Ancient River Civilizations Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

When did the Mesopotamia civilization exist?

2500-1500 BCE

4000-500 BCE

3500-6000 BCE (correct)

3000-2000 BCE

The environmental problems faced by Mesopotamia included arid land.

True

What techniques did the Mesopotamians develop to solve their environmental problems?

Irrigation canals and drained swamps.

How did geography lead to the development of city-states in Mesopotamia?

Swamps created boundaries, which led to city-states. Signup and view all the answers

What is a city-state?

A self-contained government that independently rules a city. Signup and view all the answers

What is an empire?

A realm that contains many different peoples and territories. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the first rulers of the first empires?

Sargon and Hammurabi. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Fertile Crescent?

A crescent-shaped area of fertile land in the Middle East. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of Mesopotamia?

Foreign invaders, Assyrians. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Egyptian civilization flourish?

3000 BCE. Signup and view all the answers

What is the geographic location of the Egyptian civilization?

Nile River. Signup and view all the answers

How does the geography of Egypt contrast with that of Mesopotamia?

The Nile was navigable and its floods were predictable, while Mesopotamia flooded uncontrollably. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Egyptians call their rulers?

Pharaoh. Signup and view all the answers

What do Pharaohs consider themselves as?

Gods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a Pharaoh?

Delineates power to priests and government officials. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Indus River Valley civilization exist?

2500-1500 BCE. Signup and view all the answers

In what modern cities did the Indus River Valley begin?

India and Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of the Indus civilization?

Attacks by outside invaders and environmental changes. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Huang He civilization exist?

Between 3000 and 2500 BCE. Signup and view all the answers

What river does the Huang He civilization form along?

The Yellow River. Signup and view all the answers

What is an oligarchy?

A small group of people that control a country. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ziggurat?

A rectangular stepped tower, sometimes surmounted by a temple. Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary crops of Mesopotamia?

Wheat and goats. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Sargon the king of?

Sumer. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hammurabi's code?

The first known set of codified laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is a patriarchy?

A male-dominated society. Signup and view all the answers

What is egalitarian?

Equal dominance. Signup and view all the answers

What is bureaucracy?

Government officials and how they function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Egyptian writing system?

Hieroglyphics. Signup and view all the answers

Which civilizations traded together?

Indus and Mesopotamia. Signup and view all the answers

What's the oldest civilization?

Huang He (Chinese). Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

It states that the success or failure of the Chinese government reveals the will of the gods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mesopotamia Civilization

Existed between 3500-6000 BCE, located around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Environmental challenges included semi-arid and arid conditions.

Innovations in Mesopotamia

Developed irrigation canals to manage water supply and drainage of swamps.
Geography led to the formation of city-states, with swamps acting as natural boundaries.

City-States and Empires

City-state: An independent self-governing entity that rules a city.
Empire: A large realm comprising various peoples and territories.
First notable rulers of empires included Sargon and Hammurabi.

Fertile Crescent

A crescent-shaped fertile area in the Middle East, crucial for agricultural development.
Home to significant civilizations such as the Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians.

Decline of Mesopotamia

Experienced decline due to invasions, particularly from the Assyrians.

Egyptian Civilization

Spanned from 3000 BCE through various kingdoms, including Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms.
Located along the Nile River, known for its predictable and navigable floods.

Comparisons Between Civilizations

The Nile's predictability contrasted with Mesopotamia's erratic flooding patterns.
Egyptian rulers, known as Pharaohs, considered themselves divine and practiced incestuous marriages.

Pharaohs delegated power to priests and officials; societal hierarchy included wealthy merchants, peasants, and slaves.

Indus River Valley Civilization

Existed from 2500-1500 BCE, located in present-day India and Pakistan.
Decline attributed to external invasions, earthquakes, and droughts altering the landscape.

Huang He Civilization

Emerged between 3000-2500 BCE along the Yellow River (Huang He).
Considered one of the oldest civilizations, crucial for early Chinese development.

Key Terms and Concepts

Oligarchy: A small group controlling a country.
Ziggurat: A stepped tower in ancient Mesopotamia, often topped by a temple.
Primary crops included wheat and goats; significant trade relationships existed between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
Hammurabi's Code: The first known set of codified laws.

Societal Dynamics

Patriarchy: Male-dominated societal structure.
Egalitarian: Equal dominance among groups or individuals.
Bureaucracy: Structure and function of government officials.

Writing Systems

Egyptians used hieroglyphics for their writing.

Cultural Beliefs

Mandate of Heaven: A Chinese principle stating that the success of a government reflects divine approval.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of ancient river civilizations with this set of flashcards. Discover the key features, environmental challenges, and innovative solutions that defined civilizations like Mesopotamia. Perfect for students studying ancient history or geography!