Early Civilizations

T.G.

500,000 B.C.

Discovery of Fire

Essential to spread of civilization

People could move into previously inhabitable cold climates through the use of fire

Sped up the movement of early humans across the world

8,000 B.C.

Cultivation of Grains

People started to grow crops along the Nile River, Tigris River, and Euphrates in Mesopotamia.

Basic grains grown were wheat, rice, rye, oats, millet, and barley.

First known farming town was Jericho.

7,000 B.C.

Early Use of Pottery

Made pots out of pottery.

They were used to store food.

They stored drinks, as well.

6,000 B.C.

Early Use of Linen Fibers of plants and the fleece of sheep helped make clothing.

Linen cloth was found in Egyptian tombs.

The purpose of this linen was to make mummies.

5,000 B.C.

Mesopotamian Civilization

Mesopotamia is the oldest of the ancient civilizations.

The development of agriculture took place during this period, among other things, such as written language.

The developed the first calendars and cities.

4,000 B.C.

Development of Plowing

Wooden ploughs were first used by farmers to dig into soil.

They would use the pointed ends to dig into the soil.

These ploughs were held by the two handles.

3,500 B.C.

Carts with Wheels Sumerians used wagons to carry goods and people.

Solid wooden wheels were attached to carts.

This created vehicles for transporting, weapons, people, and goods.

3,100 B.C

Development of Writing

The first forms of writings were known as pictographs.

Sumer, Mesopotamia used cuneiform, or wedge shaped writing.

Egypt used hieroglyphics, which was another pictograph system.

3,000 B.C.

The First Clothes The first clothing was made by Egyptians. The women wore long skirts made of linen, while the men wore short skirts.

If the Romans wore the wrong types of clothing, they would be heavily criticized.

The Japanese had a technique of woving patterns and designs into their clothing.

2,800 B.C.

Development of the Calendar

Mesopotamians made the original calendar.

It was divided into 12 months based on the moon and sun cycles. Every 4 years, an extra month was added to make up for the difference from the seasonal year.

The Greeks and Egyptians copied this calendar.

2,700 B.C.

Old Dynasty of Egypt

This period goes from the 3rd to the 6th dynasty of Egypt.

Zoser, (pictured above), was the first pharaoh of the Old Kingdom.

The Step Pyramid was the first Egyptian pyramid, as well as Zoser’s burial place.

2,550 B.C.

Construction of the Great Pyramids

Great pyramids were designed and built during the period of the Old Kingdom.

Khufu, Khafre, and Menkure had pyramids built to be their tombs in Giza.

Pyramids were made to protect the pharaoh’s bodies, family members, and possessions.

500,000 B.C – 2,550 B.C.