The Early Civilizations

How similar were the Early

Civilizations?

AP World History Week 2

Richard Smart
Oakland Mills High School
Society v Civilization v
Complex Society
Civilization = cultural group

3. Urbanized
4. Technological Advancements
5. Division of labor
6. Defined social structure
7. Complex institutions
8. Arts and Writing systems

Civilization = value laden

Complex Society = politically correct
Comparison Question:
 Compare and contrast the political, social
and economic structures of TWO of the
early civilizations in the following regions:
Mesopotamia
Egypt
Indus Valley
Yellow River Valley
Mesoamerica and the Andes
Politics
 Urban
 Monarchies
 Military and technology

 Compare
 Cities form centers of government.
 Monarchies in Egypt, Mesopotamia and China
 Contrast
 Frequent invasions in Mesopotamia, fewer in Egypt
and China.
 Maya city states and Egypt/Shang centralization
Society
 Patriarchal
 Social Stratification
 Religion
 Writing

 Comparison
 Cuneiform, Hieroglyphics, Mayan script, Chinese script
 Patriarchal societies in all regions
 Polytheism

 Contrast
 Role of women in Egypt and Mesopotamia
Economy
 Agriculture
 Trade
 Metallurgy

 Comparison
 River valleys and irrigation
 Trade and technology
 Contrast
 Little trade in China
 Agriculture in Western and Eastern hemispheres
Discussion Questions

 Is it appropriate to use the same label

(Early Civilizations) for each of these
societies?
 Do you think we should reject the label
“Civilization” for “Complex Societies”?