The First Civilizations Mesopotamia Egypt Indus Valley and

The First Civilizations Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley and China

Environment and Civilizations � All early civilizations arose near rivers. � In the Middle East, the Sumerians settled the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. � In Africa the Egyptians established cities beside the Nile. � In South Asia an early Indian people built a civilization near the Indus River. � In East Asia, the Chinese farmed near the Huang He River.

Because of Hot Dry Climate � Framers built canals to bring water to the fields for farming. � They also took fish from the rivers. � Rivers also gave them a way to carry surplus goods to be traded elsewhere. � The civilizations had important differences. � Each region grew different crops and distinct cultures.

Geography � Egyptians had an advantage over the Sumerians because the Nile area was less swampy. � Therefore, the villages along the Nile had more contact and less conflict than the isolated Sumerian communities. � The Indus Valley was hot and dry. � Floods of the Indus River brought water and rich soil to the region.

Geography � The floods did not occur regularly every fall but came unexpectedly. � Sometimes it did not come for long periods. � Sometimes it was so strong that it destroyed all the crops. � The people of the Indus had to dig irrigation ditches and build flood barriers.

Mesopotamia � King represented the god. � He over saw the maintenance of the temple and the irrigation system and commanded the army. � The King did have to answer in some ways to the priests. � 300 laws gave the government a big role in punishments

� Gave government control over daily affairs. � Set punishments for dishonest business practices and nonpayment of debts. � Laws also increased the legal rights of women and slaves. � Punishments were harsher for people of the lower rank than the nobility. � Kings, priests, nobility, commoners, criminals, debtors, prisoners of war, slaves. � Woman were would care for the family.

Egypt � The Pharaoh was the god. Upper class � The Pharaoh’s main duty was to care for the people. � They kept powerful armies to protect Egypt from enemies. � Priests, nobles and governors also helped the pharaoh. � They collected and decided how money would be spent. � Slaves were the lowest. Woman enjoyed more rights.

Indus valley � No clear evidence of how the Indus were governed. � Nonetheless scholars believe this civilization developed under some strong organizing influence such as councils of businessman, craftsmen and farmers. � They built beautifully planned cities and efficient irrigation system. � Powerful merchants may have been the elite. � Not clear how woman were treated.

China � They had dynasties. � King ruled the dynasty. � Kings and nobles lived in palaces. � Skilled workers such as craftsmen were above the peasants and slaves who worked the land. � Women had few legal rights.