Similarities between the earliest civilisations
I can describe some of the similarities between the early civilisations’ religions and writing systems.
Similarities between the earliest civilisations
I can describe some of the similarities between the early civilisations’ religions and writing systems.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Despite having different gods and goddesses, all of these ancient civilisations built special religious buildings.
- Many of them, like the Shang, the Egyptians and the Indus people, offered sacrifices to their gods.
- All of these civilisations produced writing about trade, religion, laws and rulers.
- Archaeologists and historians have managed to understand this writing, apart from that of the Indus Valley civilisation.
Keywords
Decipher - to first understand a different language or code you must decipher it
Sacrifice - to give up something valuable for a reason is a sacrifice
Common misconception
Ancient writing was only for stories about rulers and gods.
Discuss the four different uses of ancient writing: trade, laws, religion and rulers. Discuss how these are similar to modern use, like laws needed for an ancient civilisation to develop, and think about the kinds of laws they would have needed.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
stone or other hard materials
clay
metals like gold and silver
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Sumer
Ancient Egypt