Name:_____________________
Global Studies 9
Classical Civilizations Document Based Questions
Historical Context: Throughout history, classical civilizations have contributed to the
cultural and intellectual life of humanity. These periods are often called Golden Ages, as
society enjoys not only cultural and intellectual achievements, but also stable government
and a strong economy. Classical civilizations of the ancient world contributed to the history
of humankind.
Question: What were three contributions of classical civilizations to the twenty first century?
Which contribution do you think is the most significant to the history of humankind? Why?
Task:
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STEP ONE: Using the documents, diagrams and maps, answer the questions
by not only echoing the question, but use examples from the documents to
complete the answer. You must answer in complete sentences to earn credit. .
STEP TWO: Using information from the documents and your knowledge of global
history and geography, write an essay in which you:
Describe three contributions of the classical civilizations of the ancient world.
Then, choose one contribution that you think is the most significant to the
history of humankind and explain why.
Guidelines: When writing your essay, be sure to
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address all aspects of the Task by accurately analyzing and interpreting at least four
documents.
incorporate information from the documents in the body of the essay.
incorporate relevant outside information throughout the essay.
richly support the theme with relevant facts, examples, and details.
write a well-developed essay that consistently demonstrates a logical and clean plan
of organization.
Document One:
The business of trade provided the Ancient Culture to interact with people of
Central Asia. The new foods such as grapes, walnuts, and garlic provided the
people with a reason to trade. The exchange of goods gave rise to a major
new trade route known as the Silk Road. The route ran from China to the
Mediterranean Sea. It was not a single route, but a series of routes which
covered more than 4,000 miles, which the equivalent of a road from
Chicago to Hawaii! The road was very dangerous because of thieves and the
environment. The road passed through mountains as well as deserts. To travel
would be prosperous, but it was also very treacherous. The name “Silk Road”
comes from the major good silk which was desired throughout Europe and
Asia. China traded the silk which came from worms, for goods that ranged
from jewels, horses, and linens. Along with the goods, ideas traveled to
China. Buddhism and was brought to China based upon the trade with India.
Trade was an important influence on the development of the Ancient
Chinese culture.
This excerpt is a description of Hangzhou, a southern city that was part of the Chinese
empire and a stopping spot on the Silk Road.
“There are within the city ten principal squares or market places, besides innumerable
shops along the streets. .... On the nearer bank ... stand large stone warehouses provided
for merchants who arrive from India and other parts with their goods and effects. They are
thus situated conveniently close to the market squares. In each of these, three days in every
week, from forty to fifty thousand persons come to these markets and supply them with
every article that could be desired.”
1.) Where did the trade route get the name “Silk Road” from?
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2.) What were some problems facing traders following the Silk Road?
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3.) How did trade help Ancient China to develop?
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4.) How did the Silk Road promote cultural diffusion?
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Document #2
Ancient China was able to stabilize their government and focus on the science and technology
development. It was here where China has influenced modern times in a variety of ways. Farming,
medicine, education, and travel were all directly influenced by Ancient China. There are numerous
advances that we have today which are connected to the frequent inventions and scientific developments
from Ancient China. Focusing on technology makes work more efficient, advances medicine, and improves
education. All of these advances are the foundation of developing a successful society.
Technology
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Paper from wood pulp
Iron plow for breaking soil
Rudder- device to steer ships
Wheelbarrow
Fishing reel
Compass
Medicine
Acupuncture: treatment of
disease using needles
Anesthetics- substance that puts
patients to sleep during surgery
Herbal remedies discovery of
plants useful as medicines
The Arts
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Silk Weaving
Jade carving
Bronze metallurgy
Temples and palaces
Poetry and history
Philosophy
Confucianism
Daoism
1.) What would be a good title for the graphic above? Why?
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2.) How was China able to invent and develop so many things?
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3.) Choose two examples from the graphic organizer and explain how they are used
today.
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Document #3
"Whoever honors his own [religion] and insults another man's whether from blind loyalty or
with the intention of showing his own [religion] in a favorable light, does his own [religion]
the greatest possible harm. Acceptance is best, with each hearing and respecting the
other's teachings. It is the wish of the [king] that members of all religions should learn from
one another and should teach virtue."
—From the Edicts of Asoka (268 B.C.)
1. What did the Mauryan ruler, Asoka, say about religious tolerance?
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2. What were the effects of Asoka’s edicts throughout Asia?
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Document #4
Empires of Ancient India
Maurya
Gupta
Dates
321 B.C.–185 B.C.
A.D. 320–550
Location
Northern and southern
India
Northern India
Government
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Learning
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Harsh rule
Organized
government
Officials collect
taxes
Governmentowned factories
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Schools and
libraries in
capital
Missionaries
spread
Buddhism
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Mild rule
Organized government
Villages and cities had power
Golden age of learning
Number system we use today, decimal
system
Plastic surgery, vaccines for smallpox
Carvings of gods and animals
What contributions were made in math and science during the Gupta
Empire?
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Document Five:
In the ancient Greek city-state of Athens, citizenship carried both rights and responsibilities. A male citizen
was expected to help defend Athens in war, to serve on a jury, and to participate in debates about issues.
Pericles, a great leader in Athens, said:
“We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his
own business; we say that he has no business here at all.”
1. What did Pericles think about citizens who did not participate in politics? What words lead you to
think this?
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Document Six:
There is a saying that “All roads lead to Rome”. This was definitely true. The Romans
built about 50,000 miles of roads across the empire. The roads were used to link far-away
provinces with Rome. The army used them to move soldiers quickly from area to area.
Traders used roads to sell goods and food throughout the empire.
Diagram of Roman Road
Map of Roman Road Network
1. How would Roman Roads strengthen the empire?
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Document Seven:
The ancient Roman Empire covered a huge area and included many groups of people. To rule such a
large area, the Romans created a code of laws, the 12 tables. Many nations still use the principles of the
12 table to create their laws today. What follows are some principles, or basic rules, that the Romans
developed.
 All free people have equal rights before the law.
 A person must be considered innocent until he or she is proven guilty.
 Accused people should be allowed to face their accusers and defend
themselves.
 Judges must interpret the law and make decisions fairly.
 People have rights that no government can take away.
1. Which principle prevents a government from becoming too powerful?
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2. Which principle prevents someone from going to jail based on a rumor that he or she committed
a crime?
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Document Eight:
The concept of democracy, or rule by the people, was first developed by ancient Greeks. Leaders of
ancient Rome continued that development and expanded it into a republic. Roman men were citizens who
could vote for people to represent them. A ruling body, called a Senate, was run by powerful people. Less
powerful citizens were given the right to veto or stop an action of the Senate. In these ways, all citizens
had a say in the government. One emperor, Claudius, said,
“Let them enjoy indeed the title of citizens.”
—Emperor Claudius, as recorded b Tacitus, A.D. 48
1. What rights did Roman men enjoy as citizens?
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How did the Roman republic protect the rights of both social classes?
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