Unit 14 — Early Humans and the First Civilizations

Welcome to Grade 6 World History!

Human history stretches back thousands of years.

Long before written records, early people learned to survive, cooperate, develop tools, and build communities.

Over time, these communities grew into the world's first civilizations.

Today you will explore how archaeologists study the past and how early civilizations laid the foundations for modern society.

Studying the Past

Historians study written records.

Archaeologists study physical evidence left behind by earlier people.

Examples include:

• tools
• pottery
• buildings
• artwork
• bones
• jewelry
• coins
• inscriptions

These discoveries help us understand how people lived long ago.

Early Human Communities

The earliest humans lived by:

• hunting
• fishing
• gathering wild plants

These groups often moved from place to place in search of food and water.

They worked together to survive.

Cooperation was essential.

The Agricultural Revolution

Over time, people discovered how to grow crops and domesticate animals.

This major change is called the Agricultural Revolution.

Agriculture allowed people to:

• settle in one place
• produce more food
• support larger populations
• develop villages
• specialize in different kinds of work

Permanent settlements gradually grew into cities.

The First Civilizations

A civilization is a complex society with organized government, culture, and economy.

Many early civilizations developed near rivers because rivers provided:

• water
• fertile soil
• transportation
• food

Among the earliest civilizations were:

• Mesopotamia
• Ancient Egypt
• the Indus Valley Civilization
• Ancient China

Each made important contributions to human history.

Characteristics of Civilizations

Many civilizations shared common features.

These included:

• cities
• organized governments
• laws
• writing systems
• trade
• religion
• specialized workers
• social organization

These developments allowed societies to become larger and more complex.

Inventions and Technology

Early civilizations developed many useful inventions.

Examples include:

• irrigation systems
• the wheel
• writing
• calendars
• metal tools
• improved farming methods

These innovations increased productivity and improved daily life.

Trade and Cultural Exchange

People traded goods over short and long distances.

Trade spread:

• food
• metals
• clothing
• tools
• ideas
• technologies
• artistic traditions

Cultural exchange helped civilizations learn from one another.

Learning from Ancient Civilizations

Many ideas that began in ancient civilizations continue to influence modern life.

Examples include:

• written language
• systems of law
• mathematics
• astronomy
• engineering
• government
• architecture

Studying early civilizations helps us understand how human societies developed.

Activity

Choose one early civilization.

Research:

• location
• geography
• government
• daily life
• religion
• inventions
• writing system
• major achievements
• lasting contributions

Prepare a map and an illustrated report.

Practice

Answer these questions.

What is archaeology?

Why was agriculture important?

What is a civilization?

Why did many civilizations develop near rivers?

What characteristics do many civilizations share?

How did trade help civilizations grow?

Review

Today you learned:

• archaeologists study physical evidence from the past
• agriculture allowed permanent settlements to develop
• civilizations formed as societies became more organized
• rivers supported early civilizations
• inventions improved daily life
• trade spread goods and ideas
• ancient civilizations continue to influence the modern world

Understanding the earliest civilizations helps us better understand the development of human history.

Looking Ahead

Next we will examine several of the world's great ancient civilizations in greater depth, exploring their governments, cultures, scientific achievements, and lasting contributions to humanity.