Civilizations Ten Thousand Years of Ancient History Book

Timeline	6
PREHISTORY	8
This chapter briefly examines more than 2 million years of human
development before focusing upon the last 10,000 years when
the adoption of agriculture quickened the pace of change and laid
the foundations of civilization. Special features take a closer look
at stone tools, which first extended people's physical capabilities,
pottery (developed worldwide as a storage medium) and irrigation,
which greatly enhanced agricultural productivity.
1.1 Taking over the World
1.2 First Agricultural Revolution
CITIES AND STATES	34
The emergence of civilization in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India
and China after 3000 BC opened a new chapter in human
development, and by 1000 BC West Asia and the eastern
Mediterranean were home to many competing states. Cities
emerged, the focus of hierarchical societies led by priests or
kings, who were often accorded lavish burials after death.
Thriving crafts included the working of copper and bronze and
later iron. International relations developed, involving both
trde and warfare. The creation of writing not only facilitated
the administration of these states but also led to the recording
of their history and culture.
2.1 Prelude to Civilization
2.2 The Lands between the Rivers
2.3 The Indus and its Neighbours
2.4 The Middle Realm
2.5 The Gift of the Nile
2.6 Zone of Conflict
CLASSICALCIVILIZATIONS	108
After 600 BC new states emerged, climaxing in four
empires that controlled the greater part of the Old World,
stretching from Spain to China and from Britain to southern
India. Linked by trade over land and sea, they provided
fertile ground for the development of great religions,
philosophy, mathematics, science, technology and the arts.
Coinage promoted commerce, while many economies depended
on slavery.
3.1 A Widening World
3.2 The Athenian Role-model
3.3 The Land of the Buddha
3.4 The Great Han
3.5 Mediterranean Conflicts
3.6 The Might of Rome
EMPIRES OF THE NEW WORLD	180
Civilizations in the New World developed quite independently
of the Old. Mesoamerica and the central Andes were the main
centres by around 1200 BC. Superb craftsmanship included
the manufacture of fine textiles. Temple pyramids marked
widespread adherence to religions whose practices included
blood-letting and human sacrifices supported by warfare, and
which promoted a detailed knowledge of astronomy.
4.1 The Continent Awakes
4.2 Builders of Mounds and Pyramids
4.4 Flowery Wars and Conquerors
Afterword	232
Glossary	233
Picture credits	236
Index	237