River Valley Chronicles

A comprehensive two-week unit exploring the four major river valley civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and Ancient China. Students will analyze how geography shaped human characteristics and evaluate the social, political, and cultural development of these early societies.

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Mesopotamia Origins

An exploration of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the development of city-states, the Code of Hammurabi, and the social hierarchy of Sumer.

Egyptian Legacies

An analysis of the Nile River's role in Egyptian life, the power of Pharaohs, the construction of pyramids, and the religious beliefs of the afterlife.

Indus Secrets

Investigating the advanced urban planning of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, the mystery of their undeciphered script, and their extensive trade networks.

Chinese Dynasties

Focusing on the Huang He (Yellow River), the early dynasties, the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, and the development of Confucianism and Taoism.

Civilization Synthesis

A final comparison of the four civilizations, focusing on shared characteristics like irrigation, social classes, and writing systems, culminating in a unit assessment.