Comparing the earliest civilisations

History

Mesopotamia, the land 'between two rivers'

The growth of trade, construction and writing in Mesopotamia

Other 'cradles of civilisation'

The art and artefacts of the earliest civilisations

Similarities between the earliest civilisations

In ‘Sumer and other early civilisations: what made them similar?’ pupils encounter multiple early civilisations in overview in order to strengthen the concept of civilisation and to make connections between these. In ‘The earliest civilisations: the Indus and the Shang’ they are encouraged to develop their understanding of this concept even further. 

 In ’Ancient Egypt: what stayed the same across 3,000 years?’ pupils were introduced to their first Bronze Age civilisation in order to gain familiarity with this concept. In ‘Sumer and other early civilisations: what made them similar?’ pupils now encounter multiple early civilisations in overview in order to strengthen this concept and make connections.

This unit analyses the similarities and differences between early civilisations. Pupils learn about Mesopotamia as a 'cradle of civilisation' and compare it to other civilisations, such as the Shang and the Indus Valley civilisations.

Sumer and other early civilisations: what made them similar?

All ancient civilisations left a {{ }} lifestyle to live and settle permanently.

Why was farming successful in early civilisations?

All ancient buildings were the same style.

All civilisations built cities in different styles.

Cuneiform writing was first used to record {{ }} of goods.

Ancient civilisations all had different styles of {{ }}, writing and building.

The {{ }} civilisation developed by the Yellow River.

Which is the correct definition of trade?

A religious building from Sumer was called a {{ }}.

Sort the first development of these civilisations from oldest to newest

Comparing the earliest civilisations

Lesson outcome