River Valley Civilizations
Surta Dave, Sarah Hyden, Morgan Glover, Killian Phelan
Mesopotamia
Cities
Civilization was made of cities that rose and fell, bordering the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which were used as resources. Believed to have been the first peoples to organize themselves to help life be more efficient.
Government
A king, the most famous being Hummurabi, claimed his laws were communicated from the gods. He was the sole leader claimed to be appointed by the gods, whose job was to address needs of the people as well as lead them militarily.
Social Structure
Arranged into levels, like a caste system.
Slaves, Commoners, Merchants/Artisans, Scribes, Priests, and the King
Religion
The first civilization to record religious happenings. The Mesopotamians were polytheistic with gods and goddesses of nature resembling those of Ancient Greece
Art
Focused primarily on sturdy, long lasting clay and stone sculptures. little painting has survived to today, but the small amount that has suggests that painting was used for geometrical and plant-based patterns and designs. Few paintings and molds representing their gods.
Writing
A system of pictograms was developed in order to communicate updates about taxes and crop conditions, and to record important events and information.
Indus Valley Civilization
Cities
The Indus Valley Civilization had many large cities for its time. Cities such as Mohenjo- daro (above) and Harappa. Harappa is said to have house 50,000 people.
Government
They had powerful Kings. Above is a sculpture of one of the Kings. Also the priests has lots of power. Though higher up in the social structure the priests did not have as as much power as the Kings. The Kings were the ultimate rulers but the priests had a great amount of influence on the Kings.
Social Structure
The social structure included Kings, priests, etc. There were Priests on the highest level, Warriors and Kings second, skilled traders and merchants third, the servants fourth, and last were the untouchables. This was later formed into he caste system that exists in present day India.
Religion
The religion is said to have been based on nature, and polytheistic. For example they would have a Sun God, a Sea God, etc. Animals were also considered sacred in this religion.
Art
Many beautiful structures, as well as gold jewelry, pots, and seals have been found. Gold, stone, and terra-cotta figures have also been recorded in some type of dance pose. Much of the jewelry making is still practiced today.
Writing
Symbols had been seen on seals as a mode of communication. There would be from many as 5 to 26 symbols on one seal. There is said to have been around 400 to 600 different symbols on the seals.
Egypt
Cities
Most cities were located on the floodplain near the Nile River, for close distance to resources and boats.
Government
All positions of power were held by the royal family, starting with the pharaoh, including landholder, priest, judge, and warrior.
Social Structure
The pharaoh and his relatives were at the top of the pyramid, while the lowly slaves and servants were located at the bottom of the social pyramid.
Religion
They had very strong polytheistic beliefs along with important and sacred rituals, especially the ritual that went along with death.
Art
Most art was done by painting, sculptures, pottery, papyrus, and architecture. All painting and pottery told a story through hieroglyphics.
Writing
Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to communicate, along with other scripts. Usually, the hieroglyphics were written on papyrus rolls.
China
Religion
Religion- The religion was based on sacrifice, especially human sacrifice, and had a focus on the afterlife. Elaborate tombs would be built, and the ruler's burial also required many sacrifices to go along with the tomb. The Chinese were very devoted to their ancestors and making statues of their deceased family members
Art
Art- The Shang dynasty occurred during the Bronze Age, so many pieces of art and sculptures were made out of bronze, such as wine vessels. Jade was another popular substance of which artifacts were created. Paintings were also made on parchment scrolls.
Government
Government- A monarchy ruled with a king as its head. The king had complete control over the country and its people.
Social Structure
Social Structure- Shang society was a hierarchy, with different ranks and levels and job functions. These were often passed down a noble family.
Writing
Writing- The Chinese began writing on oracle bones by inscribing figures and characters onto the bone. This is the oldest known form of Chinese writing, and originated in the Shang dynasty time period.
Cities
Cities- The Chinese were located near the Yellow River, with multiple cities lying in the Yellow River valley.