World History Essential
Questions for the Year
Early Humans
Mesopotamia
Egypt
India
Greece
China
Rome
World
Religions
For each unit we study, we will be
analyzing the following questions…
Contributions
How does learning about ancient
history impact how you understand
the world and our connections to
other people, cultures, and
countries?
• How does learning the “history” of yourself and your
classmates help you better understand and
connect with them?
o Examples?
• Learning the values of an
ancient philosopher named
Confucius helps you better
understand Chinese culture
and relationships today.
Culture
How does the development of
culture impact history, and why
does it evolve and change?
culture = the beliefs, customs, practices,
and behaviors of a particular group of
people
• How does American culture impact your life?
o Examples?
• Learning how the first cultures developed tells us
about the roots of our own culture and modern
practices and beliefs.
Geography
How does geography influence how
people live, move, and define
regions?
• How does geography influence your every day life?
o Examples?
• In ancient Egypt, people lived along the banks of
the Nile River because Egypt is a desert. They
needed water for themselves and their crops. This
was also a disadvantage as the Nile flooded and
could destroy homes and lives.
Religion
What is the function of religion in
ancient civilizations, and how does it
impact today’s world?
o Early Religions
o Hinduism
o Judaism
o Buddhism
o Christianity
o Islam
• How does religion influence the way you live?
o Examples?
• In ancient Mesopotamia, people believed the gods
caused natural disasters like earthquakes and
floods. Therefore, people worked constantly to
keep the gods happy.
History
How do we use inferences and
connections from reliable sources to
build understanding?
• How do you get information you need?
o Examples?
• Historians analyze primary and secondary sources
to try and understand the past. By analyzing
ancient human bones and remains we can learn
about their life and culture.
Government
How does power define ancient
and modern day governments, and
how has the structure of power
evolved over time?
• Who has power in your life and why?
o Examples?
• Early people also gave the power to elders
because of their wisdom or the strongest because
of their physical power. In ancient Rome an
emperor held the power. The emperor told people
he was chosen by the gods, and therefore people
had to obey his rules!
There is no one correct
answer to any of these
questions!