Mesopotamian Civilization PDF

ARALING PANLIPUNAN/SOCIAL STUDIES LEARNING MATERIAL Adapted From: Department Of Education (DepEd) KABIHASNAN MO, I-KWENTO MO! Introduction to the Mesopotamian Civilization Group I (Pomelo) – Sir Kin’s...

ARALING PANLIPUNAN/SOCIAL STUDIES LEARNING MATERIAL Adapted From: Department Of Education (DepEd) KABIHASNAN MO, I-KWENTO MO! Introduction to the Mesopotamian Civilization Group I (Pomelo) – Sir Kin’s Class Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) is known as the cradle of civilization because it is where the first civilized human society emerged. The Fertile Crescent is an arc of fertile land that has been the meeting place of various human groups from the Persian Gulf to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are located in this area where civilization developed. During the Neolithic period several settlements were established outside the Mesopotamian region such as Jericho in Israel and Catal Huyuk and Hacilar in Anatolia (Turkey in the present day, 6000 BCE) which were all agricultural settlements. There was widespread cultivation of wheat and barley in these areas and it is also believed that they learned to hunt and take care of animals. The fertile soil of the Tigris and Euphrates gave way to the rise of the Sumerian civilization (3500 -3000 BCE), considered the oldest and earliest civilization in the world. But this community did not last long either. Here began the rise of various cities such as Ur, Uruk, Eridu, Lagash, Nippur and Kish. Because of their combined skills and belief in God, the temple called the Ziggurat, the largest building in Sumer, was built. The cities were ruled by priest kings who were not only spiritual but also political leaders. In terms of living, the Sumerians had their own specializations that signaled the classification of people in society. Kings were highly regarded, followed by merchants, artisans and scribes and finally peasants and slaves. Later a writing system called cuneiform was discovered where scribes recorded important events on clay tablets. There was also a development in their art and important traditions and epics such as the Epic of Gilgamesh were recorded as evidence of their civilization. Farming technology such as the plow and wheeled cart were also invented. Pottery making and the use of silver money were also discovered. Next the use of the lunar calendar and the decimal system were discovered. These are the proofs that the Sumerian civilization had developed. But despite their prosperity, it was inevitable that there was DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 1 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  a group that was jealous of their progress, causing them to occupy their land which brought down their civilization. G.R.A.P.E. of Mesopotamian Civilization Geography: Location: Mesopotamia, meaning "land between the rivers," was located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in present-day Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Fertile Crescent: The region was part of the Fertile Crescent, a rich agricultural area that supported early farming and civilization. Natural Resources: Mesopotamia had limited natural resources (like stone, timber, and metals), which led to extensive trade with neighboring regions to acquire these materials. Religion: Polytheism: Mesopotamians were polytheistic, worshiping many gods who they believed controlled natural forces and aspects of daily life. Major deities included Anu (sky god), Enlil (god of wind), Ishtar (goddess of love and war), and Marduk (patron god of Babylon). Ziggurats: These were massive temple complexes built to honor their gods. The Role of Religion: Religion was deeply integrated into governance and daily life. Priests held significant power, and the kings often claimed divine right to rule, serving as intermediaries between the gods and the people. Major deities included Anu (sky god), Enlil (god of wind), Ishtar (goddess of love and war), and Marduk (patron god of Babylon). Achievements: Writing System: Mesopotamians invented cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems, used for record-keeping, literature (like the "Epic of Gilgamesh"), and laws. Law Code: The Code of Hammurabi, a comprehensive set of laws, is one of the oldest legal documents in history, reflecting social justice, crime, and punishment. Political Structure City-States and Kingship: Early Mesopotamian civilization was made up of independent city-states and has its own government, ruler, and deities, functioning like small, independent nations. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 2 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  Empires and Centralization: Over time, individual city-states were conquered and unified into larger empires. The leader of a Mesopotamian city-state was often called the lugal, meaning "great man" or "king." high-ranking officials chosen during times of war. Economy: Agriculture: Agriculture, especially the cultivation of wheat and barley, was the backbone of Mesopotamian life. The use of irrigation allowed for surplus crop production, which supported the growth of cities. Trade: Due to a scarcity of certain resources like wood, stone, and metals, Mesopotamians engaged in long-distance trade. They traded with neighboring civilizations like the Indus Valley, exchanging crops, textiles, and crafted goods. Barter System: The economy largely relied on the barter system before the use of currency became widespread. SUMMARY G Located in present-day Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran, Mesopotamia, meaning "land between the rivers," lay between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It was part of the Fertile Crescent, known for rich agriculture. R Mesopotamians were polytheistic, worshipping gods like Anu (sky), Enlil (wind), Ishtar (love and war), and Marduk (Babylon's patron). Ziggurats were temple complexes, and religion deeply influenced governance, with kings claiming divine right. A They developed cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems, and wrote the "Epic of Gilgamesh." The Code of Hammurabi was an early legal code. P Agriculture, especially wheat and barley, was central, with irrigation supporting surplus crops. Long-distance trade with regions like the Indus Valley was common due to resource scarcity. The economy initially relied on barter. E Early Mesopotamia consisted of independent city-states with their own rulers. Over time, these city-states were unified into larger empires, and leaders, often called "lugal," held power, especially during wartime. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 3 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  ARALING PANLIPUNAN 8 LEARNING MATERIAL Adapted From: Department Of Education (DepEd) KABIHASNAN MO, I-KWENTO MO! Indus Civilization Group II (Pomelo) — Sir Kin’s Class In South Asia, the Indus and Ganges River valleys can be seen. Like the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, it also overflows every year due to the melting of the Himalayan mountain ice that also leaves silt that fertilizes its agricultural land. Even before this civilization developed, there were settlements already established during the Neolithic period. This is the Mhergah community (3500 BCE) west of the Indus River. It is said that the lifestyle of the people here is sedentary based on the excavated evidence. Two important cities arose here-Harappa and Mohenjo Daro. These cities are planned and organized as shown in square designed streets (grid pattern) and uniformly sized blocks of houses. This is proof that the people who lived here were good at math. There are one or more toilets or toilets connected to a centralized underground pipe and sewer system. The Dravidians are thought to have developed the Indus civilization. They worship animals and trees. This civilization was led by the ruling classes in society such as priest kings. Due to the scarcity of trees and metals, people here make a living from farming. They also learned to trade with neighboring cities. It is believed that these traders were the first to use the Indus writing system, the pictogram. No one expert could explain this writing system so there was a lack of knowledge about the Indus civilization. There are artifacts that have been excavated here such as toys and jewelry ornaments and pottery that is skillfully made. The disappearance of the Indus civilization in 1750 BCE became mysterious. According to the explanation of the scholars, there may have been calamities or the Aryans had conquered the area. But, no solid evidence has been presented to support this belief. Over time, this civilization gradually faded from memory and disappeared from history. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 4 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  G.R.A.P.E. of Indus Valley Civilization Geography: Location: The Indus Valley Civilization was located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent in present-day Pakistan and India. It extended across the Indus River Basin and surrounding areas. Climate and Environment: The region benefited from a favorable climate for agriculture, with seasonal flooding of the Indus River enriching the soil. However, the civilization may have also faced challenges from unpredictable floods. Natural Resources: The region was rich in resources such as fertile land, water for irrigation, clay for bricks, and access to minerals from nearby highlands. Religion Polytheism and Nature Worship: Archaeological evidence suggests that they practiced polytheism and likely worshipped natural elements and fertility symbols. Great Bath: The presence of large water tanks, such as the Great Bath in Mohenjo-Daro, indicates that water may have had a ritual or religious significance. Animal Worship: Seals found in the Indus Valley depict animals like bulls, tigers, elephants, and mythical creatures, which might have had religious or symbolic significance. Achievements Urban Planning: The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its sophisticated urban planning. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro featured: A grid system of streets laid out in perfect right angles. Advanced drainage and sanitation systems, with covered sewers running beneath the streets. Writing System: The Indus script remains undeciphered, but thousands of seals and inscribed objects indicate a system of writing used for administrative or religious purposes. Architecture: The use of standardized fired bricks for construction and multi- story buildings demonstrates advanced building techniques. Political Structure Decentralized Governance: The absence of grand palaces or royal tombs suggests a more decentralized form of governance. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 5 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  City Councils or Merchant Elites: Scholars believe that the civilization may have been governed by a system of local councils or merchant elites rather than kings. The uniformity of city planning and standardization of bricks across vast areas suggests some form of administrative coordination. Economy Agriculture: The economy of the Indus Valley Civilization was primarily agrarian, based on the cultivation of wheat, barley, peas, and cotton. Trade and Commerce: The Indus people engaged in extensive trade both within their region and with distant civilizations. Craft Production: Skilled artisans produced high-quality goods such as pottery, cotton textiles, metal tools, and jewelry. Granaries: Large granaries found in several cities suggest that food storage and redistribution were centrally organized, supporting the idea that the political system had a role in managing the agricultural surplus and its distribution. SUMMARY G The civilization thrived in the fertile Indus River Basin, using irrigation and benefiting from the natural resources of the region. R Evidence suggests polytheistic beliefs with a focus on fertility, nature, and animal worship, though details remain speculative due to the lack of decipherable written records. A The Indus Valley Civilization was noted for its urban planning, advanced drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and craftsmanship in various fields. P Unlike other ancient civilizations, the Indus Valley likely had a decentralized governance structure, possibly led by local councils or merchant elites. E Agriculture was the backbone of the economy, supported by extensive trade networks, craft production, and a barter system. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 6 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  ARALING PANLIPUNAN 8 LEARNING MATERIAL Adapted From: Department Of Education (DepEd) KABIHASNAN MO, I-KWENTO MO! Chinese Civilization Group III (Pomelo) – Sir Kin’s Class The Huang Ho river, also called the Yellow River, became the meeting place of the Shang Civilization. Every time after flooding, its water leaves loess or yellow soil that serves as fertilizer for the agricultural land near it. The annual flooding of this river takes many lives so it is called the River of Sorrow. By planting plants and building dikes, people have been able to control and prepare the water. There were also settlements that sprung up here before the Shang. This is the culture of Yangshao (3000-1500 BCE) and Lungshan (2500 – 2000 BCE). Sewing is the main activity during this period. Although the Lungshan community was more permanent, the Yangshao community also had a contribution. One of the main activities of the Yangshao is the manufacture of tobacco. Lungshan surpassed and developed it with the discovery of the potter's wheel. Lungshan can be said to be the transition to the Shang civilization period. There are also written that there was a predecessor of the Shang community such as the Xia dynasty but there is no sufficient document to prove this. Meanwhile, in the Shang there were about ten archeological excavations that proved this civilization in the 1920s. One of them is the oracle bones used in divination. They believe that they can talk to nature gods and ancestors using oracle bones. The Shang were ruled by priest-kings who became organized in organizing their city. It is surrounded by high walls as a protection against the frequent wars in their land. They also have a clear social division in the land - the aristocracy and the lower class characterized by the type of their residence. A writing system called calligraphy was also discovered which served as the unifier of Chinese. Although there are many different languages, the Chinese are centered around one writing system. Oracle bone symbols are the characters used as the first symbol of their writing. The Chinese consider their civilization that emerged in Huang Ho to be one of the oldest and oldest surviving civilizations in the world. This view continued into the establishment of empires. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 7 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  G.R.A.P.E. of Chinese Civilization Geography: Location: Ancient Chinese civilization developed primarily along the Yellow River (Huang He) and the Yangtze River in East Asia. These rivers provided fertile land for agriculture, and both are considered cradles of Chinese civilization. Natural Barriers: China’s geography included natural barriers that provided protection from outside invasions. The Himalayas, Gobi Desert, Tibetan Plateau Religion: Ancestor Worship: People believed that deceased ancestors could influence the living world and needed to be venerated through rituals and offerings. Shang Dynasty Religion: During the Shang Dynasty, there was a strong focus on communicating with ancestors through oracle bones, which were used for divination. Polytheism: Ancient Chinese religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods associated with natural elements and celestial bodies. Shangdi, the "Supreme Deity," was one of the chief gods, worshiped especially during the Shang Dynasty. Mandate of Heaven: A key religious and political concept, the Mandate of Heaven was the belief that the emperor’s rule was divinely sanctioned. Achievements: Writing System: One of China’s most significant contributions is its writing system, which evolved from the early oracle bone script during the Shang Dynasty Bronze Age Technology: During the Shang Dynasty, Chinese artisans produced sophisticated bronze vessels, weapons, and tools. Great Wall of China: was initiated to protect the empire from northern nomadic invaders like the Xiongnu. It was extended and fortified over several dynasties. Silk and the Silk Road: The Chinese perfected the production of silk, which became one of the most valuable commodities in the ancient world. Papermaking and Printing: During the Han Dynasty, Chinese inventors created paper, a revolutionary advancement in communication and record-keeping. Political Structure: Dynastic Rule: Chinese civilization was governed by a series of dynasties such as the Zhou, Qin, Han etc. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 8 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037  Government officials were appointed based on merit, often determined by their knowledge of Confucian philosophy and their performance in civil service exams. Military: The Chinese emperors maintained powerful military forces to defend their borders. Economy Agriculture: Agriculture was the backbone of the Chinese economy, with the cultivation of crops like millet, rice, and wheat. Silk Production: China was the earliest known producer of silk which was highly valuable to the economy. Taxation and State Control: The Chinese government maintained tight control over the economy, with taxes often paid in grain or labor. SUMMARY G China’s development was influenced by its fertile river valleys, isolated location, and rich natural resources. R Early Chinese religion centered around ancestor worship, nature gods, and later, philosophical systems like Confucianism and Daoism. A Chinese civilization contributed significantly to the world through inventions such as paper, the compass, silk production, and gunpowder, along with advancements in urban planning and writing. P Ancient China was ruled by a series of dynasties, with a centralized bureaucratic system, the Mandate of Heaven, and merit-based civil service exams. E The economy was driven by agriculture, the silk trade, advanced artisan goods, and trade through the Silk Road, supported by a complex taxation system and imperial control. DEPARTMENT OF VISION: A globally competitive university for science, technology, DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION Visayas State University, PQVWV+2QQ Baybay City, Leyte and environmental conservation. 9 Email: [email protected] MISSION: Development of a highly competitive human Visayas State University, PQWV+2QQ, Baybay Website: www.vsu.edu.ph resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative City,+63 Phone: Leyte 53 565 0600 Local 1037 technologies for sustainable communities and environment. Email: [email protected] Website: www.vsu.edu.ph Phone: +63 53 565 0600 Local 1037