Time Period Review: Foundations ERA 8000 BCE to 600 CE

Gabriella Smith
AP World History

Sub Saharan Africa (West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa):

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: In the Neolithic period (8000
3000 BCE) communities progressed from hunters and gatherers into being able to
domesticate animals such as cattle, using animal skin for material and cultivating
yams in West Africa. In 3000 BCE, the first settlement ended due to climate
change that turned the Sahara into a desert. From 2000-500 BCE new settlements
began to grow. In southern parts of Africa, tribes known as Khoisan or
Khoikhoi were established. They had created a language out of sounds, but the
Bantu language also became known in distinction to north. The acts toward
learning the Bantu language allowed the language to take over relatively all of
Southern Africa during this era.
2. Development and interaction of cultures: As stated above, the Bantu language
took over the main parts of Southern Africa which led to cultural diversity. A main
art established in Sub Saharan Africa was iron smelting that particularly the Nuk
culture (500 BCE- 200 CE) used to create pottery depicting African traditions.
Islam was later spreading in East and West Africa by merchants around coastal
towns of the Red Sea or Sahara trade routes in the eighth century.

3. State building, expansion, and conflict: On West Africas Coast of New Guinea
the Soninke People untied to resist passing nomads in the third century. When the
Soninke chief who, was from the royal clan of Ouagadou, united the people it is
said that they formed the city of Kumbi Saleh. Kumbi Saleh is the capital of the
Ghana Empire and was an oasis along the north-south trade route. The Ghana
Empire later falls before the eleventh century.
4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: The Ghana Empire
was located midway in the desert and allowed camel caravans to trade good such
as copper, dried fruit, and salt. The empire exchanged these goods with leather
goods, ivory, gold, and slaves. An economic system for taxes was developed to
collect taxes from traders entering the kingdom for government funding, boarder
protection, and capitol support.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: With the development of the
Ghana Empire came social structures. The ruler was in control of the gold fields
located to the southwest and therefore gained political control. The Ghana Empire
additionally controlled the trade of slaves who were considered the lowest in the
social structure.

North Africa

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: In North Africa during the Neolithic
Revolution humans were able to control fruit production and domesticate cattle along
with camels. Control and domestication allowed a higher production of food
consequently allowing a higher human population. Earliest civilization developed in
Northeastern Africa by 3000 BCE along the Nile River. Technology in Egypt was derived
from the Nile River, the river provided water for crops and a form of transportation. It
allowed engineers to construct complex irrigation systems that controlled the flow of the
rivers. The systems were used for agriculture.
2. Development and interaction of cultures: Around 3000 BCE the first chiefdoms were
established in Southern Egypt, such as the city of Abydos. Their military motives are
indicated to cause the conquering in Egypt. As followed the creation of unified kingdom,
ruled by King Menes/Namer in 2900 BC. King Namer was considered a god to his
kingdom and monuments of hieroglyphics were made to adore him. Later among the
Early Dynasty period the capitol became located in Memphis. In Memphis tombs for past

pharaohs were created over the centurys and gradually became pyramids. The pyramids
were the start to the Old Kingdom period.
3. State building, expansion, and conflict: The last pyramid to the Old Kingdom was
formed for Pepy II after his reign from 2246 to 2152 BCE. Provincial governors were
then able to commission monumental works and take credit of their policies. The
arrangement of new governance began the First Intermediate period. In spite of formation
of a government, nepotism took place among the civilization and motivated a civil war.
4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: After the Civil War of the
First Intermediate period a king was once more in control of the government. During the
Middle Kingdom period of 2074 to 1759 BCE large projects were designed in the Fayum
and Delta regions. The projects brought land under cultivation and expanded international
trade. International trade was made through Levants Port, Byblos, and routes toward
Palestine. Other trade included selling throughout the Red Sea, Saharan trade and SubSaharan trade routes.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: The New Kingdom period of
Ancient Egypt begun with the height of international power. Development began to
create a strong monarchy with locals subordinated in social status. However, in Ancient
Egypt women were given equal legal rights as men, rights were based on social class and
not gender.

Middle East (Mesopotamia)

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: The Middle East becomes
known as Mesopotamia for the years of ancient civilizations. Such as other
civilizations they learned agricultural skills. Unfortunately, faming was a
challenge to Mesopotamia due to lack of rainfall in the area. Mesopotamia had to
compose irrigation systems in order to control the water flow of the Tigris and
Euphrates River for the crops. The water was controlled through canals along with
reservoirs and used only when needed. Mesopotamians were proficient herders
and farmers, but widely caught game for food.
2. Development and interaction of cultures: Mesopotamians created a belief system
for many gods and goddesses called Polytheism. Furthermore around 3500 BCE
the Cuneiform Writing System had become the earliest form of writing. This
allowed written literature such as the Epic of Gilgamesh or development or legal
codes. The most profound set of laws used was Hammurabis Code, where it
placed the law of an eye for an eye.
3. State building, expansion, and conflict: Military leaders became kings shifting
social order and led to the creation of the first territorial kingdom. This was

caused by nomads migrating in 2000 BCE conquering cities and settling in them.
Forming a city-state type structure.
4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: In the creation of the
city-state came the creation of taxes. Taxes were made by Mesopotamians
allowing them to produce a great deal of goods, as long as a portion was given to
the government.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: Mesopotamia was a
territorial kingdom and therefore relied on the lowest of the social and economic
classes to provide or serve. Social class was based on knowledge; higher classes
were knowledgeable by understanding Cuneiform writing. As well Mesopotamia
was an empire, hence being diverse and multiethnic.

South Asia:

1.

Interaction between humans and the environment: The Indus Valley people of 2500
BCE along the Indus River had a large amount of land that could sustain high
productivity for crops. Thus, allowing the Indus Valley people to flourish.
2.

Development and interaction of cultures: The Indus Valley people have been
noted by archeologist but, are difficult to study due to the fact their written
language is unknown. Although, archeologists know their architecture was made
on high levels in order to capture wind as a cooling system and most homes were
connected by a central plumbing system to relocate waste or water out of the city
into sewer ditches that ran underground. As well, they formed the Great Bath
which some historians believed is tied to ritual purity and baptismal. Throughout
time they formed Hinduism, the caste system, reincarnation, and karma in the
Gupta Empire of 320 to 550 CE.

3.

State building, expansion, and conflict: Two majorly known cities created by the
Indus Valley civilization are Harappa and Mohenjo, but the civilization itself is
the largest civilization with 1,500 sties counted. Meaning the probability of
government and zoning is very high but, archeologists still dont know who gave
the government its authority. As the civilization diminished we see the Mauryan
Empire in 324 to 184 BCE and the Gupta Empire starting in 320 CE.

4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: Archeologist are able

to apprehend the fact that the Indus Valley civilization traded with Mesopotamia
as early as 3500 BCE. We understand they traded with the seal they designed. The
seals were found not only in the Indus Valley but, in Mesopotamia. Another good
found in Mesopotamia was bronze thats originally in the Indus Valley. Cloth was
another main trading item and still is today. After the Indus Valley civilization we
found commencing with Africa and Asia by land and water routes.
5.

Development and transformation of social structures: Until the demise of the

Indus Valley civilization the social and economic classes were set by where a
person lived. Living closer in a city with higher housing meant that you were of
higher status. The highest importance was given to the priest and kings.
Nevertheless, archeologist can perceive a peaceful civilization from little or no
evidence of warfare or weapons. As the Gupta Empire reached India the caste
system was enforced creating the highest caste as the Brahmin and lowest caste as
the Pariahs.

Southeast Asia

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: The multitudinous amount of

force allowed civilizations in early Southeast Asia to cut and burn vegetation to
create a bare landscape. From 8000 BCE to 1000 BCE small agricultural
communities formed along the Yellow River and planted rice. From 600 BCE to
600 CE many canals were created, such as the Great Canal which connected the
Yellow River to the Yangzi River.
2. Development and interaction of cultures: Hindu beliefs were past downed in
Southeast Asia from immigrants, as well as Buddhism beliefs, and spread through
trade networks in 700 BCE. Artwork became known in Southeast Asia as pottery,
silk, and stone tools. Bronze tools were an addition after 2000 BCE. The Silk
Road that extended from Western China to the Mediterranean accommodated to
exchange of goods and ideas
3. State building, expansion, and conflict: In 1000 BCE to 800 BCE centralized
farming establishments formed and people traveled to fertile soil grounds if
necessary. The governments organized through temples and trade centers.

4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: Agricultural

production consisted of mainly rice and trading through the Silk Road allowed
exchanging of plants and animals. The Kingdom of Funan flourished by
controlling the trade in the Malay peninsula in 100 CE to 600 CE.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: Women in Southeast Asia
were able to own properties and take part in rituals. Concluding they had more
rights, even with men still dominated. As for social and economic classes the
Shang and Zhou rulers were authoritative over a hierarchy society.

East Asia

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: The Yellow River Valley
offered agricultural opportunity. During the Shang Dynasty of around 1760 to
1520 BCE the geographical isolation caused a trade based economy. Yet, in
abundance forests were cleared and dikes were built with walls built around the
city. As followed, the Zhou Dynasty of 1046 to 256 BCE when reservoirs for
water were built in order to survive droughts.
2. Development and interaction of cultures: In East Asia oracle bones were used to
connect man to heaven, believing that gods controlled all aspects of life from
agriculture to natural disasters. During the Warring States period of 481 to 221
BCE Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were led in accretion. The Qin
Dynasty was most uniformed to Legalism while, the Han Dynasty generalized
with Confucianism. Buddhism was also brought during the Han Dynasty by India.
Under the era of The Qin Dynasty the Great Wall of China was formed and is an
immense architectural structure. The structure was repaired quite often yet, still

stands today. During the Han Dynasty the invention of paper came abroad as one
of the greatest inventions of Ancient China.
3. State building, expansion, and conflict: The Shang Dynasty was extensively
centralized and formed a bureaucracy as government with the power toward state
officials. The Zhou Dynasty as well used a form of bureaucracy where officials
and rulers worked together but, they created a feudal system and political
fragmentation. Later the Qin Dynasty unified China in 221 BCE and the Han
Dynasty expanded china. Unfortunately, after the Han Dynasty collapsed in 220
CE the land distributed toward other dynasties that appeared. Finally in 581 CE
China reunited under the Sui Dynasty.
4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: In the Yangzi River
Valley millet, meat, and rice fed the majority of the people. As for trade the Silk
Road allowed Western China to trade the most desired commodity called Chinese
Silk. Later the expansion of canals would help transport goods.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: In 600 BCE to 600 CE the
high societies studied Confucianism and ran the government. Confucianism stated
that elders were to be respected; the eldest male holds the power in the family and
the five types of relationships were to be followed.

Western/ Eastern Europe and Russia

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: The Indo-Europeans were the
first civilization of Eastern Europe and Russia. Indo-Europeans lived in what is
now Ukraine by hunting and gathering upon the land, starting after 4000 BCE
they were able to domesticate horses. In 1700 BCE the Indo-Europeans invaded
the Greek Peninsula. Their sources of interactions between humans allowed small
trade through pottery, stones, and hunting weapons. As the rise of Greek citystates in 800-600 BCE farming was the source for food and minerals such as
bronze were major goods.
2. Development and Interaction of cultures: In earlier BCE religion was based
around Animisms (nature gods) and the people focused their lives around their
devotion to them. Throughout Ancient Greece the belief for nature gods
heightened and was now considered Mythology, The Odyssey of 750 BCE shows
the importance of Greek gods in their culture. Greek Philosophy was an important

role as well in Rome 146-60 BCE. It wasnt until the Conversion of Constantine
in 312 CE where the dominance of Christianity overtook the fall of the Roman
Empire. Christianity is the basic belief of one god in reference to the Bible.
3. State building, expansion, and conflict: The rise of Greek city-states in 800 to 600
BCE led the first democracy established in Athens around 508 BCE. This was
also the era for founding Rome during 753 BCE by Romulus and the Roman
republic was established in 500 BCE. Other important events in Greece include
the Greek and Persian wars between 490 and 479 BCE that formed the Delian
League of 478-404 BCE. Moreover, The Peloponnesian Wars of 431-404 BCE
transferred leadership in Greece from Athens to Sparta. In Greece extension of the
Empire from 336-323 was led by Alexander the great who extended his kingdoms
boarders from the Mediterranean to India. He is regarded as one of the greatest
military leaders and powerful rulers. Important events of Rome include the
creation of The Law of Twelve Tables that were the foundation to Roman law in
450 BCE, yet in 133-127 the Roman Republic fell. Julius Creaser was credited to
the upbringing of the Roman Empire; his dictatorship in Rome lasted from 46-44
BCE and was taken over by his nephew, Augustus Creaser, who became the first
emperor in 27 BCE to 14 CE. As centuries of civil war past Constantine the Great
decided to divide the empire into two the east and west from 284 to 305 CE.
Lastly, invaders such as Attila the Hun in 447 CE and Odoacer in 476 CE ended
the Roman Empire. Starting the New Byzantine Empire in 527 CE and ending in
565 CE.

4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: The Greek in 183 to

145 BCE invaded India, creating flourishing trade between the two with goods
such as silk, spices, and gold. During the Roman Empire regional, inter-regional,
and international trade was an accepted feature. The Roman Empire created vast
trade by allowing free-market with state control.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: In early BCE Europes
social structures were not created because, everyone was treated equally. In the
late BCE and early CE Europe social class was complex and based off patriarchy,
social class included where the person lived.

Latin America (South America)

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: In Latin America early

inhabitants lived by hunting and gathering yet, scavenging became difficult in
8000 BCE. Large game is said to have become scarce in the region, causing
inhabitants to move toward settlements or communities as the climate rapidly
changed. Communities would resort to fishing or farming for food. Maize and
beans were part of their main diet in 5000 to 3000 BCE. The production from the
communities in the High Andes of Peru led to the first civilizations. Including the
geography of South America played a large role in their way of living. The
environment consisted of a mountainous core, dense interior jungle, and arid
costal plains. Cultivation of 2500 to 2000 BCE was built upon beans, peanuts,
sweet potatoes, and cotton.
2.

Development and Interaction of cultures: In 1800 BCE inhabitants of the Andean

region had begun to shape pottery, build temples, and ceremonial centers. Temples
and ceremonial centers were used in their religion and a new religion appeared

after 1000 BCE in the Central Andes. Temples and elaborate works of art
demonstrate the importance of those featured in the work. The Chavin Culture
stretched through Peru around 900 BCE and disappeared during 300 BCE.
3. State building, expansion, and conflict: In South America there is no evidence of
forms for writing therefore, little evidence on civilizations exists. There is no
evidence to suggest the Chavin culture or religious belief led to the formation of a
state and organized political order. The greater portion of Andean states developed
along the western slopes of The Andes. The states emerged after war between
civilizations unified the individual valleys into combined societies.
4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: The unity of societies
coordinated in trade. The low, central, and high lands commonly traded with
Llama meat, Alpaca wool, potatoes, maize, beans, fish, and cotton. The economic
zones based off climate zones were created by builders of early and ensuing
Andean states who worked toward strengthening the merging of lands.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: From the civilizations
artwork we can consider the structure of the society to be based by specialization
of labor. The unity of civilizations and geographic location can conclude the
societies developed regional diversity of the people.

North America (Mesoamerica)

1. Interaction between humans and the environment: As like Latin America, hunting
and gathering were the first forms for food. Yet, as game became reduced and the
climate became heated inhabitants formed settlements. Thus, creating forms of
agriculture around the Valley of Mexico and forging the fist civilizations.
2.

Development and Interaction of cultures: Many of the civilizations in

Mesoamerica are centered on religious shrines and the followed the chiefs or
shamans. Religious ceremonies are specific to certain geographic areas as well in
Mesoamerica. The earliest civilization was the Olmec from 1500400 BCE; the
Olmec was placed around a Polytheistic religion. Raised platforms of carved
stone served as their backdrops for rituals. Rulers became closer to gods by
bloodletting and human sacrifice, giving them the ability to transform into other
creatures. Innovations of the Olmec include astrological observations, forms of
writing, calendars, and ball game.

3. State building, expansion, and conflict: The Olmec was the first civilization, yet
historians have found little suggestions of a centralized political authority. The

Olmec civilization laid out their cities with the path of stars and the plat formed
residencies placed elites closer to masses. Construction was low skilled however,
artist closer in-city would decorate the urban core. The political structure was
based upon a hierarchy of elites and commoners. The commoners were benefited
by organized collective labor of the elite. Religion also placed a large role in the
control of the civilization. As the Olmec declined the largest civilization of the
time arrived in 400 to 600 CE called Teotihuacan. The metropolis inhabited
almost 200,000 people with temples, residencies, markets, and workshops.
Another civilization that was shaped by the culture of the Olmec was the Mayans
yet, they would not fully emerge till 325 to 900 CE.
4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems: Each settlement
appeared to progress and expand independently in order to exploit good such as
salt, cacao, clay, and pottery. Trade was also common with minerals such as Jade,
Obsidian, and Limestone. Another trading good was corn; corn cultivation was
highly productive in Veracruz and Tabasco allowing human energy to be placed
on the commerce of goods instead.
5. Development and transformation of social structures: Social structures were
formed though the religion. Elites or higher classed civilians were considered to
be closer to god. While the commoners would follow under their orders.