6 Grade

th

History
Review

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 Table of Contents

Early Humans..................................................page 3
Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush......................page 5
Ancient Hebrews............................................page 7
Ancient Greece...............................................page 9
Ancient India..................................................page 11
Ancient China.................................................page 13
Ancient Rome.................................................page15
Glossary..........................................................page17

Review Strategies

Levels of Reading

1. First, read through the passage quickly to get the gist. Mark up your text with symbols:
√ = I know this already.
! = Wow! That’s new information!
? = Huh? I don’t understand this...
2. Compare your marks with your study partners. See if they can help you understand
parts of the text you don’t understand.
3. Now, take a little more time. Read the questions in the margins. Highlight the parts of
the text that contain answers to the questions. Be sure you are getting all of the
information that answers each question.

Vocabulary Selective Highlighting

1. As you read the text, use a highlighter to highlight the vocabulary words that appear in
bold print, as follows:
Blue = I pretty much know what this word means.
Yellow = Okay, I don’t have a clue what this word means.

Remember: You already know a lot!! This is all about reviewing what you might have forgotten.

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 DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANKIND

Big Idea: Based on the work of anthropologists, paleontologists, and archeologists, we

can reconstruct the development of humans from hunter-gatherer societies to settled
communities. Early human communities populated Africa, Europe, and Asia, and later migrated
to Australia and North and South America, adapting to the diverse environments found in each
location.

Time Frame: 3 Million BCE - 3000 BCE

Where in the World?

Questions Text
Early Humans
What were some of the Based on the work of anthropologists, archeologists, and paleontologists,
developments leading to historians have been able to reconstruct the mysteries of prehistoric humans. In
modern humans? 1974, Donald Johanson discovered evidence of early hominids such as
Some of the developments Australopithecus afarensis (“Lucy”) living in Africa about 3 to 4 million years ago.
leading to modern humans They were bipeds, meaning they walked on two feet. Louis and Mary Leakey found
were... evidence of hominids in Africa who used early tools and who lived about 1.5 to 2
million years ago. They called these hominids Homo habilis, or “Handy Man.” In
1891, Eugene Dubois discovered the bones of a group of hominids who lived in Asia
1.8 million to 200,000 BCE. He called this group Homo erectus, or “Upright Man.”
This group of hominids is notable for more advanced tools and being able to use fire
to cook meat.
How did early modern Prehistoric humans, known as Homo sapiens sapiens, or “Doubly Wise Man,”
humans adapt to their originated in Africa and spread to Europe, Asia, and Australia between 35,000 to
environment? 12,000 BCE. Eventually, they migrated to North and South America. The first
Early humans were able to
humans looked more like us. They were able to survive in cold climates through
adapt to their environment
by...
adaptation, their ability to create better tools, shelter, and clothing. These early
humans also created artwork, including cave paintings, carved images of clay, bone,
and ivory, and even musical instruments.

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 From Old Stone Age to New Stone Age
What are some key The Old Stone (Paleolithic) Age began about 2 million years ago and lasted until
differences between the about 8000 B.C.E. It was during this time that early modern humans developed. Like
Old Stone Age and New the hominids who came before them, early humans were hunter-gatherers. They
Stone Age? wandered from place to place, looking for animals to hunt and plants to gather for
Some differences between food. Often they took shelter in caves.
the Old Stone Age and New The New Stone (Neolithic) Age began when people learned to farm and produce
Stone Age are... their own food. The discovery of farming did not happen all at once. Over thousands
of years, people gradually learned to raise animals and plant crops. Eventually they
began to rely on farms for their food. Many historians call this the agricultural
revolution. Now they could settle down in one place instead of roaming in search of
things to eat. The Neolithic Age began around 8000 B.C.E. and lasted until about
3000 B.C.E., when people learned to make tools out of metal instead of stone.
Farming and the domestication of animals developed in many parts of the world
during this time, including parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Key Vocabulary

adaptation
anthropologist
archaeologist
domestication
hunter-gatherer
Neolithic
Paleolithic
paleontologist

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 MESOPOTAMIA, EGYPT, AND KUSH

Big Idea: Settled farming societies located next to major rivers developed into early
civilizations (Mesopotamia around the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; Egypt around the Nile River).
These early civilizations had highly structured governments that maintained political and social
order through religious beliefs. They developed writing, refined art and architecture, and law
codes, such as Hammurabi’s Code.

Time Frame: 3000 BCE – 350 CE

Where in the World?

Questions Text
Where did early Early Civilizations and the Environment
civilizations arise? Why? Early civilizations arose in areas whose environmental factors could support large
Early civilizations arose populations. The most important factor was water for drinking, bathing, irrigation,
around... and transportation. For this reason, early civilizations arose around rivers. Since
because... early civilizations needed enough food to support large populations, two other
factors were important: topography and climate. The topography (land surface) had
to be relatively flat to allow for farming, and the climate needed to support
vegetation, or plant life, especially the crops people grew.

Mesopotamia (Sumer, Babylonia)

Describe early city-states The first civilization arose in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) in the area
in Mesopotamia. between the Tigris River and the Euphrates River. Cities first appeared in the
Early city-states in southern part of this land, an area called Sumer. These first cities were like small,
Mesopotamia were...
independent countries, with their own ruler and their own farmland; for this reason,
they are called city-states. The Sumerians built complex irrigation systems and
developed tools such as the plow that enabled them to increase their food supply
that resulted in a surplus of food to support its population. To defend themselves
from attack, Sumerian city-states built walls and dug moats around their cities.
Sumerian city-states were ruled by kings. Sumerian kings were priest-kings, and
the Sumerians believed that their kings were chosen by the gods. This belief made
their kings very powerful, since Sumerians believed they must obey the will of the
gods. A Mesopotamian city-state called Babylon united all of Mesopotamia under

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Who was Hammurabi? the rule of Hammurabi, the king of Babylon. Hammurabi is best known for his
Why is he important? detailed legal code, which covered many situations, such as trade, payment for work,
marriage and divorce. Hammurabi used the code of laws to unify his empire and to
Hammurabi was... preserve order.
The Sumerians created a written language called cuneiform around 2400 BCE. It
He is important because... was used to record information about the goods Sumerians exchanged with each
other, and later for literature.

Egypt
The Nile River valley provided Egypt with an environment in which crops and
cities could flourish. Ancient Egypt enjoyed three long periods of stability and unity
What were some of the under the rule of pharaohs. The Old Kingdom lasted from about 2700 to 2200 B.C.E.
achievements of the During this time, early pharaohs set up a strong central government. Some pharaohs,
ancient Egyptians? like Khufu, built great pyramids as tombs for themselves. During the Middle Kingdom
Some of the achievements of
(about 2000 to 1800 B.C.E.), Egyptians made many great achievements in literature,
the ancient Egyptians were...
art, and architecture. The New Kingdom (about 1600 to 1100 B.C.E.) is often called
Egypt's Golden Age. During this time of peace and stability, Egypt's power reached its
height. Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh, supported Egyptian trade. Ramses
the Great was a superior military leader and built gigantic monuments.
As in Mesopotamia, religion played a central role in Egypt's social and political
What did the Egyptians
order. The pharaohs were believed to be gods. They owned all the land and were
believe about their
responsible for the people's well-being. During their lifetimes, they built massive
pharaohs?
The Egyptians believed
temples dedicated to the gods and other monuments to glorify their power and
that... success. After they died, they were buried in great tombs that were built to last
forever.
Like the Sumerians, Egypt developed its own writing system, called hieroglyphic
writing. Hieroglyphic writing uses pictures called hieroglyphs to represent sounds
and ideas. The Egyptians used hieroglyphic writing to record their history, keep
records, and write literature.

What was Kush? Kush

Kush was... The Kushite civilization settled to the south of Egypt, along the southern part of
the Nile. Their civilization began around 2000 BCE and lasted until 350 CE. Egypt and
Kush had close ties for centuries. Each country invaded and conquered the other.
Kushite pharaohs ruled Egypt for nearly a century, and modeled the art and
architecture of their own civilization after Egypt.

Key Vocabulary
architecture priest-king
city-state surplus
civilization
culture
environment
GRAPES
hieroglyph
irrigation
legal code
pharaoh

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 THE HEBREWS

Big Idea: The Hebrews originated the world’s first monotheistic religion based on the
idea of one God who gives laws regarding proper behavior. The teachings and beliefs of Judaism
influenced Western Civilization in the areas of religious belief, observance of law, and ideas
about right and wrong. In spite of the dispersion of the Jewish population from Jerusalem after
70 CE, Judaism survives to the present day.

Time Frame: 1800 BCE – 70 CE

Where in the World?

Questions Text
How did the ancient The Ancient Hebrews and the Origins of Judaism
Hebrews develop The Hebrew civilization developed gradually after 1800 B.C.E. and flourished until
Judaism? 70 C.E. The people who became the Hebrews originally lived in Mesopotamia.
The ancient Hebrews Around 1950 B.C.E., they moved to the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel). The
developed Judaism... Hebrews were the founders of Judaism, one of the world's major religions. The
Hebrews eventually became known as the Jews. Judaism is the Jewish religion. The
origins of Judaism and its basic laws are recorded in its most sacred text, the Torah.
The word Torah means "God's teaching." The Torah consists of the first five books of
the Hebrew Bible. (Christians refer to the Hebrew Bible as the Old Testament.)
Historians rely on many artifacts to learn about the ancient Hebrews and their
time, including the Torah. According to the Torah, the ancestor of the Hebrews, a
man named Abraham, lived near Ur in Mesopotamia. Around 1950 B.C.E., Abraham
and his clan migrated to the land of Canaan. Settling in Canaan, the Hebrews herded
flocks of sheep and goats. About 1800 B.C.E., many Hebrews moved to Egypt.
According to the first book of the Torah, they fled Canaan because of a famine. For a
time they prospered in Egypt, but eventually they were made slaves. In time, one of
their leaders, Moses, led the Hebrews in their escape from Egypt. For 40 years, says
the Torah, the Hebrews wandered in the wilderness, until they settled once again in
Canaan. By 1000 B.C.E., the Hebrews had set up the kingdom of Israel in Canaan
under King David and his son, King Solomon. David forged the Hebrews into one
united nation. Solomon built a magnificent temple in the capital city of Jerusalem.

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 The Influence of Judaism
How did Judaism The religious and moral ideas of Judaism have left a lasting mark on Western
influence Western civilization. Three important beliefs and practices still influence us today:
civilization? monotheism; following the law; and concepts of equality and justice.
Some of the influences of Monotheism: Most people in ancient times believed in many gods. The Hebrews
Judaism on Western were different. They believed that there is only one God, a belief called monotheism.
Civilization are... Judaism teaches that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. God is also the source of
morality (standards of right and wrong).
Following the Law: Judaism's oldest laws are the Ten Commandments. The
commandments tell how to honor God. The commandments also lay down moral
laws of ethics (right and wrong), such as "You shall not steal” and "You shall not
murder." Many Western countries adopted these laws of right and wrong.
Equality and Social Justice: Unlike some other ancient peoples, the Hebrews did
not view their leaders as gods. They believed that there is only one God, and even
kings had to obey God's laws. Judaism teaches that all people who keep the laws are
equal in God's sight. Belief in equality goes hand in hand with a concern for social
justice. Caring for the less fortunate people in society is a basic value in Judaism.

The Survival of Judaism

The Hebrew kingdom split in two after the death of King Solomon. Weakened by
this division, the Hebrews were less able to fight off invaders. In 586 B.C.E.,
How did Judaism manage Nebuchadrezzar burned down Solomon's great Temple of Jerusalem and all the
to survive into the present houses in the city. Most of the people of Judah were taken as captives to Babylon.
day? The captivity in Babylon was the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora. The word
Judaism was able to survive diaspora means "a scattering." Never again would most of the followers of Judaism
into the present day
be together in a single homeland.
because...
Later, the Jews living in Judah were conquered by the Romans. In 66 CE, the Jews
rose up in rebellion against the Romans. In 70 CE, the Romans led an army against
the Jews. The Romans destroyed Jerusalem and its great temple.
Despite having lost their homeland and holy city, Judaism survived through the
formation of synagogues and the tradition of allowing any adult male to read from
the Torah. Jews no longer needed a trained leader to learn about Jewish history and
law. These new practices helped Jews preserve their religion in communities around
the world.

Key Vocabulary

Diaspora
ethics
Judaism
justice
monotheism
moral law
synagogue
Torah

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 ANCIENT GREECE

Big Idea: The ancient Greeks developed a vibrant civilization in the region of the Aegean
Sea. Early democratic forms of government developed, especially in the city-state of Athens.
Alexander the Great spread Greek culture through much of the ancient world. The
achievements of the Greeks in the fields of literature, arts, and sciences, influence us today.

Time Frame: 800 BCE – 320 BCE

Where in the World?

Questions Text
How did the Greek Development of Greek Civilization
civilization develop? The Greeks settled first in isolated communities because of their country’s mountainous
Greek civilization geography. Most Greeks survived by farming, but good farmland was scarce. So the Greeks
developed... took to the seas, creating new colonies and trading with other peoples.

Athens and the Rise of Democracy

The ancient Greeks knew they had many things in common and had a unified culture. For
How did democracy example, they all spoke the same language. But they did not think of themselves as one
country. Instead, every Greek identified with a hometown that he or she called "the city." The
develop in Athens?
city included both a settlement and its surrounding farmland. Most Greeks were fiercely
Democracy in Athens
proud of their cities. Each city had its own laws, its own army, and its own money. Most
developed...
important, each city had its own form of government. For this reason, ancient Greek cities are
called city-states.
Four forms of government that developed in the Greek city-states: monarchy, oligarchy,
tyranny, and democracy. Unhappiness with one form of rule led the Greeks to try another.
Early monarchies (governments led by a king), gave way to oligarchies (government by a few).
How is Greek democracy In turn, many oligarchies were replaced by tyrannies (government where one person takes
different from today’s power by force). Eventually, Athens developed a democracy or “rule by the people,” a
democracy? government where all citizens shared in the ruling power.
Ancient Greek democracy was different from democracy today. The government of
Athens was a direct democracy. In this type of government, every citizen can vote on every

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Greek democracy is different issue. Unlike Athens, the United States is a representative democracy. In this type of
from today’s democracy government, people vote for representatives who decide issues in their name.
because...
Athens and Sparta
How were Athens and Athens and Sparta were two very different city-states in ancient Greece. Athens was a
Sparta alike? Different? democracy, though only free men could take part in its government. Its economy depended
Some ways Athens and on trade. Boys were educated to be good citizens. Girls learned skills for managing the
Sparta were alike are... household. Women and slaves had far fewer rights than men had. Sparta was more isolated
than Athens. It was primarily a military state. Its government was an oligarchy in which a few
Some ways Athens and men held most of the power. The Spartan economy depended on farming and conquest. Boys
Sparta were different are... and girls alike were educated to protect the city-state. Spartan women had more rights than
other Greek women. The city depended on slaves and other non-citizens to provide for many
What were the roles of of its needs.
Athens and Sparta were bitter rivals. However, they came together with other Greek city-
Athens and Sparta in the
states to defeat the Persian Empire, which threatened to take over Greece. With the defeat
Persian War? In the of the Persians, Athens became the dominant city-state in Greece. Later, Athens and Sparta
Peloponnesian War? fought each other in the Peloponnesian War. Sparta defeated Athens in this war, and Athens
In the Persian War, Athens lost its dominance.
and Sparta...
Alexander the Great
In the Peloponnesian War, Alexander the Great became king of Macedonia after his father’s murder. By that time,
Athens and Sparta were... Macedonia already controlled most of Greece. As skilled general, Alexander conquered a vast
empire that spanned much of Asia as well as Egypt. To unify this huge territory, he spread
What were some of the Greek ideas, used religion, and showed respect for the cultures of the people he conquered.
accomplishments of Alexander’s empire soon died, but Greek ideas lived on.
Alexander the Great?
Some of the Contributions of the Greeks
accomplishments of The Greeks made many important contributions to Western civilization. For example,
Alexander the Great were... Hypatia was the first woman to earn fame as a mathematician, teaching Greek philosophy
and mathematics in the city of Alexandria. Euclid was another famous Greek mathematician.
His geometry textbook became the basis for the teaching of geometry for more than 2,000
What are some of the years.
important contributions The Greeks also produced famous philosophers. Socrates was always encouraging people
of the Greeks? to question the things they thought they knew. He taught others by asking questions that
Some of the contributions of forced them to think about their beliefs. His example inspired many other Greek thinkers,
the Greeks are... especially his student Plato. Plato taught these same ideas to Aristotle, who was the teacher
of Alexander the Great.
Greek literature influences us today. The mythology of the Greeks, Greek epic poetry
such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, even Aesop’s Fables are stories we still read today.
Historians today follow in the footsteps of Thucydides, considered one of the greatest
historians of the ancient world, who wrote about the wars between Athens and Sparta.

Key Vocabulary
city-state literature
contribution mythology
culture oligarchy
democracy representative democracy
direct democracy tyranny
epic
GRAPES

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 ANCIENT INDIA

Big Idea: Early civilizations arose in India along fertile rivers. They developed an
elaborate social structure known as the caste system, which divided society into several levels.
Early belief systems, such as Buddhism, developed in India and spread beyond its borders. The
early civilizations of India developed impressive cultural achievements in literature, science, and
mathematics.

Time Frame: 2700 BCE – 550 CE

Where in the World?

Questions Text
Where did the early Early Civilizations in India
civilizations of India Like many ancient peoples, the first people in India settled by rivers, such as the
develop? Indus River and the ancient Sarasvati River. The rivers provided plenty of water. The
Early civilizations of India fertile soil was ideal for farming. The rivers could also be used for travel and trade.
developed... Soon, a vibrant civilization arose in such cities as Mohenjodaro, which was a large
and well-planned city with a high quality of life.

Hinduism and the Caste System

Hinduism was India’s first major religion. It teaches concepts such as dharma
(law, obligation, and duty), deities (multiple gods), samsara (reincarnation) and
karma (what we do in this life affects future lives). It developed over a long time,
perhaps being brought into India by Aryan invaders. Early Hindu religion is called
Vedism, after sacred texts. A class of priests and religious scholars, called Brahmins,
What was the caste became important because only they knew how to interpret the Vedas and perform
system? How did it the rituals. Brahmins became the dominant class in India. Later Vedism is known as
develop in India? Brahmanism.
The caste system was... Brahmanism taught that a well-organized society was divided into social classes.
Europeans later called this the caste system. Each social class had its own duties.
It developed in India...
Brahmins were the highest caste; untouchables were the lowest. Indians were born
into a certain caste, and they could not change it. People could marry only within
their own caste.

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 Buddhism
Who was the Buddha? Buddhism is another great religion that began in India. Buddhism is based on the
What did he teach? teachings of the Buddha, which means “Awakened One.” The Buddha was a man
The Buddha was... who lived in India from about 563 to 483 BCE. Before earning the title of Buddha, he
was a young prince named Siddhartha Gautama. At the age of 29. Prince Siddhartha
He taught... walked away from his royal life and went in search of spiritual peace. During his jour-
neys, he learned great truths that changed his life, By sharing these truths with
others, he began the great religion of Buddhism.
Buddhism was different from Hinduism in several ways. It was not based on com-
plicated rituals and beliefs in many gods, as Hinduism was. Instead, it was a way of
life based on simple teachings. Unlike ancient Hinduism, Buddhism embraced all
people regardless of their caste. It taught people how to reach enlightenment, or
happiness that comes from the knowledge of deep truth, as embodied in the Four
Noble Truths (life in suffering; suffering is caused by desires; the way to end suffering
is to give up desires; to give up desires one must live a moral and focused life).
Buddhists believed that once they reached enlightenment, they would no longer be
reborn again and again. The Buddha chose to teach others the path that he had
found. In time, his followers spread his teachings throughout India and other parts
of Asia.
How did Buddhism spread Later, India was unified for the first time under the Mauryan Empire. The
to other parts of Asia? Mauryas created their empire through a series of wars and conquests. This changed
Buddhism spread to other when King Ashoka turned away from violence. Ashoka adopted Buddhist values. He
parts of Asia by...
promoted Buddhism, justice, and security.

Achievements of Ancient India

India reached its Golden Age during the time of the Gupta Empire. The Guptas
What were some of the
encouraged learning by building universities. Writing, painting, sculpture, and
achievements of ancient
metalwork flourished. For example, Gupta writers created many kinds of literary
India?
works. The Bhagavad Gita (“Song of the Lord”) is one of the most beautiful works of
Some of the achievements of
ancient India were...
Hinduism. In this poem, a prince is taught basic truths of Hinduism by Krishna, an
early form of the deity Vishnu. Gupta mathematicians also made important
advances, such as place value, the decimal system, and the concept of zero. Many of
these achievements, especially in mathematics and literature, continue to affect the
world today.

Key Vocabulary

Brahmanism
Buddhism
caste system
empire
fertile
golden age
GRAPES
Hinduism
invader
social class

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 ANCIENT CHINA

Big Idea: As in other parts of the world, early civilization developed in China around the
Huang-He river valley. During a turbulent period, the philosopher Confucius taught peace and
order could be achieved through proper behavior. Qin Shihuangdi unified China and became its
first emperor. During the Han Dynasty, China developed a strong centralized government.
China became wealthy through trade along the Silk Road.

Time Frame: 1700 BCE – 220 CE

Where in the World?

Questions Text
What were some key Origins of Chinese Civilization
achievements of the One of China's earliest dynasties was the Shang dynasty. Shang kings were
Shang Dynasty? powerful rulers who kept their power through military might. The Shang practiced
Some key achievements of ancestor worship and, sometimes, human sacrifice. Their writing used logographs as
the Shang Dynasty were... well as pictographs. Shang craftspeople excelled in working with bronze and jade.
The Shang ruled in the valley of the Huang He for some 500 years. It was followed by
the Zhou Dynasty.

Why did Confucianism Confucianism and Daoism

and Daoism develop? During the Zhou Dynasty, three Chinese philosophies developed: Confucianism,
What are their key Daoism, and Legalism. During the Zhou Dynasty's later years, China collapsed into
teachings? disorder. Political instability led many scholars to debate the proper way to rule.
Confucianism and Daoism
Confucius taught that peace and order depended upon proper behavior. Those in
developed because...
authority must lead by example. Those below them must obey. Daoists believed that
Some of the key teachings of people should live simply and in harmony with nature. They said the best rulers were
Confucianism are... those who ruled the least. Finally, Legalists like Hanfeizi believed that people were
driven by their own self-interest. They taught that rulers could create order only
Some of the key teachings of through strict laws and harsh punishments.
Daoism are...

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 Qin and Han Dynasties
What were some of the Qin Shihuangdi was China's first emperor. The Emperor of Qin had a major
accomplishments of Qin influence on China. He unified China and greatly expanded its borders. He centralized
Shihuangdi? the government. He standardized Chinese laws, money, weights, measures, and
Some of the writing. Among his many construction projects was the Great Wall. Later Chinese
accomplishments of Qin rulers built on what the Emperor of Qin left behind, including government
Shihuangdi were... institutions and the Great Wall itself. The office of emperor that he created lasted for
2,000 years. Even China's name in the western world comes from the word Qin. But
the harshness of the Emperor of Qin's rule led to an early end for his dynasty.
The Han Dynasty ruled China for more than 400 years. Most of this period was a
time of peace, wealth, and achievement for China. Under the Han, the Chinese made
What are some of the advances in many areas. New weapons helped Han emperors succeed in war and
accomplishments of the expand their empire. The government was organized into a bureaucracy staffed by
Han Dynasty? civil servants who were chosen for their ability. A number of inventions improved
Some of the
agriculture and the important silk and salt industries. The invention of paper
accomplishments of the Han
Dynasty were...
advanced the art of calligraphy. Healers used techniques and practices that are still
used today. Finally, Chinese scientists made important observations and invented the
seismograph and the compass.

What was the Silk Road? The Silk Road

What goods and ideas The Silk Road was a network of trade routes between China and the West
were traded along the Silk (Europe). The Silk Road was opened under the Han and remained a major route of
Road? trade for more than 1,000 years. Many goods were exchanged along the Silk Road,
The Silk Road was... including silk from China and glassware from Rome. In addition to new products,
trade brought cultural diffusion and change to both East and West. One of the most
Some goods and ideas that important changes was the introduction of Buddhism to China.
were traded were...

Key Vocabulary

bureaucracy
Confucianism
Daosim
diffusion
dynasty
emperor
empire
GRAPES
Silk Road

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 ANCIENT ROME

Big Idea: The Roman civilization first developed on the Italian peninsula. The Romans
developed a republican form of government that later transitioned to an empire under
Augustus, which expanded to cover most of the Mediterranean world. After years of
persecution, Christianity eventually became the state religion. Roman art, architecture,
technology, literature, language, and law influence us today.

Time Frame: 753 BCE – 476 CE

Where in the World?

Questions Text
How did Rome begin? The Beginnings of Rome
Rome began... According to mythology, Romulus founded and named the city of Rome after the
death of his twin brother Remus. Supposedly, they were descended from Aeneas, a hero
of the Trojan War who settled on the Italian peninsula.
The reality is somewhat different. The city of Rome was founded by Latins who
settled near the Tiber River. Over time, the Romans borrowed many ideas and skills from
their neighbors. Two groups who greatly influenced Roman culture were the Etruscans
and the Greeks. Romans learned a great deal about engineering from the Etruscans. They
also adopted some Etruscan sporting events. Greek civilization had a huge influence on
Roman culture. You can see the influence of Greek ideas in Roman architecture, writing,
What were some key art, and mythology.
features of Roman
government during the The Roman Republic
The Romans overthrew the Etruscans and created a republic, a government that was
Republic?
based on the concept of elected officials, in this case the Roman Senate. Romans were
Some key features of Roman
government during the
proud of their republic and of being Roman citizens. Sometimes, during times of war,
Republic were... they handed power over to a dictator. Dictators were men who were given special
powers for a limited period of time. But for the most part, elected leaders ruled Rome for
500 years.

15
How do Rome’s Rome's republican form of government inspired future ages in Europe and America.
republican ideas influence Rome set an example of a government ruled by a written constitution (set of basic laws).
us today? Future republicans also pointed to Roman ideals of elected assemblies, citizenship, and
Some ways Rome’s civic duty. They adopted the model of governmental bodies that could check each other's
republican ideas still power. Above all, they were inspired by the spirit of republicanism. Cicero, a famous
influence us are... Roman statesman, captured this spirit when he wrote, "The people's good is the highest
law."

From Republic to Empire

Between 145 to 44 BCE, Rome came to rule the entire Mediterranean world. But the
How did Rome become an republic was in trouble. Civil wars divided the city. They set their armies against the
empire? power of the Senate. Julius Caesar, a Roman general, himself ruled as a dictator before
Rome became an empire he was murdered in 44 BCE by senators who thought he had become too powerful. The
by... men who killed Caesar thought they were saving the power of the Senate. However,
Caesar’s grandnephew, Octavian, seized power. The Senate named him Augustus. Rome
was now an empire governed by one supreme ruler.
Augustus added a great deal of new territory by pushing the borders of the empire all
the way to natural boundaries, like rivers, to make it easier to defend. Later emperors
added even more territory. In the year 117 CE, Rome reached its greatest size.

Christianity
What are some of the
Christianity, a monotheistic religion based on the teachings and worship of Jesus of
beliefs of Christianity?
Nazareth, started in Judea. Writers wrote accounts of Jesus’ life in books called gospels,
Some of the beliefs of
which contained his teachings. Jesus based his teaching on traditional Jewish beliefs, but
Christianity are...
the gospels say he put special emphasis on love and mercy. After Jesus’ death, one of his
followers, Paul, became a Christian missionary and tried to convert others to Christianity.
He preached across the Roman Empire, stressing the need to believe in Jesus as the Son
of God.
At first, Christians were exposed to severe persecution by emperors who thought that
Christians were a threat to the empire. Gradually, people of all classes adopted the new
faith. In 313 CE, Emperor Constantine gave Christians the freedom to practice their
religion openly. Future emperors also accepted the new faith. In 392, Emperor
Theodosius I banned all pagan sacrifices. By the time he died in 395, Christianity was the
official religion of the Roman Empire.
How does ancient Rome
influence us today? The Legacy of Rome
Some of ancient Rome’s The end of the Roman Empire did not mean the end of Roman civilization. Many of
influences are... the ideas of the ancient Romans still affect us today. For example, Roman ideas about
art (mosaics, frescoes, sculpture), architecture (domes, arches, columns), language (Latin
root words and prefixes), law (legal codes, concepts of justice and citizenship), and
technology (roads, aqueducts) are some of the ways that Rome still influences us today.

Key Vocabulary

architecture empire republic

Christianity GRAPES technology
civil war legacy
constitution pagan
dictator peninsula

16
 6th Grade Glossary
A contribution: something valuable that is
achievement: an accomplishment given without expectation of compensation
adaptation: changing in response to new culture: a characteristic of civilization that
surroundings includes the beliefs and behaviors of a
anthropologist: someone who studies the society or group of people
origins, behaviors, and development of currency: money
humans D
aqueduct: a pipe or channel that brings Daoism: a Chinese philosophy that
water from distant places emphasizes living in harmony with nature
arch: an upside-down U- or V-shaped democracy: a form of government in which
structure that supports weight above it, as the ruling power is shared by all citizens
in a doorway Diaspora: the dispersal of the Jews from
th
archeologist: an expert who studies the Judea in the 6 century BCE
past by examining objects that people have dictator: an ancient Roman leader who was
left behind called to serve during a time of crisis
architecture: the art of designing buildings diffusion: spread
B direct democracy: a democracy in which all
Brahman: in Hinduism, the one supreme citizens take part in making political
power, or divine force, that everything is a decisions
part of domestication: training a wild animal to be
Brahmanism: an ancient Indian religion in useful to humans
which the Brahmins (priests and religious dynasty: a family or group that rules for
scholars) are the dominant class several generations
Buddhism: a religion of India begun by E
Prince Siddhartha, or the Buddha economy: a system of managing the wealth
bureaucracy: a form of government of a community or region
characterized by many levels of emperor: the leader of an empire
organization empire: a large territory in which several
C groups of people are ruled by a single
caste: a class, or group, in Hindu society leader or government
cavalry soldiers who ride on horses environment: natural surroundings
Christianity: the religion based on the life epic: a tale of a hero, often in the form of a
and teachings of Jesus Christ long poem
citizenship: belonging to a democracy with era: period of time
certain rights and responsibilities ethics: beliefs about what is right and
city-state: an early city that was like a small, wrong
independent country with its own laws and Exodus: the escape of the Hebrews from
government Egyptian slavery
civilization: a culture marked by F
developments in arts, sciences, fertile: good for farming
government, and social structure G
civil war: a war between regions of the geography: the physical features of an area
same country golden age: a civilization’s high point,
climate: the average weather conditions at during which it has its greatest power and
a particular place cultural achievements in art and literature
commerce: business H
Confucianism: a Chinese philosophy that hieroglyph: a symbol used in hieroglyphics,
emphasizes proper behavior a system of writing developed in about
constitution: a document that outlines the 3000 B.C.E.
plan for a government Hinduism: India's first major religion

17
 hunter-gatherer: one who survives by philosophy: a theory or set of values by
hunting wild animals and gathering plants which one lives; the search for wisdom or
found in the wild knowledge
I politics: having to do with government
imperial: having to do with an empire priest-king: a ruler who is both a political
invader: someone who enters a country by and religious leader
attacking it R
irrigation: system a means of supplying land religion: a set of spiritual beliefs, values,
with water and practices
J representative: an elected official who
Judaism: a major world religion that was represents those who elected him
founded by the Hebrews representative democracy: a form of
justice: fairness under the law government in which elected officials make
K decisions in the name of the voters
karma: in Hinduism, the belief that how a republic: a form of government with
person lives will affect their next life elected leaders
L S
legacy: a contribution of one culture to settlement: a small community or village
another Silk Road: a network of trade routes that
legal code: a collection of laws stretched more than 4,000 miles across Asia
literature: works of writing such as novels, social class: a group of people who share
histories, poems, or plays similar economic or social backgrounds
M within a society
merchant: a person who makes money by social structure: the way a society or
selling goods civilization is organized
migration: moving from one geographic surplus: extra
region to another synagogue: a place of Jewish worship
monotheism: the belief that there is only T
one God technology: the use of tools and other
moral law: laws that teach what is right and inventions for practical purposes
wrong territory: an area of land
mythology: traditional stories that help to Torah: the first five books of the Jewish
explain a culture's beliefs Bible
N trade: the business of buying and selling or
Neolithic Age: the later part of the Stone exchanging items
Age, called the New Stone Age, from 8000 trade route: a network of roads along
to 3000 B.C.E. which traders traveled
O tyranny: a form of government in which the
oasis: a place where water can be found in ruling power is in the hands of one person
a desert who is not a lawful king
oligarchy: a form of government in which V
the ruling power is in the hands of a few Vedas: a collection of Hindu sacred writings
people vegetation: the plant life of a place or
P region
pagan: non-Christian
Paleolithic Age: the first period of the Stone
Age, called the Old Stone Age, from about 2
million years ago to around 8000 B.C.E.
paleontologist: a scientist who studies
prehistoric times
peninsula: an area of land surrounded by
water on three sides
pharaoh: an ancient Egyptian leader

18
 Grade 6

Curricular Narrative
 Grade Six—World History and Geography: Ancient Civilizations

Notes/Vocabulary In the 6th grade, you learned about the important people and major
events of early Western and non-Western civilizations, including the early
societies of the Near East and Africa, the ancient Hebrew civilization,
Greece, Rome, and the civilizations of India and of China.

Big Ideas

Civilizations may be analyzed using the GRAPES model. GRAPES stands for:
 Geography – landforms, water features, and the environment
deity: god  Religion – belief systems about deity, right and wrong, and death
 Achievements – great accomplishments and contributions
 Politics – government and law
 Economics – production and distribution of goods and services;
money
 Social Structures – organization of people within a society

As you think about what you learned in 6th grade, see if you can identify
something you learned in each of the GRAPES categories for each
civilization.

Remember, history is divided into two parts: BC (Before Christ) and AD

(Anno Domini). These two periods are also labeled BCE (Before the
Common Era) and CE (Common Era). You should be familiar with both sets
of terminology.

Famous People

Among the major figures you learned about in 6th grade were those who
ethics: right and wrong helped to establish these early societies and their codes of ethics and
justice and their rule of law, such as Hammurabi, Abraham, Moses, David,
justice: fairness
Pericles, and Asoka; those who extended these early empires and carried
their influence into much of the ancient world, including Alexander the
Great, Julius Caesar, and Augustus Caesar; and those whose ideas and
teachings became lasting influences in Western and non-Western thought,
especially Socrates, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. For all these
societies, remember that these major contributions, achievements, and
belief systems have lasted across the centuries to the present day.

Early Humankind and the Development of Human Societies

paleontological: Paleontological discoveries in East Africa by Donald Johanson, Tim White,
prehistoric and the Leakey Family (Louis, Mary, and Richard) support the belief that
ancestors of present-day humans lived in East Africa 4.5 million years ago.
environment: natural During the Old Stone Age (Paleolithic), Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic), and
surroundings New Stone Age (Neolithic), the interaction between the environment and
the developing lifestyles of prehistoric peoples changed as they moved
nomadic: having no from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled food producers (farmers).
permanent home

During this time, early peoples attempted to explain the universe through
cave art and early forms of religion; they developed a wide range of tools,
beginning with stone tools (at first, simple and later, more complex) and
later developing metal tools (iron and bronze); and they developed
language as a medium for transmitting and accumulating knowledge.

The Beginnings of Civilization in the Near East and Africa: Mesopotamia,

Egypt, and Kush

The peoples of Mesopotamia, especially the Sumerians, settled between

agricultural: farming the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. As they settled, there were major events
that marked their history: the spread of their agricultural villages by 4000
social: human B.C. to lower Mesopotamia; their technological and social
interaction accomplishments, including invention of the wheel, plow, and irrigation
irrigation: watering
systems; their systems of cuneiform writing, of measurement, and of law;
crops and the developing social, economic, and political systems that these
accomplishments made possible.

In ancient Egypt, Khufu was an important early pharaoh who was

responsible for building the Great Pyramid of Giza. Later, during the New
Kingdom, two great rulers were Queen Hatshepsut and Ramses II, or
influence: power or "Ramses the Great." During Queen Hatshepsut's reign, Egyptian art and
control architecture flourished, and trade extended Egyptian influence throughout
the Middle East. Ramses II, more typical of the New Kingdom pharaohs,
empire: a country that
rules itself and other
was concerned with warfare and maintaining an Egyptian empire that
countries extended north into the region known as Canaan. Much is known about
the daily lives of other people in Egyptian society, such as farmers, trades-
people, architects, artists, scribes, women, children, and slaves, because of
the detailed images and models from tombs. In terms of geography, the
Nile River was extremely important to Egypt's development; some of the
same irrigation practices are still in use.

Finally, you learned about Africa's oldest interior empire, the kingdom of
Kush, which conquered Egypt in 728 B.C. and established the twenty-fifth
dynasty: family of rulers
dynasty of pharaohs. Conquered in turn by the Assyrians, the kings of Kush
reestablished their capital farther south. The kingdom of Kush developed a
 distinctive culture that included the development of iron agricultural tools
and weapons; an alphabet; and a profitable trade that extended to Arabia,
India, sub-Saharan Africa, and possibly China.

The Foundation of Western Ideas: The Ancient Hebrews and Greeks

One of the principal roots of Western civilization can be found in the

principal: main
enduring contributions of the ancient Hebrews to Western ethical and
enduring: lasting religious thought and literature, most notably by the Old Testament. The
ethical: having to do Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) are an important part of the literary
with right and wrong heritage and ethical teachings of Western civilization. For example, you
heritage: something of probably know the stories about the Creation, Noah, the Tower of Babel,
value left by others
Abraham, the Exodus, the Ten Commandments, Ruth and Naomi, David,
and Daniel and the Lion's Den. However, it is important to know that the
Hebrew Scriptures also contain the Hebrew people's concepts of wisdom,
righteousness, law, and justice.

Another principal root of Western civilization is the Greco-Roman

democratic: governed by civilization. The ancient Greeks developed early democratic forms of
the people government; the beginning of rational thought expressed in Greek
rational: based on philosophy, mathematics, science, and history; and the enduring cultural
reason contributions of Greek art, architecture, drama, and poetry.
philosophy: pursuit of
wisdom
architecture: buildings The Greek polis (city-state) provided political organization for Greek
civilization and was the center of life for the Greeks. Athens was one
important city-state that started with a government that changed from
tyranny and oligarchy to an early form of democracy. Even though they
tyranny: rule by one
person
had a form of democracy, the Athenians still had slaves. Athens was
oligarchy: rule by few located at the crossroads of the ancient world and had an important fleet
people of ships that provided trade and protection. The rivalry between Athens
democracy: rule by all and Sparta led to the Peloponnesian War, which Athens lost. Later, the
people king of Macedonia, Alexander the Great, conquered many lands and
spread of Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern
worlds. Ultimately, Greece fell to the Romans and became part of the
Roman Empire. You learned about the daily life of women and children in
Athens and Sparta, the games and sports of the Olympiad, the education
of youths, and the trial of Socrates. Remember that the Greeks had a rich
mythology and great literature (such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey) that
have deeply influenced Western art, drama, and literature.
drama: plays
The Early Civilizations of India and China

When Alexander the Great began bringing Greek civilization to the parts of
 Asia he conquered between 327 to 325 B.C., his was not the first
civilization of this region. Over a thousand years earlier, the Harappan
civilization had developed and reached its highest point in the Indus River
complex: intricate Valley, having developed complex cities, brick platforms, writing,
granaries, and craft workshops. After its collapse, succeeding waves of
plain: low, flat land Aryans from the north spread their influence across the Punjab and Ganges
plains. This resulted in a composite civilization rich in its artistic culture
metallurgy: metal work
(architecture, sculpture, painting, dance, and music) and in its intellectual
traditions (Arabic numbers, the zero, medical tradition, and metallurgy).

One of the major religious traditions of India developed during this time.
ethical teachings: Buddhism, an influential philosophy that emerged in the sixth century B.C.,
teachings about right
and wrong
was based on the life and ethical teachings of "The Buddha" or Siddhartha
enlightenment: escape Gautama. Buddha's early life, his Hindu background, and his search for
from suffering and enlightenment, resulted in the central beliefs and moral teachings of
wanting; nirvana Buddhism: unselfishness (returning good for evil); compassion for the
compassion: concern for suffering of others; tolerance and nonviolence; and not lying, stealing,
others’ suffering
tolerance: open-
killing, finding fault with others, and gossiping. While Buddhism did not
mindedness survive on Indian soil, Jainism, which introduced the idea ahimsa, or
civil disobedience: nonviolence, has continued to play a role in modern India, especially
disobeying laws in order through Gandhi's idea of nonviolent civil disobedience. Hinduism is
to bring about change another great religion of India and has as one of its most revered texts the
unified: united; one
Bhagavad Gita. Asoka, the great philosopher-king who unified almost all
of India, gave up violence as a national policy, and established Buddhism as
the state religion.

Buddhism spread northward to China during this time. You learned about
roots: beginnings
China during the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 B.C. to A.D. 220). The roots of
Chinese civilization go far back into ancient times when Shang society (the
bronze: metal made by "molders" of China) first emerged around 1500 B.C. in the Huang-He Valley
combining copper and and established the Chinese language and a highly developed technique of
tin working with bronze.

succeeding: following During succeeding centuries, especially the Zhou Dynasty, China grew by
conquering the people on its borders and absorbing the lands of these
frontier: farthest edge people as frontier states within Chinese society. By the sixth century B.C.,
the balance of power between the princes of these newer states and the
chaos: disorder
old imperial centers of central China had broken down, plunging China into
political chaos and war. It was during this time, when traditional values
were neglected and government was in disarray, that Confucius lived and
wrote. He tried to make sense of a troubled world and suggested ways in
which individuals and society could achieve goodness. The good person in
moderation: balance
Confucius's teaching practiced moderation in conduct and emotion, kept
one's promises, learned the traditional ways, respected one's elders,
 improved oneself through education, and avoided people who were not
good. Confucius's teaching promoted the dignity of humanity. However,
the role of women in Confucian society was to always take a position lower
than men.

administration: Between 221 and 207 B.C. the Qin Dynasty was able to unite China. The
management longer-lasting Han Dynasty built on the unification, made Confucian
civil service: government
workers
teachings official, and placed governmental administration in the hands of
filial piety: respect for the educated civil service, and began a time of peace and prosperity.
parents Confucian filial piety and family ties strengthened the social structure of
flourished: grew Han society. Art, literature, and learning flourished. Agriculture, trade, and
manufacturing thrived. There was a growing trade and cultural exchange
among China, India, and Rome at this time. The great caravan, or "Silk
Road," that linked China and the Middle East was in operation by the first
century B.C. By the second century A.D., the various sea routes that linked
China, Malaya, South India, and Egypt were completed, connecting the Far
commercial: trade and East with the Mediterranean world and Rome in one great commercial
business
network.

Rome

Rome was a great power in the ancient world. Starting as the Roman
republic: a government
in which citizens vote for
Republic, it eventually became an empire and spread throughout the
their leaders Mediterranean world. Julius Caesar was one great leader who conquered
much land for Rome; later, Senators assassinated him in 44 B.C. because
they thought he was becoming too powerful. Rome’s first emperor,
August, ushered in the period of peace known as the "Pax Romana."
Eventually, the Roman Empire was divided into two empires: Rome in the
West and the Byzantine Empire in the East.

During this time, Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean world.

Christianity began with the life and teachings of Jesus; however, the
suppress: hold back
Romans tried to suppress Christianity. Later, the emperor Constantine
accepted Christianity (A.D. 313) and it was later established by Theodosius
I as the official religion of the empire. Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on
the Mount and the parables of the Good Samaritan, the lost sheep, and
the Prodigal Son, promoted compassion, justice, and love for others.

engineering: designing The Romans were greatly influenced by the Greeks in art, architecture,
structures other than engineering, political thought, religion, and philosophy, but adapted those
buildings ideas to serve their own empire. Both Greek and Roman cultures
adapted: changed influenced Western civilization and continue to influence our lives today.
 Questions to Think About:

site: location  Why did certain societies develop in certain areas? (Think about the
natural resources: useful geographic relationships between site, natural resources, and
things found in nature settlement such as in the river valley settlements of Mesopotamia,
Egypt, India, and China.)
 What role did technological, agricultural, and economic development
dominance: supreme and international trade play in these societies?
power  Why did certain societies rise to dominance at particular times in the
relative location: ancient world? (Think about the importance of relative location in the
location of one place in case of ancient Greece, for example.)
relation to other places
 Why did great civilizations fall, including the collapse of the Indus
civilization of India, the decline of Egypt in the years of the later
factor: something that empire, and the fall of Greece to Rome?
brings about a result  What factors contributed to the evolution of ancient societies across
the whole of the ancient world?
evolution: development
 How did language and writing evolve in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and
China?
 What were the major religious belief systems? How did they teach
people to live a good life?

Can You?
chronological: in order,
from earliest to latest  Create a timeline that places events in chronological order and
comparing events that occurred simultaneously in different parts of
simultaneously: at the
same time
the world?
 Find on a map where societies first developed? Can you trace where
they spread?
 Show how ideas such as religion spread through economic trade and
military expansion?
 Explain how early societies and ancient civilizations influence us today?