Early Societies: Writing and City Life
Introduction to Early Societies
- Early humans emerged in Africa.
- Archaeologists study bones and tools.
- Early life included hunting, gathering, fire, and language.
Mesopotamia: Cities and Writing
- Located between Tigris and Euphrates (modern Iraq).
- Fertile land due to river silt.
- Trade developed due to lack of resources.
Urban Life
- Cities had division of labor.
- People depended on each other.
- Writing developed for record keeping.
Writing Development
- Began around 3200 BCE.
- Used clay tablets and stylus.
- Cuneiform script used symbols for syllables.
City Life
- Social hierarchy existed.
- Kings and temples controlled resources.
- Families were nuclear.
Mari: Trading City
- Important trade center.
- Connected different regions.
- Prosperous due to trade.
Legacy
- Time system (60 minutes, 24 hours).
- Math and astronomy developed.
Introduction to Early Societies
- Early humans emerged in Africa.
- Archaeologists study bones and tools.
- Early life included hunting, gathering, fire, and language.
Mesopotamia: Cities and Writing
- Located between Tigris and Euphrates (modern Iraq).
- Fertile land due to river silt.
- Trade developed due to lack of resources.
Urban Life
- Cities had division of labor.
- People depended on each other.
- Writing developed for record keeping.
Writing Development
- Began around 3200 BCE.
- Used clay tablets and stylus.
- Cuneiform script used symbols for syllables.
City Life
- Social hierarchy existed.
- Kings and temples controlled resources.
- Families were nuclear.
Mari: Trading City
- Important trade center.
- Connected different regions.
- Prosperous due to trade.
Legacy
- Time system (60 minutes, 24 hours).
- Math and astronomy developed.
