Republic of the Philippines

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher Education Regional Office VI (HERO VI)
City Government of Bago
BAGO CITY COLLEGE
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Tel: [034] 4611-363 | Fax: [034] 4610-546 | E-mail: bagocitycollege@yahoo.com.ph
COURSE GUIDE 2ND CYCLE

MODULE IN SS5- WORLD HISTORY 1

2ND YEAR BSED – SOCIAL STUDIES

Module 1: ANCIENT NEAR EAST-MESOPOTAMIA

Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, the student must have:
1. Described the emergence of Mesopotamia and Primary Civilization through picture analysis.
2. Discussed how Egyptians Civilizations ruled the world through graphic analysis.
3. Distinguished the contributions of the Aryans Hittites, Lydians, Phoenicians and Hebrews using graphic analysis.
4. Described the dominations of Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, Chaldeans and Persians through vlog.

A. Introduction
The Ancient Near East: A Very Short Introduction describes a momentous time in human history and explains why the ancient Near East is known as
the ‗cradle of civilization‘. Mesopotamia, Syria, and Anatolia were home to an extraordinarily rich and successful culture. Indeed, it was a time and place of
earth-shaking changes for humankind: the beginnings of writing and law, kingship and bureaucracy, diplomacy and state-sponsored warfare, mathematics
and literature. The three thousand years of this era — from around 3500 bce, with the founding of the first Mesopotamian cities, to the conquest of the
Near East by the Persian king Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE — represent a period of incredible innovation, from the invention of the wheel to early
achievements in astronomy, law, and diplomacy.
The ancient Near East refers to early civilizations in a region roughly corresponding to the modern Middle East: Mesopotamia ( modern Iraq and
Syria), Anatolia (modern Turkey), the Levant (modern Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and Jordan), as well as Persia (modern Iran), and Ancient Egypt,
from the beginnings of Sumer in the 6th millennium BC until the region's conquest by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. This chapter will discuss
the first three, while information on the latter two can be found in chapters nine and four, respectively.
The ancient Near East is considered the cradle of civilization. It was the first to practice intensive year-round agriculture; it produced the first writing
system, invented the potter's wheel and then the vehicular- and mill wheels, created the first centralized governments, law codes and empires, as well as
introducing social stratification, slavery and organized warfare, and it laid the foundation for the fields of astronomy and mathematics.
 The beginning of cities, 3600–2900 BCE‘ starts this history of the ancient Near East by looking at the beginning of the period of prosperity in
Mesopotamia, focusing in particular on the city of Uruk. We actually know very little about the people who lived at this time as historic events were only
retold orally through the generations. When the southern Mesopotamian communities expanded to become cities, a new method of recording was
conceived: writing. Most of what we know can be gleaned from early written evidence.

B. Activities
a. Mesopotamia: Using the guide questions and picture below describe the emergence of Mesopotamia and primary civilization.
1. What were the causes of civilization?
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2. What geographic aspects of Mesopotamia as ―land between two rivers‖ to be the
cradle of civilization?
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3. What factors influenced the rise of civilization in Mesopotamia?
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4. How did Mesopotamia become a civilization?
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https://images.app.goo.gl/YQ9HTZEZ8bvz ___________________________________________________________________
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1. Where did the Sumerians come from?
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2. What was the greatest gift the Sumerians gave to the world?
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3. How did Sumerian inventions affect life in Mesopotamia?
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1. Where did the Akkadian Empire come from?
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2. What was the greatest gift the Akkdadian gave to the world?
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3. How did Akkadian inventions affect life in Mesopotamia?
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https://images.app.goo.gl/tQ32evpaBJMs7nBz5
b. Egypt: Using the guide questions and picture below discuss how Egyptians Civilization ruled the world using a graphic organizer.
1. Where did the Babylonian come from?
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2. What was the greatest gift the Babylonian gave to the world?
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3. How did Babylonian inventions affect life in Mesopotamia?
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https://images.app.goo.gl/hAswA7PheFersxUdA
Egypt
https://images.app.goo.gl/X3UTYdFWo2STSc77A
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Government
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Economy _______________________________
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Culture (Religion and Social Structure)
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Technology
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Agriculture _______________________________
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 What geographic aspects of Egyptian Civilization: ―The Gift of the Nile‖ as the builder of civilization in Asian and African region?
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 What factors influenced the rise of Egyptian Civilization?
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C. Analysis
Using a graphic organizer and guide questions distinguish the contributions of the Aryans, Hittites, Lydians, Phoenicians and Hebrews.

Distinguish the contributions of the following civilizations

emerged in Mesopotamia:

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Aryans
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Hittites _____________________________________________________________________
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Lydians
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Phoenicians _____________________________________________________________________
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Hebrews
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 What is the greatest contribution of these civilizations in the modern world?
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How did modern world specifically human societies adopt the influences of different contributions of early civilizations?
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D. Abstraction
Ancient Mesopotamia refers to the place where humans first formed civilizations. It was here that people first gathered in large cities, learned to
write, and created governments. For this reason Mesopotamia is often called the "Cradle of Civilization".
Geography: The word Mesopotamia means "the land between rivers". When people say Mesopotamia they are referring to a section of land in the
Middle East between and around the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Today this land is located mostly in the country of Iraq. There are also portions in
southwestern Iran, southeastern Turkey, and northeastern Syria. The heart of Mesopotamia lies between the two rivers in southern Iraq. The land there
is fertile and there is plenty of water around the major two rivers to allow for irrigation and farming.
Civilizations and Empires: Early settlers in Mesopotamia started to gather in small villages and towns. As they learned how to irrigate land and
grow crops on large farms, the towns grew bigger. Eventually these towns became large cities. New inventions such as government and writing were
formed to help keep order in the cities. The first human civilization was formed.
Sumer - The Sumerians were the first humans to form a civilization. They invented writing and government. They were organized in city-states
where each city had its own independent government ruled by a king that controlled the city and the surrounding farmland. Each city also had its own
primary god. Sumerian writing, government, and culture would pave the way for future civilizations.
Akkadians - The Akkadians came next. They formed the first united empire where the city-states of the Sumer were united under one ruler. The
Akkadian language replaced the Sumerian language during this time. It would be the main language throughout much of the history of Mesopotamia.
Babylonians - The city of Babylon became the most powerful city in Mesopotamia. Throughout the history of the region, the Babylonians would
rise and fall. At times the Babylonians would create vast empires that ruled much of the Middle East. The Babylonians were the first to write down and
record their system of law.
Assyrians - The Assyrians came out of the northern part of Mesopotamia. They were a warrior society. They also ruled much of the Middle East at
different times over the history of Mesopotamia. Much of what we know about the history of Mesopotamia comes from clay tablets found in Assyrian
cities.
 Persians - The Persians put an end to the rule of the Assyrians and the Babylonians. They conquered much of the Middle East including
Mesopotamia.
Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia:
 The Babylonian law created by King Hammurabi, the Code of Hammurabi, may be the oldest written law in the world.
 The Sumerians are often credited with inventing the wheel.
 At the center of each major city was a temple to the city's god called a ziggurat?
 The Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers are both well over 1,000 miles long.
 Because this is where people first began to write, Mesopotamia is often called the place where history began.
 Mesopotamia is part of a larger area that archeologists call the Fertile Crescent.
 Many of the buildings, walls, and structures were made from sun-dried bricks. These bricks didn't last long, so very little of Ancient
Mesopotamian cities still stand.
 Much of what we know about Mesopotamian history comes from thousands of clay tablets found in the library at the Assyrian city of Nineveh.

Ancient Egypt was one of the greatest and most powerful civilizations in the history of the world. It lasted for over 3000 years from 3150 BC to 30
BC. The Nile River The civilization of Ancient Egypt was located along the Nile River in northeast Africa. The Nile was the source of much of the Ancient
Egypt's wealth. Great Egyptian cities grew up along the Nile as the Egyptian people became experts in irrigation and were able to use the water from
the Nile to grow rich and profitable crops. The Nile provided food, soil, water, and transportation for the Egyptians. Great floods would come each year
and would provide fertile soil for growing food.
Kingdoms and Periods
Historians usually group the history of Ancient Egypt into three major kingdoms called the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.
It was during these times that Ancient Egypt was at its strongest. The times between the Kingdoms are called intermediate periods.
Culture Ancient Egypt was rich in culture including government, religion, arts, and writing. The government and religion were tied together as the
leader of the government, the Pharaoh, was also leader of the religion. Writing was also important in keeping the government running. Only scribes
could read and write and they were considered powerful people.
Pyramids and Treasure: The Pharaohs of Egypt were often buried in giant pyramids or in secret tombs. They believed that they needed treasure
to be buried with them to help them in the afterlife. As a result, archaeologists have a lot of well-preserved artifacts and tombs to examine in order to
find out how the Ancient Egyptians lived.
End of the Empire: The Ancient Egyptian Empire began to weaken in about 700 BC. It was conquered by a number of other civilizations. The first
to conquer Egypt was the Assyrian Empire, followed a hundred or so years later by the Persian Empire. In 332 BC, Alexander the Great of Greece
conquered Egypt and set up his own ruling family called the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Finally, the Romans came in 30 BC and Egypt became a province of
Rome.
Fun Facts about Ancient Egypt:
 Egyptian men and women wore makeup. It was thought to have healing powers, plus it helped protect their skin from the sun.
 They used moldy bread to help with infections.
 They were one of the first civilizations to invent writing. They also used ink to write and paper called papyrus.
 The Ancient Egyptians were scientists and mathematicians. They had numerous inventions including ways to build buildings, medicine,
cosmetics, and the calendar, the plow for farming, musical instruments, and even toothpaste.
  Ancient Egypt plays a major role in the Bible. The Israelites were held captive there as slaves for many years. Moses helped them escape and
led them to the Promised Land.
 The Pharaoh kept his hair covered. It was not to be seen by regular people.
 Cats were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt.
E. Application
Create a vlog that describes the dominations of Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, Chaldeans and Persians. This will be graded based on the given
rubrics.
Advanced (20 pts.)
Advanced
Participates beyond the
required number of postings,
Contribution including discussion on other
students' posts.
Advanced
Appropriate, engaging,
Content Quality reflective, and respectful to
others. Vlogs are in-depth,
analytical, and reflective,
make a point and make
connections beyond the text.
Advanced
Speech & Grammar
Vlog has originality and flair,
emphasizing important points;
Rubrics for Vlog
Proficient (16 pts.)
Proficient
Participates, but does not post
anything that encourages
others to respond. Participates
with the required number of
postings. Responds to
questions from others when
present.
Proficient
Appropriate and respectful to
others. Vlogs have a purpose
or main topic about reading
and is reflective.
Proficient
Speech is fluent. Vlog may
contain one or two errors in
Developing (12 pts.)
Developing
Participates, but does not
meet the minimum number of
posts. Few to no discussion or
comments with others. Some
comments to other or
response to questions.
Developing
Vlogs and comments done,
but lacks engagement,
analysis or substantial
reflection, or may be off topic.
Developing
Vlog may contain several
errors in grammar; errors may
Beginning (8 pts.)
Beginning
Posting is less than 50%
complete or posting does not
further any discussions. No
response to classmate's
posting or questions.
Beginning
Vlogs not engaging, are
irrelevant, or are difficult to
follow in meaning.
Beginning
Vlog may contain significant
errors in grammar; errors may
 contains no errors in grammar; errors do not impede viwer's understanding. cause confusion for the
grammar. impede viewer's Speech lack fluency. viewer. Speech is choppy
understanding. without complete sentences or
clear topic.

Advanced Proficient Developing

Beginning

References & Support Consistently uses direct Incorporates some references Discusses references from
references to outside sources from outside sources, but may outside sources in a general Includes no references or
to support thoughts. Uses MLA not be consistent. Errors in way, but doesn't use specific supporting evidence.
citations correctly. MLA citation. references.

Advanced Proficient Developing Beginning

Video Quality Video is well lit and frames Video is well lit and frames the Video is fairly well lit within Camera may be jerky, making
subject appropriately. Editing subject within the frame minimal movement. Subject is it difficult to view, poorly lit, or
enhances cohesiveness of without excessive movement. usually within the frame. subject not clearly in video.
vlog.

Advanced Proficient Developing Beginning

Sound Quality Sound is clear and volume is Vlog is understandable and Vlog somewhat difficult to Vlog is difficult to hear or is
appropriate. volume is appropriate. hear or is occasionally too too loud.
loud.

F. Evaluation
Part I: Multiple Choices:
Direction: Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Encircle the correct answer.
1. What word means that the Sumerians believed in many gods?
A. Monotheism B. Ziggurat C. Church D. Polytheism
2. The Nile River flows through two important regions in Egypt called?
A. Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt.
 B. Mesopotamia
C. Eastern Egypt and Western Egypt
D. Nubia and Cairo
3. What did Mesopotamian city-states build to protect themselves from attack?
A. Irrigation ditches B. Levees C. Walls around the city D. Catapults
4. The Nile River Valley was well suited for settlement. Which of the following statements supports this fact?
A. The geography supported various desert plants and birds.
B. The geography included many areas for hunters to hunt widely.
C. The geography included areas for farming.
D. The geography helped to unify the country.
5. What is Hammurabi most remembered for?
A. Inventing cuneiform
B. Building ziggurats
C. Creating the first empire in history
D. Establishing a code of law
6. Pyramids are
A. Warehouses where surplus food is stored.
B. Temples where the people are allowed to come and pray.
C. Stone tombs with four rectangle-shaped sides that join a limestone roof.
D. Royal tombs with four triangle-shaped sides that meet in a point on top.
7. Why did Mesopotamians build ziggurats?
A. Burial places for their kings
B. To live in
C. Temples and government offices
D. A place to store surplus crops
8. Which statement best describes the burial practices of Egyptians?
A. Egyptians preserved bodies as mummies.
B. Egyptians carried their dead to neighboring countries.
C. Egyptians used a funeral pyre for their dead.
D. Egyptians buried their dead in the river.
9. How were the different classes in the society treated under the Code of Hammurabi?
A. All classes were treated the same.
B. The nobles were treated better than the commoners, and the slaves had no rights.
C. The nobles were treated more harshly than the commoners.
 D. The children of slaves were considered to be free.
10. What was the purpose of the pyramids in ancient Egypt?
A. To protect the body of the pharaoh to help it reach the afterlife.
B. To create a memorial for the pharaoh.
C. To create a stairway from heaven to earth.
D. To provide jobs for the Egyptian people.
11. Why were city-states often at war?
A. Wanted to control all the farmland
B. Wanted to control the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
C. Wanted to control ziggurats
D. Fought over Sargon
12. The Egyptians developed a type of government in which rule is based on religious authority of the pharaoh
A. Polytheism B. Democracy C. Theocracy D. Monarchy
13. What was Assyria known for?
A. Strong armies that used new technologies such as towers on wheels
B. Using dams to control the rivers
C. New inventions such as wheeled vehicles, plows, and cars
D. It was the first empire in history.
14. Which of the following beliefs was central to Egyptian religion?
A. the afterlife B. the pharaohs C. the pyramids D. the heavens
15. Which of these most accurately describes Sargon?
A. One of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
B. King who created the first empire in history and ruled for 56 years
C. Used hieroglyphics to send messages across his city-state
D. The southern part of Mesopotamia
Part II: Short Answer and Extended Response. Answer in complete sentences.
1. How did the development of writing help preserve the Sumerian history and culture? (5 points)
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2. Why were tombs filled with art, jewelry, and other treasures?
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Prepared by:

EDUARDO D. QUIDTA JR., M.A.Ed, M.Ed

Part Time Instructor