Download Early Humans and the Rise of Civilization

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Early Humans and the Rise of Civilization
Setting the Stage
Our study of the ancient world begins with a look at the roots of human life and the beginnings of civilization. Many
scientists believe that the earliest ancestors of humans first appeared in eastern Africa. Scientists have studied fossils
and bones left by these early humans. This evidence has led scientists to believe that five major groups of early
humans developed over millions of years. The places where the remains of these groups were discovered are shown
on the map on the opposite page.
From these beginnings, humans spread to other parts of the world. Over time, these early people learned to grow
crops. The first human settlements grew in regions where people found the resources they needed to survive.
One of these regions, in North Africa, is mostly desert. Through the desert flows the Nile River - the longest river in the
world. The Nile had an enormous impact on the development of civilization. The Nile River begins in East Africa. The
river flows north and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, the Nile picks up lots of rich, dark soil. Each
year, the river overflows its banks, flooding the land around it. Beginning in ancient times, the floodwaters left behind
soil that was perfect for growing crops. This factor greatly influenced early human settlement in the Nile River valley.
Another region in which ancient people settled was in an area of land stretching from the Persian Gulf to the
Mediterranean Sea. This region is known as the Fertile Crescent because of its rich (fertile) soil and its curved
(crescent) shape when drawn on a map.
Ancient people living in the Fertile Crescent were able to grow plenty of wheat and barley. No longer needing to
move constantly in search of food, people could settle down and build communities. Permanent shelters and a
dependable food supply allowed people to advance in important ways. They learned to make stone and metal tools;
to raise animals such as cows, sheep, and pigs; and to develop a system of writing. In time, settlements began trading
with nearby groups. An exchange of people, goods, and ideas blossomed. The first civilizations had begun.
Geography Challenge: Africa and the Middle East
Geography Skills: Analyze the maps in “Setting the Stage” for Unit 1 in your reading. Then, answer the following
questions and fill out the map as directed.
1. Locate the continent of Africa on the outline map. Label it.
Which continent lies to the north of Africa?
Which continent lies to the northeast of Africa?
2. Locate the Nile River and label it on your map. Into which body of water does the Nile River flow?
3. Locate the Nile River valley. Shade and label it on your map.
4. What is the Fertile Crescent?
Locate the Fertile Crescent on your map. Shade and label it.
Which river(s) runs through the Fertile Crescent?
5. Label the body of water off the west coast of Africa. Also label the body of water off the north coast and
east coast of Africa.
6. Check the map in the Unit 1 “Setting the Stage” in your book to find an early human fossil discovery that
was made in the Great Rift Valley. On your outline map, use an X to mark the location of that discovery.
Then label the Great Rift Valley.
7. Label the following features on your map: Sahara, Arabian Desert, Syrian Desert, Kalahari Desert, Namib
Desert, Nubian Desert, Libyan Desert.
8. Most of the land of North Africa and the Middle East is desert. How did this affect the settlement of early
people?
Critical Thinking: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Considering the geographical physical features, why do you think early humans migrated eastward to the
Fertile Crescent, rather than north to Europe?
2. One region in the Middle East is called Mesopotamia. This name means “the land between the rivers.”
Where do you think this region lies?
3. The Fertile Crescent was made up mostly of grassy plains. While this area was good for farming, it lacked
resources such as stone, wood, and metal. What hardships might these shortages have caused for the
people who lived there?
4. Why did most early civilizations develop near a water supply?