-
10,000 BCE-6000 BCE Environmental The richness of the Fertile Crescent came from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. These rivers often flooded, which made the land fertile for farming. Early civilizations used this rich land to grow food, build cities, and create organized societies. We still see this today in modern farming, where river valleys and floodplains are used for growing crops. Picture of the area where Fertile Crescent Source: WH textbook
-
3100-1805 BCE Lens: Environmental The seasonal floods in the Nile River Valley had a huge impact on the Egyptian Society. The floods made the soil rich for farming, which led to more food, bigger communities, and trade between villages. They also helped Egyptians create early government systems to manage irrigation. This is seen today because many of the communities that live in those areas are being negatively impacted by the floods. Map of floods Source: WH Textbook
-
Lens: Environmental Basin irrigation in ancient Egypt organized society by creating surpluses of crops. Those surpluses then helped urbanization develop, labor classes, and a sort of hierarchy. The system was based on the Niles flooding, which they predicted would happen. This practice is still being used today by people all over the world. Blueprint that displays how it works Source: WH Textbook
-
Environmental Natural barriers like mountains, rivers, and deserts helped protect early societies from attacks and guided where the people lived. They also influenced city location, farms, and trade routes, keeping communities safe and organized. We still see this today because we can see their influence in many things. Map of the Sahara Desert Source: WH Textbook
-
Mesopotamians built canals from the Tigris and Euphrates to irrigate dry farmland. This innovation allowed cities like Ur to thrive. Irrigation systems today follow similar principles.
-
2600 bce-1900 Environmental The Monsoon of India provided a mass amount of water. They then used that water for farming. But as a result, it created collapse and shortages. We can see this today because India still heavily relies on the monsoon winds, which shows how weather patterns can shape the way you live. Map of Indus River with areas where rainfall was Source: WH Textbook
-
Rivers in ancient civilizations were used like how we use freeways today. They used to transport goods and sometimes even their culture. Today, rivers such as the Amazon and the Rhine are still used to transport goods across the world.
-
Environmental People who lived in high altitudes adapted using different types of farming. Such as terrace farming. We still see this in today's society because Andean farmers still grow crops such as potatoes on terraces, which shows a long-lasting environmental adaptation. Picture: Ancient terraces in Peru Source: WH history textbook
-
800 BCE - 476 CE Environmental The Civilizations used the Mediterranean Sea to travel and trade. The Greeks and Romans grew food and exchanged goods across the water. This made them richer and helped spread ideas and culture. Today, seas and oceans are still used for trade between different countries. Picture of Mediterranean Sea Trade Source: WH textbook
-
Islanders cut down trees to move moai statues, causing deforestation. The lack of trees hurt farming and led to food shortages. It's a warning of the dangers of environmental overuse.