6.3 - Early River Valley Civilizations

From EngageNY

Complex societies and civilizations developed in the Eastern Hemisphere. Although these complex societies and civilizations have certain defining characteristics in common, each is also known for unique cultural achievements and contributions. Early human communities in the Eastern Hemisphere adapted to and modified the physical environment.

6.3a Humans living together in settlements develop shared customs, beliefs, ideas, and languages that give identity to the group.

6.3b Complex societies and civilizations share the common characteristics of religion, job specialization, cities, government, language/record keeping system, technology, and social hierarchy. People in Mesopotamia, the Yellow River valley, the Indus River valley, and the Nile River valley developed complex societies and civilizations.
  • Students will explore at least two river valley societies and civilizations: one in the Middle East (Mesopotamia or Nile river valley), one in South Asia (Indus River valley), or one in East Asia (Yellow River valley) by examining archaeological and historical evidence to compare and contrast characteristics of these complex societies and civilizations.
6.3c Mesopotamia, Yellow River valley, Indus River valley, and Nile River valley complex societies and civilizations adapted to and modified their environment to meet the needs of their population.
  • Students will explore how the selected complex societies and civilizations adapted to and modified their environment to meet their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.
6.3d Political and social hierarchies influenced the access that groups and individuals had to power, wealth, and jobs and influenced their roles within a society.
  • Students will compare and contrast the gender roles, access to wealth and power, and division of labor within the political and social structures of the selected river valley societies and civilizations.
  • Students will examine the unique achievements of each of the selected complex societies and civilizations that served as lasting contributions.

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