Question

Consider the five civilizations you studied in this unit. Write a paragraph for each civilization. Each of your five paragraphs should address these points:

geographical location
time span of the civilization
important achievements
important leaders or rulers
end or decline

Answer 1

The Gupta empire rose in 320 C.E, in India. Its main contributions include Art and how popular Hinduism is in India today. The Gupta empire was ruled by kings, although there were local rulers as well.

The Han dynasty lasted from around 100 to 500 C.E, in ancient China. It was ruled by an Emperor, who believed he had the mandate of heaven. It collapsed because of a combination of political and religious debates about the way the society was structured. Its contributions include the seismograph and the sundial.

The Maya empire lasted from 1000 B.C.E to 900 C.E. in Central America. It was ruled by kings. Its contributions include calendars and a huge temple. It declined in 900 C.E. Its reasons for decline are unknown.

The Aztec lasted from 1323 to 1521 in what is now Mexico. It was ruled by an emperor. They were very good at farming, as they were the first to grow corn, and they learned how to shape wild land into land used for farming. They declined when they were conquered by the Spanish.

The Inca lasted from 1100 to 1585 C.E. in South America. They were ruled by kings, which they called capac. Like the Aztec, they’re contributions were farming and hunting. They used llamas for transportation. They declined because of a civil war between two leaders.

Answer 2

1. Ancient Egypt: Located in the northeastern corner of Africa, along the Nile River, Ancient Egypt existed from around 3100 BCE to 30 BCE. Egypt was known for its impressive pyramids, temples, and artwork, as well as its advancements in mathematics, medicine, and astronomy. Important leaders included pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Cleopatra VII. The civilization eventually declined due to factors such as economic instability, invasions by foreign powers, and political turmoil.

2. Ancient China: Situated in eastern Asia, Ancient China spanned several dynasties from around 2100 BCE to 1912 CE. China's contributions to the world include the invention of gunpowder, paper, and the compass, as well as its advancements in literature, philosophy, and art. Important leaders included emperors such as Qin Shi Huang, who united the country and built the Great Wall, and Tang Taizong, who oversaw a period of cultural flourishing. The end of Ancient China was marked by the fall of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.

3. Ancient Greece: Located in southeastern Europe, Ancient Greece thrived from around 800 BCE to 146 BCE. Greece is known for its contributions to philosophy, literature, theater, and democracy, as well as its architectural achievements such as the Parthenon. Important leaders include figures such as Alexander the Great, who conquered much of the known world, and Pericles, who oversaw a period of cultural and intellectual growth in Athens. Ancient Greece came to an end due to conquest by the Roman Empire.

4. Ancient Rome: Spanning from the 8th century BCE to the 5th century CE, Ancient Rome was located in central Italy. Rome's achievements include its legal system, engineering marvels such as the aqueducts, and its military conquests that led to the formation of a vast empire. Important leaders include Julius Caesar, who expanded the Roman Empire, and Augustus, who ushered in a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Rome declined due to factors such as economic instability, political corruption, and invasions by barbarian tribes.

5. Ancient India: Situated in South Asia, Ancient India existed from around 2600 BCE to 185 BCE. India's contributions to the world include the concept of zero, the decimal system, and yoga, as well as its advancements in art, literature, and philosophy. Important leaders include figures such as Ashoka, who spread Buddhism across the region, and Chandragupta Maurya, who united much of the Indian subcontinent. Ancient India declined due to invasions by foreign powers, political instability, and economic decline.

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