SNAPSHOT I: Ancient Civilizations

APWH Habits of the mind:

• Seeing global patterns over time and space

• Developing the ability to compare within and among societies

• Developing the ability to assess claims of universal standards, yet remaining aware of human

commonalties and differences

• Developing the ability to assess issues of change and continuity over time

Directions:

1. Use the Bentley text (ch. 2-5) to research the five developing civilizations to complete this chart.

2. As you read, use the SPEC worksheets to take notes and classify your information. If you are in doubt as to

what you are looking for, consult your SPEC information sheets (below) for definitions.

3. When you have completed gathering information, you want to develop a main idea sentence for each

category (it needs to umbrella all your notes). Try to make it one or two sentences.

4. Now you are ready to move information to the actual Snapshot chart:

a. Color each civilization on the map and designate each by coloring the box next its name with the

appropriate color.

b. Put dates of the civilization next to its name.

c. Using the SPEC letters as subheadings, transfer ONLY your main idea sentences to the chart under

each appropriate civilization. Keep them in the same order for each civilization so their similarities and

differences can be easily compared.

5. ON THE BACK OF THE CHART:

a. List the three common characteristics of civilization. COMMON MEANS THEY ALL HAVE IT!

b. Explain 2 similar aspects of at least 3 of the civilizations.

c. Explain 2 contrasting aspects of 2 of the civilizations.

SPEC Information Sheet

Social:

Nature and complexity of social structure

Potential for individual and group mobility

Functions of the family

Roles and power of family members

Gender roles

Extent of urbanization

Extent of links between elite and masses

Population density

Leisure pursuits

Political:

Degree of political centralization

Extent and nature of bureaucracy

Ideological foundation of government

Levels of state control over industry and trade

Method of succession in government

Nature of contrast between state and society

Loyalty to government of local and central authorities

Economic:

Role of agriculture in economy

Role of merchants in society

Labor systems like slavery, corvee, serfdom, free laborers, etc

Role of landlords

Role of manufacturing

Level of technology

Levels of internal trade

Levels of international trade

Gender divisions in the economy

Cultural:

Dominant religions

Role of religion within society

Philosophical systems

Artistic and literary style

Cultural tolerance or lack of tolerance

Interest in foreign cultures and ideas

Society’s support of cultural pursuits

Cultural support of gender and social hierarchy