored Emperor = Asoka
Gupta Dynasty (320 AD – 540 AD)
United and Strong Central Government
India’s ‘Golden Age’
Peaceful and Prosperous
Cultural Advances
Art, Literature, Math, Medicine

10. Section 4: Rise of Civilization in China
Shang Dynasty (1766 – 1122 BC)
1st Chinese Dynasty supported by evidence
Located in Northern China
Mostly Ruled by Princes and Local Nobles

11. Zhou Dynasty (1122 – 256 BC) The Mandate of Heaven Feudalism
Good Government = Heaven’s Blessing to Rule
Weak / Corrupt Government = Lost the Support of Heaven (and therefore the people)
Feudalism
Ruling dynasty gives power to local landlords in return for loyalty and service.
Discussion Q: If a Chinese dynasty became weak or corrupt, what do you think might happen?

12. Chinese Belief Systems
Confucianism (based on teachings of Confucius)
Teachings on the importance of harmonious relationships, moral living and moral government
Daoism
Focused on living in harmony with nature
Sought the mysterious ‘way of the universe’
Ying and Yang
Discussion Q: Any similarities to religion in America?
Confucius

13. Section 5: Strong Rulers Unite China
Shi Huangdi
The ‘1st Emperor’ of China
Brutal but defeated competing states to unify China
Ordered the building of the Great Wall and the creation of the Terracotta Soldiers
Rule is short but effective
221 – 210 BC

14. Han Dynasty Strengthens China 202 BC – 220 AD
Increased Chinese Land and Economy
Silk Road – connects China to the West
Advances in Science, Technology, and Art
Chinese call themselves the ‘people of Han’
Map of the Silk Road

15. Quick Review of Ch. 3 What are some keys to Hinduism / Buddhism?
How would you describe India’s Gupta Dynasty?
What is the ‘mandate of heaven’ idea?
What are some keys to Confucianism / Daoism?
What is your opinion of Shi Huangdi?