SS 7B U7L1 Influential Civilizations Portfolio Answers
1. Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia was one of the earliest civilizations in the world, with its fertile land located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern-day Iraq. Some of its most influential contributions include the development of writing (cuneiform script), the invention of the wheel, and the establishment of the world's first cities such as Uruk and Ur.
2. Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt is known for its impressive monuments such as the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the temples along the Nile River. The civilization also made significant advancements in mathematics, medicine, and architecture. The Egyptian hieroglyphic writing system was also a major contribution to history.
3. Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization due to its contributions in art, philosophy, democracy, and literature. The city-states of Athens and Sparta played a significant role in shaping the political and social structure of ancient Greece. Greek thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundation for modern Western philosophy.
4. Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful civilizations in history, known for its engineering feats, military prowess, and legal system. The Romans built extensive road networks, aqueducts, and public buildings that have stood the test of time. The Roman legal system influenced many modern legal codes, and the Latin language has had a lasting impact on Western languages.
5. Islamic civilization
The Islamic civilization made significant advancements in science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy during the Middle Ages. Scholars in Islamic regions preserved and translated ancient Greek and Roman texts, contributing to the development of knowledge in the Islamic Golden Age. The Islamic civilization also had a profound impact on architecture, art, and music.
6. Chinese civilization
Chinese civilization has a rich history spanning thousands of years, with notable contributions in philosophy, art, literature, and technology. The Chinese invented papermaking, printing, gunpowder, and the compass, all of which had a profound impact on world history. Chinese philosophy, such as Confucianism and Daoism, has also had a lasting influence on Eastern thought.
Overall, these influential civilizations have shaped the course of history and left a lasting legacy in various fields such as technology, art, philosophy, and governance. Their contributions continue to impact the modern world in profound ways.