Similarities between 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

Comparing 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?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Ancient civilisations had different gods and goddesses.

Ancient civilisations all had the same gods and goddesses.

Ancient civilisations had no gods or goddesses.

Each ancient civilisation built {{ }} from stone or mudbrick.

What keyword means to give up something valuable for a reason?

What did ancient writing record in all early civilisations?

Which civilisation's writing has not yet been deciphered?

Which of these were 'cradles of civilisation'?

Match each type of ancient art to the material it was made from.

What kinds of settlements did civilisations first build?

all early civilisations traded with people from far away

some early civilisations traded with people from far away

All early civilisations created {{ }} made by artists and craftspeople.

Similarities between the earliest civilisations

Lesson outcome

Content guidance