Overview
This lecture covers the development of ancient river valley civilizations, focusing on Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, their geographic settings, innovations, and contributions to modern society.
Mesopotamian Civilization
- Mesopotamia is located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the Fertile Crescent.
- Known as the "Cradle of Civilization" for early cities, writing, government, and laws.
- Major contributions: Code of Hammurabi (first written law), Ziggurats, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
- Lex talionis is the principle of "an eye for an eye" justice.
- The division of labor allowed for work specialization and agricultural growth.
Indus Valley Civilization
- The Indus Valley Civilization emerged in South Asia (present-day Pakistan, India, Afghanistan).
- Important cities: Harappa and Mohenjodaro, called twin cities due to similar urban plans.
- Notable features: planned cities, grid street layout, fortified citadels, and advanced drainage systems.
- Innovations included brick construction, the Great Bath, water systems, scales, measures, and trade seals.
- Maintained a unique, yet undeciphered pictogram writing system.
- Indus cities had active trade, including trade with Mesopotamia.
- Houses were made of sun-dried bricks; crafts included bronze, copper items, and jewelry.
Geography of Ancient India
- The Indian subcontinent is triangular, bordered by the Himalayas and Hindukush mountains.
- Three main zones: Northern Plains (fertile and river-rich), Deccan Plateau (dry, less suitable for farming), Coastal Plains (good for trade and fishing).
- Natural barriers like mountains influenced unique cultural development.
- The Kyber Pass through the mountains facilitated invasions and trade.
Indus Valley Society & Legacy
- Cities were highly organized and demonstrated advanced urban planning.
- Society possibly led by kings, with centralized government structures.
- The decline may have resulted from environmental changes or Aryan invasion.
- Aryans introduced the caste system, foundational to later Hindu society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Fertile Crescent — Area of fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
- Code of Hammurabi — First comprehensive system of written laws.
- Lex talionis — Principle that the punishment matches the crime.
- Citadel — Fortified center of a city for government and social activities.
- Great Bath — Public bathing structure in Mohenjodaro.
- Kyber Pass — Mountain pass used for trade and invasions.
- Indus Script — Ancient, undeciphered writing system of the Indus Valley.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the features and contributions of Mesopotamian and Indus Valley civilizations.
- Complete any questions or map activities about ancient river valley geographies.
- Study key terms and innovations for quiz or exam preparation.