AP World History Overview: Pre-1200 CE

Introduction to New Curriculum

• New curriculum begins at 1200 CE/AD.
• Prior content spanning millennia has been condensed.
• Importance: Understanding the context before 1200 CE.

The Neolithic Revolution (c. 10,000 years ago)

• Also known as the Agricultural Revolution.
• Shift from hunting and gathering to farming.
• Key area: Southwest Asia, particularly Mesopotamia.
• Consequences:
  • Permanent settlements and population growth.
  • Development of structures for crop storage and religious purposes.
  • Rise of major river valley societies:
    • Nile (North Africa)
    • Yellow River (East Asia)
    • Indus (South Asia)
    • Mesoamerica and Andes societies.

Rise of Civilizations and Cities

• First major cities emerged about 6,000 years ago.
• Mesopotamia and the Nile River Valley were pioneers.
• Building of pyramids, ziggurats.
• Social Hierarchies:
  • Distinct class systems.
  • Laws like the Code of Hammurabi.

Development of Writing

• Initial purpose: Tracking grain supplies.
• Languages:
  • Cuneiform in Mesopotamia.
  • Hieroglyphics in Egypt.
• Emergence of literature, e.g., The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Emergence of Major Religions

• Hinduism: Emerged in the Indus Valley.
• Zoroastrianism and Judaism: Monotheistic religions in Southwest Asia.
• Pastoralists: Nomadic groups facilitating cultural exchanges.

Development from 600 BCE

Religious and Cultural Developments

• Judaism: Spread due to invasions and trade.
• Hinduism and Buddhism:
  • Buddhism emerged around 500 BCE, rejecting caste system.
• Christianity: Developed from Judaism, emphasizing salvation through faith.
• Confucianism and Daoism:
  • Confucianism unified China post-Warring States Period.
  • Daoism focused on natural order.
• Animism and Shamanism: Spiritual power in nature.

Development of City-States and Empires

• Exchange of technology due to wars.
• Persian Empires:
  • Achaemenid Empire, known for road systems.
  • Parthian Empire reclaimed lands post-Alexander.
• Chinese Empires:
  • Qin Dynasty (Legalism), Han Dynasty (trade, cultural unification).
• Mediterranean Empires:
  • Phoenicians: Seafaring traders.
  • Greeks: Introduced democracy and citizenship.
  • Romans: Influenced by Greeks, built extensive infrastructure.
• Americas:
  • Maya: Known for agriculture, writing, and astronomy.
  • Teotihuacan: Large, advanced city.
  • Moche Civilization: Warrior priest leadership in Andes.

Conclusion

• Common themes in pre-1200 societies:
  • Importance of cities.
  • Hierarchical social structures.
  • Common causes of empire collapse: Overextension, internal strife, external invasions.
• These historical contexts provide the foundation for understanding developments post-1200 in the AP World History curriculum.