1. Early River Civilizations
Unit 1: AP World History

2. Agenda for Today
Bell Ringer: Why is there a delay in technological advancement between Africa and the Americas?
Lecture: Early River Civilizations
Indus River Crash Course.
Document Analysis: Hammurabi’s Code
Discussion of “An Eye for an Eye
Writing a Thesis Statement for AP
Comparison of Early River Civ’s
HW: Jared Diamond reading

3. The Emergence of Civilization
As communities become permanent, protection and structure is needed.
Civilizations develop with the onset of several basic factors.

4. 1. Defining a Civilization
An Urban focus
Political and Military Structures
Social Structures built on economic power
Material culture
Distinct Religious Structure
Development of Writing
New Artistic and Intellectual Activity

5. 2. Causes of Civilization
Several Theories exist.
Uniting under a common religious practice led to the formation of civilizations.
Specialization of labor, and more wealth allowed for government structures.
They had to adapt, and this meant creating a stable environment for survival.

6. Mesopotamia The basis of Sumer were city-states.
Religion was polytheistic, and the gods looked over the cities.
Ziggurats constructed for worship.
Origins of government may be found in religion. (Theocracy)

7. Government and Social Life
Kings were regarded as near-gods.
Often lived in elaborate homes, just like Priests.
Trade common with India and Eastern Med.
Class System
Sargon and the Akkadians.
Cuneiform

8. Egypt Extremely similar to Mesopotamia.
Divided into three kingdoms, all under a dynastic rule.
Pharoahs regarded as near-gods.
Upper classes were merchants, artisans.
Burial Methods:
Mummification
Pyramids

9. The New Kingdom This is the final stable era in Ancient Egypt.
The Hyksos were driven out (introduced the chariot)
Akhenaten would attempt to make Egypt monotheistic, only worshipping the sun god.
King Tut helps return tradition to Egypt.

10. Persian Empire Set up as satrapies. Major Religion
Led by Cyrus, very expansive empire.
Took most of Asia and the Middle East.
Set up as satrapies.
Individual provinces.
Major Religion
Zoroastrianism
Struggle between good and evil, use of a final judgement.

11. Crash Course
Studying the video on the Indus River Valley, answer the following question:
How does this qualify as a Civilization? Does it meet all of the factors? Explain your reasoning.

12. Jared Diamond Reading
This reading draws connections to the formation of Civilizations and borders.
On Monday, you will have to explain in a paragraph:
How does a government system form? How are people kept in line? What is the purpose of a centralized authority?