PaulPham_Dalat

Agriculture Develops In Mesopotamia (p. 55)

7000 BCE

First farm settlements develop in about 7000 BC.

Early Chinese Civilization (p. 162)

7000 BCE

Farmers began planting crops as early as 7000 BCE. They also supplemented their diet with meat and fish. Villages began growing into towns and hen into cities. The Chinese later invented the potters wheel in 3000 BCE to create different kinds of pottery.

The Chinese River Valley

Period: 7000 BCE to 220

The Chinese civilization began as early as 7000 BCE when farmers were growing crops in the Chang Jiang valley and in the north along the Huang He. The culture began to advance with the Chinese creating potters wheels and learning the secret to spinning silk. There were five dynasties such as the Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties. Several philosophies developed like Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism. Chinese achievements include acupuncture, paper, the first clock, and the terracotta warriors.

Food Surplus & Jobs (p. 56-57)

6000 BCE

The development of irrigation gave the Mesopotamia's a food surplus. Because people didn't all have to farm, people gained new jobs. This arrangement where a worker specializes at a job or task is called a division of labor. Later on, this led to the development of cities, laws, and government.

Egyptians and Kushites (p.82-113)

Period: 4500 BCE to 350

Agriculture began in 4500 BCE, and communities formed in 3200 to become two kingdoms; united by Menes who later held the title of pharaoh 'great house'. There were later kingdoms such as the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom which was ruled by Ramses the Great. The Kush were a people group who lived further up the Nile. Egypt and Kush fought for power and ruled the other kingdom at different times.. They had many trade goods and an iron industry. The Aksum took over in 350.

Ancient Kush (p. 108-109)

3500 BCE

Civilization developed in Kush, now modern day Nubia, in 3500 BCE. In 2000 BCE a village leader took control of all the local villages and proclaimed himself king. Egypt, sensing a rival launched a successful invasion and during this period of time cultures blended.

Nile River Civilization (p. 88)

3200 BCE

The soil along the Nile was fertile due to silt washed up in the yearly floods. Because of this farmers grew wheat, barley, fruit, and vegetables along the river. Livestock such as cattle and sheep were also raised along the Nile. Aquatic wildlife also lived in the river such as fish, wild geese and ducks providing another source of food for the Egyptians. Rich farmers became village leaders and soon enough these villages banded to form two kingdoms known as Upper and Lower Egypt.

Rulers of Egypt Emerge (p. 89)

3100 BCE

The kings of Egypt wore distinct crowns, the king of Lower Egypt wearing a red crown to symbolize authority while the king of Upper Egypt wore a white cone shaped crown. A king called Menes took control of both Upper and Lower Egypt in about 3100 BCE, wearing both crowns to signify his rule over both Upper and Lower Egypt. His title pharaoh meant 'great house', the title of the Egyptian rulers to come.

Sumerians and Later People (p. 60-62)

Period: 3000 BCE to 2179 BCE

In 3000 BCE, hundreds of thousands of people moved into the area which was later know as Sumer. These people were mainly farmers living in rural areas, but the center of society was the urban city areas. These combined areas made up a city state. Later on, Sargon became ruler of Akkad and began taking over Mesopotamia, later conquering Sumer and becoming emperor of the Akkadian Empire. He established the world's first empire.

The Old Kingdom (p. 90-91)

2700 BCE

The beginning of the Old Kingdom was marked by the rise of the Third dynasty in 2700, a rule that lasted for 500 years. The outlook of the time was that the pharaoh was both a ruler and a god. The most famous pharaoh of this period of time was Khufu, who was cruel ruler who constructed many monuments.

Rise of The Akkadian Empire (p. 61-62)

2334 BCE

Sargon became ruler of Akkad and began taking over Mesopotamia, becoming emperor of the Akkadian Empire. He established the world's first empire.

Early Indian Civilization (p. 126-128)

2300 BCE

The first civilization of India was the Harappan civilization, beginning in about 2300 BCE and ending in about 1700 BCE. The main cities, Harappa and Mohenjo Daro were remarkably well planed, each near a fortress. From vantage points in the fortress, the defenders could watch the city streets which crossed at right angles. The civilization was very advanced for the times, with most houses having advanced indoor plumbing. Sadly in 1700, the civilization ended for unknown reasons.

Indus River Valley Civilizations

Period: 2300 BCE to 1700 BCE

The first Indian people group were the Harappans. They had big fortresses and a well planned city which was basically a grid. They had indoor plumbing, a writing system, and system of weights and measures. The Aryans arrived as well living further south. They lived in communities based on family ties. These communities were ruled by rajahs. The Aryans also invented Sanskrit.

The Xia Dynasty (p. 163)

2200 BCE

The alleged first dynasty of China was the Xia dynasty, founded by Yu the Great in 2200 BCE. During this time, it was said that there were floods and that Yu the Great commissioned channels to be dug in order to drain the water. These are said to be tales but this is yet unconfirmed. The Chinese however value these stories as they tell of kings who helped solve problems by working with the people.

Aryan Emigration (p. 128-129)

2000 BCE

A new people group called the Aryans arrived in India in about 2000 BCE. The Aryans then began moving into central India and even venturing far east into the Ganges River Valley. This people group were nomads but eventually settled down into villages to farm. These people had a very different political system and lived in small communities based on family ties. Rajahs were the rulers of the village and the land and farmers would work the land for him.

Early Hebrews (p. 202-203)

2000 BCE

Abraham leaves Mesopotamia and goes to Canaan. Later on the Israelites moved to Egypt presumably because of famine. Later on a prophet Moses was told to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt which he did after pharaoh finally agreed to release the Hebrews from Egypt. This was called the Exodus, whereupon the Hebrews returned to Canaan.

The Minoans (p. 230-231)

2000 BCE

The Minoans built an advanced society during 2000 BCE, on the isle of Crete. During this time they spent most of their time at sea and became master shipbuilders. They traded oil, wood, and pottery across the Mediterranean in exchange for precious metals and jewels. However, the choice of home wasn't ideal as a volcano erupted nearby causing a tsunami and burying the cities in ash in 1600 BCE.

The Hebrews (p. 202-207)

Period: 2000 BCE to 63 BCE

The Hebrews originated from Abraham who traveled to Canaan after an encounter with God. His descendants later moved to Egypt possibly due to famine. In about 1200 BCE a new leader called Moses was called upon by God to tell Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go as they were slaves at the time. After a series of disaster, the pharaoh agreed. The Hebrews left for Canaan whereupon they were rule by kings such as David and Solomon the Wise. They were later conquered by the Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Romans.

Rise of Babylon (p. 72-73)

1792 BCE

Babylon was a city state in Mesopotamia. A new ruler, Hammurabi came to power and led his armies to conquer other cities. As a result of this his empire grew. He managed taxes, building, and trade in such a way that his city prospered. He was famous for his code of laws. His code was a set of 282 laws that governed daily life.

Babylonians and Later People (p. 72-77)

Period: 1792 BCE to 1000 BCE

Babylon rose to power when Hammurabi became king in 1792 BCE and created a code of laws that detailed most of everyday living. Under his rule the Babylonian Empire flourished. The Assyrians later destroyed the Hittites and Kassites after they took Babylon. They had iron weapons and chariots and were organized. The Chaldeans took control from the Assyrians and rebuilt Babylon creating the hanging gardens. The Phoenicians were sailor traders, trading across the Mediterranean and made the alphabet.

Mycenaeans (p. 231)

1600 BCE

The Mycenaean's settled in what was considered mainland Greece. They are considered the first actual Greek people because the Minoans didn't speak Greek. While the Minoans were sailing the seas, the Mycenaeans built fortresses all over the Greek mainland. They set up colonies in Italy and northern Greece, from where they shipped their goods to other markets around the Mediterranean. It is also said that they attacked Troy, sparking the Trojan War. In 1200 BCE, invaders from Europe took over.

The New Kingdom and Ramses the Great (p. 97 -101)

1500 BCE

The beginning of the New Kingdom was marked by Ahmose's rise to power as ruler of the 18th dynasty. This period of time was considered Egypt's golden age. This period lasted from 1550 BCE to 1050 BCE. In 1200, Ramses II gained control of Egypt, and was the longest reigning ruler in Egyptian history. He was made captain at age 10, fighting wars before ever becoming pharaoh. Ramses fought against several powers during his reign such as the Hittites (he made peace with them later) and the Tehenu.

The Shang Dynasty (p. 163 -164)

1500 BCE

The first confirmed dynasty was the Shang dynasty, which was established in 1500 BCE. The king was the center of political and religious life with nobles serving under him as advisers. Lower ranked officials were also nobles who performed various duties for the government. The Shang created the first Chinese writing system which contained more than 2,000 characters. They also developed armor, chariots, strong bows, and a calendar based on the lunar cycle.

The Zhou Dynasty (p. 166-168)

1100 BCE

The Zhou dynasty began in 1100 BCE, joining with local tribes and overthrew the Shang dynasty, becoming the longest lasting dynasty in Chinese history. The Zhou rulers exchanged land for loyalty and military support. Over time though, lords passed their titles to their sons who were less loyal to the king and eventually refused to fight for him. The period after this was called the Warring States Period where the lords fought each other for power.

King David (p. 205)

1000 BCE

After King Saul died, a shepherd called David slew the giant Goliath. He later served the king and after the king died and was anointed, becoming king.

The Phoenicians (p. 76-77)

1000 BCE

The Phoenicians were seafaring traders whose activity was noted in about 1000 BCE. They traded from Tyre, all the way to Strait of Gibraltar. During their voyages, they also founded colonies, such as Carthage. Their greatest achievement however was the invention of the alphabet, which English is based on.

King Solomon (p. 205)

965 BCE

David's son Solomon became king in about 965 BCE. He was a powerful king, making allies with Egypt and Phoenicia. The trade with these two people groups made Israel rich, whereupon Solomon built a temple for God.

Greek City States (p. 232-233)

900 BCE

The Greeks began building city states in about 900 BCE. 300 years after the fall of the Mycenaeans. These city states were called polis and were situated on high hills called the acropolis. Life in these cities often revolved around the market or agora. The agora also served as a meeting place for political and religious matters. These city states also founded several colonies abroad such as Istanbul, Marseilles and Naples.

The Warrior States (p. 266-269)

900 BCE

Two of the mightiest Greek states were Sparta and Athens. The Spartans were a very militant society with both men and women receiving training. The men however were not well clothed, without shoes and warm clothes. Food was scarce and stealing was allowed so long as you weren't caught. Men stayed in the army until age 60. Athens was similar but educated the people. Boys got military training but the training wasn't as harsh with education to supplement this. Army service was only for 2 years.

Sparta (p. 266-268)

Period: 900 BCE to 374 BCE

Sparta was a militant society created in 900-600 BCE after a slave revolt. Boys were trained to be soldiers, which involved running swimming and javelin throwing. Women also had the same sort of training as men. Only men over 60 could leave the army. They had much self discipline and obedience, requiring little comfort.

The Athenians (p. 236-241 268-271)

Period: 750 BCE to 320 BCE

The first Athenian were ruled first by a monarchy, then by an oligarchy, and later by a democracy. They would vote on political matters. People would also serve on a juries who would decide court cases. Boys were trained to be soldiers but it wasn't as harsh or long as Spartan training. Men only joined the army for two years and returned during war. In addition the Athenians taught philosophy, literature, and other subjects. Athens was later conquered by the Macedonians in 320 BCE.

Rise of Persia (p. 260)

550 BCE

The beginning of the Persian Empire began with Cyrus the Great overthrowing the foreign leaders. He conquered most of Southwest Asia, ruling one of the largest empires ever. He had an organized army and a huge unit called the Immortals who were the bravest and most skillful soldiers. To complement this he also used cavalry to direct arrow fire upon the enemy. This strategy won them many battles.

Persia (p. 260-261)

Period: 550 BCE to 480 BCE

In 550 BCE Cyrus the Great lead a revolt against the leaders of Medes marking the beginning of the Persian Empire. He took over most of Asia Minor and ruled the biggest empire the world had ever seen. His army was well organized and loyal, also equipped with cavalry. The empire also had roads built in order to facilitate quick travel.

The Macedonians (p. 272

359 BCE

In 359 BCE, Phillip of Macedonia invaded Greece. Phillip was brilliant leader who borrowed strategies such as the Greek phalanx but improved on it by giving his troops much longer spears. He also used cavalry and archers to supplement the phalanxes. After his death, his throne passed to Alexander, later known as Alexander the Great. He later went on to take over Persia, Asia Minor, Egypt and the edge of India.

Mauryan Empire (p. 142-143)

320 BCE

In 320 BCE Candragupta Maurya took over north India creating a complex government with a network of spies and an army 600,000 strong; thousands of elephants and chariots aided in battle. In 301 BCE, Candragupta became a Jainist monk and passed on his throne to his son. By 270 BCE Asoka, Candragupta's grandson took the throne and expanded the empire making it stronger and wealthier. He later converted to Buddhism and swore off military campaigns, commissioning wells, roads, and tree planting.

The Mauryans and Guptas p. (142-145)

Period: 320 BCE to 500

The Mauryan Empire began with Candragupta Maurya in 320 BCE. This empire lasted about 150 years. He created a complex government with spies and an army of 600,000 men equipped with elephants and chariots. His descendant was overthrown in 184 BCE and India was divided. The Gupta dynasty was a series of rulers in about 320 AD. The leader Candra Gupta conquered most of India, sparking a revival of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The Huns later invaded and India was again divided.

The Qin Dynasty (p. 172-174)

221 BCE

In 221 BCE, Shi Huangdi united China by raising an army and defeating all the other states, imposing strict laws and harsh punishments. Shi Huangdi then burned all books that didn't agree with legalism, saving only books that dealt with farming, medicine, and predicting the future. The king divided China into districts ruled by governors which were then divided into counties. The greatest change was when the king standardized laws, writing, money, measures and many other things.

The Han Dynasty (p. 178-179)

206 BCE

The Han dynasty was established in 206 BCE when Liu Bang, a peasant, took over China after the collapse of the Qin. He was the first common person, swiftly earning the loyalty of soldiers and the common people.

Gupta Dynasty (p. 144-145)

320

A new dynasty was established in about 320 AD. The first emperor was Candra Gupta I who took over most of North India. His rule was later succeeded to his son who added more territory to the empire. Despite being Hindus, the Gupta rulers still promoted Buddhism and Jainism creating temples and universities. The Huns later took over in the late 400 AD.

Social Studies - Democracy and Republics

Jun 15, 1215

King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta in 1215, after which the British Parliament was first formed. The Athenians under Cleisthenes created the world's first democracy in 500 BCE. The concept of democracy was used to create the parliament for British and Commonwealth nations; while the Americans created the Congress. These representative democracies were based off of the direct democracy founded by the Greeks.

Social Studies - Olympics

Jan 1, 1896

The Olympics were originally a series of competitions hosted in Olympia, Greece. They were meant to honor Zeus and were call the Olympic Games. However the Greek practice fell out of favor in about 300 AD. Today the Olympic Games are held every four years ever since 1896 with athletes from around the globe gathering in a city to represent their country. There are now 28 sports for male and female athletes to compete in.

Social Studies - Division of Labor

Apr 11, 2017

A food surplus in ancient civilizations created a division of labor. The division of labor impacted modern day because if there was no division of labor we would all be farmers instead of students, or teachers, or doctors, or even a president.

Social Studies - Calendar

Apr 11, 2017

The birth of Jesus affected the way we number years and dates. The Anno Domini system is now the unofficial global calendar standard.