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4000 BCE
Ancient China
Located along the Huang He River. Ruled by Emperors and Dynasties. They believed in the Mandate of Heaven, when "gods" decide who is ruler. Family was very important. Their writing system was calligraphy. Their main religions were Confucianism and Taoism. -
3500 BCE
Sumerian Civilization
Sumeria was located along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (Fertile Crescent). Living in ancient Sumer, you would believe in many gods that “controlled” life. Priests were believed to have direct contact with the gods, therefore they ruled the cities. There were also different ranks of social classes. Women had many rights. People traded with each other by merchants. Merchants would trade bronze weapons and excess food for the natural resources people needed. -
3000 BCE
Ancient Egypt
Civilization along the Nile River. Pharaohs, the kings, were believed to be gods. There were many different ancient time periods. They wrote using hieroglyphics, used numerals and geometry, had a lunar calendar, and were the first people to perform brain surgery. -
2500 BCE
Ancient India
Located along the Indus and Ganges rivers. Monsoons brought both destructive flooding and horrible droughts. Had well-planned, organized cities. They had two different main religions; Hinduism and Buddhism. -
1764 BCE
Hammurabi's Code
Hammurabi's Code was one of the first sets of laws. -
1500 BCE
Ancient Hebrews
Known today as Jews. Were God's People. Walked across the Red Sea, and then lived in the desert for 40 years since they disobeyed God. They had a covenant with God and obeyed God's Law. -
556 BCE
Siddhartha Gautama and Buddhism
Siddhartha Gautama decided to search for the meaning of life. He "discovered" how to be free from suffering and how to achieve "salvation." He was known after as Buddha. Buddhists believe in the 4 Noble Truths, Karma, and Reincarnation. -
551 BCE
Confucius and Confucianism
Confucius was a Chinese man who dedicated his life to study. He had careers in politics, teaching, and philosophy. He was a humble, wise man, and had disciples, or followers. Confucianism was created after he died. The Chinese followed his teachings. -
326 BCE
Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire was the empire in India starting in 326 B.C. This time had much artistic and intellectual culture. The main religion was Buddhism. They also used many Persian customs. -
320
Gupta Dynasty
The Gupta Dynasty was in India, and is considered to be the Golden Age of India. The rulers were very efficient. They made great discoveries in mathematics and astronomy. There were also many dicoveries the field of medicine as well.