Ancient Civilizations: Where and Why?

Exploring the world's first great civilizations Understanding what they had in common Discovering why they grew where they did

What Makes a Civilization?

Think about your town or city What do people need to live together? What would you build first?

The Big Four Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Egypt - along the River Nile Mesopotamia - between two rivers Indus Valley - by the Indus River Ancient China - along the Yellow River

Ancient Civilizations World Map

Spot the Pattern!

Look at the map carefully What do you notice about where these civilizations grew? Work with a partner to find the connection

The River Connection

All ancient civilizations grew near rivers! Rivers provided water for drinking, farming, and transport

What Did Rivers Give Ancient People?

{"left":"Fresh water for drinking\nWater for crops and farming\nFish for food","right":"Clay for making pots\nTransport by boat\nTrade with other places"}

More Things in Common

They all built cities and towns They created writing systems They had rulers and laws They made art and buildings They traded with other places

Design Your Own Civilization

Choose a river from around the world Draw where you would build your city What would you build first? What rules would you make?

What We've Learned Today

Ancient civilizations grew near rivers Rivers provided water, food, transport, and materials All civilizations had cities, writing, rulers, and trade Geography affects where people choose to live We can still see these patterns in modern cities today