PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MUNTINLUPA

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

University Road, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City

WORLD HISTORY I (ANCIENT TO MEDIEVAL ERA)

(Self-Learning Module)

Jose, Airyne Gwen A. SOC115 – World History 1

BSE 3E Dr. Edsel R. Umali

UNIT 2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES & EMERGENCE OF
CIVILIZATION

PRACTICE
Encircle the letter of the best answer.

1. This refers to a complex and advance state of human society, in which a high level of culture, science,
industry and government has been reached. B. Civilization

2. Stephen specializes in the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and human
activity as it affects and is affected by these including the distribution of population and resources, land
use and industries, he is a/an________________________. A. Geographer

3. The following are the key components of advance civilizations, EXCEPT: D. Absence of Language

4. In which landform do we usually see civilizations? B. River Valleys

5. It is the art of science, art or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops and raising livestock in
varying degrees. A. Agriculture

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EXERCISE

Answer and do the following:

1. Create a timeline of Earth’s history including five major impact events that changed the planet’s
surface.
From the timeline, what I consider as the major impacts is of course, the creation of Earth itself,
the appearance of first life, the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere, the evolution of the first plants
and the evolution of the modern humans.

2. What are the physical and human features geographers study? How do geographers describe the earth’s
features and their patterns? How is geography used?
Geographers collectively study the relationship of people and their environment. Physical
geographers mainly focus on the human aspect of geography, how one moves locations, what affects
these movements, how human interact with their environment and the effects of human interaction to the
physical environment. While a physical geographer, on the other hand, focuses on the physical aspects of
the earth- they focus mainly on the earth’s seasons, climate, atmosphere, land and water formations, soil
and other natural processes of the earth. They study the spatial aspects of the earth, and how this aspects
affect humans.
Geographers describe these features and patterns in terms of its physical and human
characteristics, taking note of the five themes of geography: location, place, region, movement and
human-environment interaction. Location states the position of the area in the earth’s surface, place
pertains to the physical and human characteristics of the area, region pertains to the unifying factor of the
area, movement considers how humans move and the connections it made and human-environment
interaction pertaining to how humans affected the environment and physical features of the area it
currently interacts with.
Geography is used to build connections between the different areas in the earth. It allows humans
to learn and be aware of the environment they move in, it make humans understand the differences and
similarities in cultures and beliefs, and in the relation of human in general.

3. Why, despite its obvious drawbacks, did agriculture spread so widely? What common human
problems did it alleviate? At the same time, why might many people resist agriculture?
Early humans saw agriculture as a great way to sustain food. Since one can control the supply of
the food they grow, it has become a more stable way to produce and get food, rather than foraging. It also
meant less travelling and moving since crops grew at a single place only. However, people might resist
agriculture as it needed more work and energy. Some places also needed to innovate technology for them
to be able to grow crops and produce food.

4. Why is spatial context so important to the archaeologist? Briefly describe three different spatial
contexts and associations for the same artifact, showing how different contexts reveal different behaviors.
According to my research, in archeological term, context is the place where an artifact is found. It
is the physical relationship that an artifact has to another artifact. The three different contexts are called

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provenience, or where it is found, matrix, or the environment in which it was found and association, or
the relationships among other artifacts, ecofacts, structures, and features. (http://ppcteotihuacan.org/en/field-
work/archaeological-context/)
One example is the Yawning Jar, it is found in the Leta-Leta Cave at Lagen Island, El Nido,
Philipines, it is said that it was excavated from a burial site, alongside other intact potteries, so we can
assume that it is either there for storage, as it is found with other items, or it is there because it is a part of
a burial ceremony. In the given example and context, we can hypothetically conclude that the Yawning
Jar is used by those who lived in the caves of El Nido, and is used as either a domestic item or a
ceremonial item. If it was a case where the Yawning Jar is found in a burial cave with no other potteries,
we can then assume that it is used specifically for a burial ceremony.
(http://www.filipino-association.org/tambuli/showarticle.asp?_id=88)

APPLICATION

1. Why did we once assume that hunting societies treated women worse than more civilized societies
did? Why and how, in contrast, did agriculture increase the inequality between men and women? Why did
women put up with this result? Research on the role of women in agricultural production in the modern
times.
Women are often perceived as weaker than men, and are more suited in housework and
childbearing. Hunting takes a lot of energy, strength and courage as it is basically going out to the wild
and killing for food. However, it is also noted that men and women roles often overlap during the
hunting-gathering era. Since women were still able to provide food for their families, men and women
had equal statuses. Then comes the rise of agriculture, which in a way, poses the same concept, planting
and cultivating crops takes a lot of work in the field, and women are more suited to housekeeping as it
requires lesser energy and strength. And as a civilization or area develops, the number of supply needed
to feed the community is growing, thus making it harder to work for it. Because of this, work assignment
becomes more gendered. And since now, those who mainly provide are men, and women are mostly at
their homes, the statuses divert. Women are now considered as a lower type of citizen. And as
communities grew, the need for a leader sprouted, and it became an initial thought that since men were
the providers, men are eligible to be the leader. Women, in my opinion, put up with this set-up because
they saw it valid- men provided them food, it is just and right for men to lead. And I think that this
mindset was spread amongst women during the agricultural era, that is why it continued.
Sources:
https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/what-started-poverty/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/neolithic-agricultural-revolution

1.1. EARTH’S ORIGIN

PRACTICE
Supply the required data.

CAUSE EFFECT

Creation of the Sun Solidified cloud and dust gasses

Water rising from the interior Formation of the oceans

of the planet

Releasing of radioactive decay Heated earth and melting elements

Melting of iron Forces the silicate to rise up

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 Accumulation of iron in the Formation of stable crust of solid rock
center

1.2. THE RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS

OPTIONAL VIEWING: This video focuses on Mesopotamia, and the early civilizations that arose
around the Fertile Crescent. What was it about this region that allowed mighty civilizations to arise?
Watching this video is not required. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sohXPx_XZ6Y

PRACTICE
1.2.A. Analyze each map below and name each civilization that existed in each picture.

1. Ancient Egypt 2. Indus Civilization 3. Yangtze Civilization

EXERCISE

Answer the following:

1. Enumerate the different civilizations that existed in river valleys from 3500 to 1000 B.C.E., why did
these civilizations flourish near the river valleys?
There are a lot of civilizations that existed and flourished in river valleys, but the most prominent
ones are the civilization of the Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, the Indus Civilization and the
Mesopotamians in the Fertile Crescent. These civilization flourished near river valleys because river
valleys provided a steady supply of water, which is great for drinking water, and it made the land fertile.
It was also an easy way to transport goods, and some may fish from this rivers too.

2. How did the ancient human beings of Old Stone Age meet their basic needs such as food, clothing,
and shelter?
Ancient human beings of the Old Stone Age needed to move and travel to meet their basic needs.
They had to find food by means of hunting and gathering, they made shelters using the twigs and other
materials they found in their environment, or they used caves to settle on. They used rocks and bones of
the animals they hunted as tools and protection.

3. What do you think is important development in human history, the use of fire, agriculture, fishing or
domestication of animals? Explain.

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I think it is the development of agriculture. This is the marker of a start of a civilization. It created larger
communities, formed settled and permanent settlements, opened opportunities for innovative
technologies. It also caused the spread of different crops that may not be native to other areas. It is also
the cause of the beginning of the social classes and systems that we have now.

Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on the blank provided before each number.

B 1. During the Neolithic Era, which change first resulted in the creation of settled communities?
A. Invention of written language C. Specialization of labor
B. Development of agriculture D. Use of pottery

C 2. Which factor had the greatest effect on the movements of early nomadic societies?
A. Mineral deposits C. Survival needs
B. Religious beliefs D. Tribal treaties

D 3. The defining characteristic of polytheistic religions is the idea that-

A. there is an eternal struggle between good and evil
B. individuals undergo many cycles of rebirth
C. our past actions control the destiny of each person
D. there are many gods and goddesses in existence

A 4. What kind of culture do of Paleolithic people have?

A. Hunting and gathering
B. Domesticating and farming
C. Gathering and Farming
D. Fishing and micro-lithic culture

B 5. They were the first group of people that produced iron goods that help their empire to flourish.
A. Assyrians B. Hittites C. Chaldeans D. Persians

B 6. All of the following statements about the Sumerian civilization were true EXCEPT:
A. The Sumerians created independent city-states rather than a unified empire.
B. Sumerian city-states were built on mountain peaks for defense and to be close to gods.
C. The Sumerians had surpluses of food such as wheat that they used for trade.
D. The Sumerians constructed irrigation infrastructure to provide water to their fields.

D 7. All of the following statements about Persian civilization were true EXCEPT:
A. Kings such as Cyrus, Darius and Xerxes ruled the massive empire.
B. They treated their conquered people fairly and practiced religious and cultural toleration.
C. They divided their empire into provinces administrated by royal governors known as satraps.
D. The capital city of Persia was Thermopylae.

A 8. What was another term for Asia Minor, the home of the Hittite Empire?
A. Anatolian Plateau B. Baja Peninsula C. Peloponnesus D. Canaan

B 9. Ancient Mesopotamia was famously located by two rivers. Which of the following was one of
them?
A. Nile B. Tigris C. Huang Ho D. Indus

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 B 10. One of the oldest religions in the world. It was practiced in ancient Persia, which was known for
being quite accepting under the rule of Cyrus the Great. Despite the many religions within Persia, Cyrus
the Great was a follower of this specific religion.
A. Christianity B. Zoroastrianism C. Islam D. Hinduism

Match column A with Column B.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

F 1. Mesopotamia A. The longest ruling empire of Mesopotamia

E 2. Cuneiform B. They are also known as neo-babylonians
D 3. Akkadians C. The first military power in history
C 4. Assyria D. Considered to be the first Mesopotamian Empire.
B 5. Chaldeans E. A system of writing first developed by the
ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia c. 3500-3000 BCE.
F.”Land between two rivers”

Answer the following:

1. What are the diagnostic characteristics of civilization? What is the significance of the most obvious
material manifestation of the state: monumental works? It is said that monumental works are both a cause
and an effect of state-level societies. Explain how this is true.
One of the diagnostic characteristics of a civilization is the presence of a system. I do agree that
the most obvious material manifestation of the state are monumental works, especially since the early
civilizations mainly believed in divine kingship meaning that they see their rulers as personifications of
their gods and goddesses. These monuments are considered as a cause of state-level societies since as
mentioned, those who are on the lower scale of society wants the best for their “god-chosen” leaders,
which results to the building of these monuments. It is an effect in a sense that these rulers are given the
privilege to have the community under their control, thus, making it hard for the citizens to contradict the
orders of the leader.

2. Archaeologist Charles Maisels characterizes the development of complex societies in Mesopotamia as

being the result of a process of dynamic feedback. Explain this process. What are the variables that
Maisels feels are key in this process in Mesopotamia?
The continuous interaction of people in the civilization made it possible for the development of
complex societies. Farmers and workers continued to answer and obey the orders and rules of the leader,
developing in a more complex society.

3. Discuss the development of Mesopotamian language. How did it help to further develop their
civilization?
Mesopotamian language developed overtime, especially as these civilization cradled many different
civilizations which spoke different languages. As time passed by, there was a need to hone a single
language that would help them understand each other, and even communicate with other humans outside
their civilization. Most of their written records are written in cuneiform which led to a more systematic

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record keeping and storytelling. Through this unification, it was easier to understand and keep track of
business, laws and other records.

4. Prove that the greatest political accomplishment of Hammurabi was the creation of a law/code written
on stone pillars that regulated many areas of social life. Support your arguments with sources.
Hammurabi’s code is considered as the basis of modern jurisdiction. It contained the earliest law of
retributions, where the quote “an eye for an eye” came from. This law also includes punishment for those
government officials who did their job wrong, judges who failed to do its work accordingly. It is also one
of the earliest laws who considered an accused innocent until proven guilty. This laws has been around
for a long time and influenced the modern jurisdiction a lot, even the US Supreme Court features
Hammurabi in the walls of their courtroom.
Source: https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/hammurab

APPLICATION
1. List down and create a critical analysis on the interrelationships among major world civilizations and
assess their continuing influence today and develop a comparative presentation between the ancient
civilizations and the modern civilizations utilizing the six (6) key components: (1) large population
centers; (2) monumental architecture and unique art styles; (3) shared communication strategies; (4)
systems for administering territories; (5) a complex division of labor; and (6) the division of people into
social and economic classes.
All major civilizations showcased major six components, the first one is they all have large
population centers, due to the number of population, these areas had the privilege to develop since there
can be many workers, soldiers, artisans and the like. The next one is the presence of monumental
architectures, like the ziggurats of the Sumers, the pyramids of the Egyptians and the temples of the
Chinese. These are symbols of the success and legacy of the ancient civilizations, and the evidence of the
existence of political power. The third one is shared communication strategies, each civilization has its
distinct language and system of writing that allowed development to happen. This unification is one of the
major factors of the development of these civilizations. The fourth one is the systems for administering
territories, one of the major features of a civilization is the presence of a political system which allowed
them to move in unity. One great example of this is the civilization of the Greeks, where democracy was
introduced. The fifth one is the division of labor, as there is a governing system, and there are a lot of
mouths to be fed, art and literature is also important to the ancient humans, labor was divided. There were
individuals who worked with the upper class, serving and guiding them, there where individuals who
specialized in arts and crafts, individuals in the agriculture and trade field. There was this assignment of
specialized task per individual. And in line with this, comes the sixth component, the division of people
into social and economic classes, since there were people who worked dirty jobs, people who were able to
mingle with the upper class, and the upper class themselves, there was a division of economic and social
statuses, and it was impossible to transition from one social class to another in one night. This has been
tradition and is very hard to break out from.

2. Create a semi-detailed lesson plan on the topic: THE RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS –
Submitted in a different document.

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