This unit is designed to examine the origin, rise, and fall of the ancient/classical civilizations of Mesopotamia, India, China, Greece and Rome. Students will examine the various cultural mechanisms that these societies used to reach their golden ages. Activities will focus on political, economic and cultural achievements of these civilizations. Students will consider how conflict and change helped create and destroy the civilizations. At times that conflict was between societies; at times the conflict was within the society. Students will learn how these civilizations created the rich cultures whose legacies continue to affect the world. An examination of the origins of world religions will help students understand diversity, conflict, and tolerance in the ancient and modern world. The study of governance will enable students to examine how more and more complex governments were needed to meet the needs of more advanced civilizations. Students will understand how individuals, groups and institutions affected societies in both positive and negative ways. Students will examine how movement and migration of various peoples influenced societal change.
State Standards:
WH.H.2 - Students will be able to analyze ancient civilizations & empires in terms of their development, growth, and lasting impact. 2.1: Compare how different geographic issues of the ancient period influenced settlement, trading networks and the sustainability of various ancient civilizations (e.g., flooding, Fertile Crescent, confluence, limited fertile lands, etc.). 2.2: Analyze the governments of ancient civilizations in terms of their development, structure and function within various societies (e.g., theocracy, democracy, oligarchy). 2.3: Explain how codifying laws met the needs of ancient societies (e.g., Hammurabi, The Twelve Tables, etc.). 2.4: Analyze the rise and spread of various empires in terms of influence, achievements and lasting impact (e.g., Mongol, Mughal, Ottoman, Ming, Mesoamerica, Inca, imperial states in Africa, etc.). 2.5: Analyze the development and growth of major Eastern and Western religions (e.g., Including but not limited to Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, etc.). 2.7: Analyze the relationship between trade routes and the development and decline of major empires (e.g. Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Greece, Rome, China, Mughal, Mongol, Mesoamerica, Inca, etc.). 2.8: Compare the conditions, racial composition, and status of social classes, castes, and slaves in ancient societies and analyze changes in those elements. 2.9: Evaluate the achievements of ancient civilizations in terms of their enduring cultural impact.
Essential Questions:
1. How did physical geography influence the settlement of humans and lead to the development of agriculture? 2. How did new civilizations create order, prosperity, and sustainability? 3. Why do civilizations collapse? 4. What achievements of the ancient world left the most enduring significant impact?
Major Learning Points:
1. Early human societies began the process of overcoming the limitations of their physical environment. 2. The beginning of agriculture and permanent settlements was a major step in the advancement of civilization. 3. Ancient civilizations left an enduring cultural impact through their achievements. 4. Different forms of government and law codes developed over time to meet the needs of diverse societies. 5. Trade among ancient civilizations enabled societies to flourish and expand economically, politically, and geographically. 6. Early humans were nomadic, hunters and gatherers whose survival depended on the availability of wild plants and animals. 7. The Neolithic Revolution brought about the rise of settled communities through the domestication of plants and animals, the agricultural revolution, and development of advanced tools. 8. The eight Features of civilization: cities, organized central government, complex religions, job specialization, social classes, ability to write, the arts, architecture and public works. 9. Civilizations developed in Mesopotamia, Indus River Valley, Egypt, China, Ghana, Greece, Rome, and Mesoamerica. 10. Geographic issues such as flooding, natural barriers, drought, famine, and limited fertile land influenced the settlement, trade interactions, and sustainability of ancient civilizations. 11. River valleys provided fertile soil and irrigation for agriculture. 12. Locations were easily protected from invasion by nomadic people 13. Development and diffusion of religion through trade, war, and evangelism. Major religions of this time include: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam
Does an eye for an eye create a cradle of civilization or a fertile crescent??? 1. Who are the Ancient Mesopotamians? video, website, notes, map 2. Who is Hammurabi and what is his code? video, worksheet 3. Historic Contributions: Rule of law, Cuneiform, base 60 system, activity 4. Architecture, Polytheism and Art: Gilgamesh, Ziggurrats, deities, small group discussion 5. If any time remains, click the picture to the left
Project - Students will create a poster of their choice covering the following topics: 1. The Aztecs: website 2. The Mayans: website 3. The Incas: website 4. The Conquistadors: website 5. Mesoamerican Religion: website 6. If any time remains click on the photo to the left