Ancient Civilizations
Civilizations are defined in our textbook as a culture that includes certain elements such
as a system of writing, cities, and workers with specialized jobs.
The appearance of the world’s first civilizations more that 5,000 years ago was a major
development in human history. Before that time, people lived in small, scattered
communities moving from place to place in constant search for food.
Ancient civilizations are also called pre-industrial civilizations because they relied on
human labor instead of “modern machines” for the harvesting of crops. Every early
civilization developed a record-keeping system, usually a form of written script. The
Mesopotamians impressed signs on clay tablets, the Egyptians wrote on rolls of papyrus
reed, and the Inca’s knotted strings.
Civilizations erected elaborate public buildings such as palaces, temples and huge city
walls. Each civilization also developed a set of distinctive religious beliefs, as well as
laws. Rulers were typically perceived as a living god.
Guided Question Your assignment is to create an imaginary ancient civilization that has only recently been
discovered from thousands of years ago. In groups of three or four create your
civilization. What is the name of your civilization? You will need to include the
following information that tells about your civilization:
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The geographical location of where archeological remains of your civilization
were discovered and the reason scientists believe they settled in that particular
region. Include a map. What waterway is close by?
Four laws your civilization recorded
What system of writing, or recording your civilization used (You will need to
include a sample of the alphabet, symbols, or method. You may scan the
document if you want to include it in your digital presentation.
What is one architectural structure that was designed by your civilization and
what was its purpose? You will need to create a 3D structure which includes a
one paragraph description of the materials your civilization used to build it and its
purpose. It will need to be mounted on a piece of foam board no larger than 18”x
18”.
The name of your civilization.
From the information scientists have gathered, what type of occupations or
specialized work (minimum of three) were important to your civilization.
DUE DATE: November 15th.
Rubric for Civilization
Name of Civilization
5pts. ____
Example of their alphabet, symbols or form of writing
25pts ____
Four laws they recorded
10pts ____
Include a map that shows the geographical location of where
your civilization was discovered.
10pts. ____
A 3-D structure of a building mounted on foam board
30pts. ____
A paragraph describing what scientists believe the purpose of the structure 10pts. ____
Was and what materials it is made from
A description of 3 specialized occupations
10pts. ____
Total pts._____