Foundations of Civillization Final Project

  • Period: 200,000 BCE to 700 BCE

    First civilizations: The peoples of Western Asia and Egypt

  • 10,000 BCE

    Fertile Crescent Farming

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because fertile soil allowed farming. Because the rivers enriched the land, people planted crops. This led to villages and the first cities. This is visible today in farming near rivers and irrigation canals. It is also seen in modern agriculture worldwide. Therefore, the environment made civilization possible.
  • 3000 BCE

    Egyptian Irrigation Systems

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because the Nile supported farming. Because the river flooded, people built canals. This led to surpluses and strong kingdoms. This is visible today in dams and irrigation systems. It is also seen in government water projects. Therefore, water control shaped societies.
  • 2500 BCE

    Indus Valley Urban Planning

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because rivers allowed city growth. Because farmland fed many people, cities built wells and drains. This led to organized and clean cities. This is visible today in plumbing and modern sewers. It is also seen in green city planning. Therefore, water shaped urban life.
  • 2400 BCE

    Mesopotamian Irrigation & Salinization

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because irrigation changed the land. Because canals watered crops, salt built up in soil. This led to weaker harvests and city decline. This is visible today in soil damage from overfarming. It is also seen in modern soil care. Therefore, misuse of land hurt societies.
  • 2000 BCE

    Chinese Loess Soil & Yellow River

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because floods shaped farming. Because the Yellow River overflowed, people built levees. This led to strong rulers to organize work. This is visible today in dams and flood control. It is also seen in disaster relief systems. Therefore, floods shaped society’s growth.
  • 1200 BCE

    Olmec Agriculture in Mesoamerica

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because river valleys supported farming. Because maize grew well, people had surpluses. This led to culture, religion, and art. This is visible today in maize as a global crop. It is also seen in farming-based cities. Therefore, farming supported culture.
  • 900 BCE

    Maya Agriculture & Deforestation

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because farming could damage land. Because the Maya cut forests, droughts worsened. This led to decline of their cities. This is visible today in climate change. It is also seen in deforestation problems now. Therefore, land misuse led to collapse.
  • 700 BCE

    Persian Qanat System

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because people needed water in dry areas. Because Persia was desert, they dug qanats. This led to farming and empire growth. This is visible today in aquifers and desert farming. It is also seen in cities like Dubai. Therefore, water tech supported survival.
  • 600 BCE

    Greek Use of the Sea

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because geography pushed trade. Because Greece had poor farmland, people turned to the sea. This led to trade and cultural exchange. This is visible today in shipping routes. It is also seen in coastal cities worldwide. Therefore, the sea connected societies.
  • 312 BCE

    Roman Aqueducts

    It can be argued that early civilizations shaped societies environmentally because water was needed for cities. Because Rome needed water, they built aqueducts. This led to clean water and public life. This is visible today in plumbing systems. It is also seen in pipelines worldwide. Therefore, water systems support cities.