Ancient civilization

Instructions
There are two options for this Project:

OPTION B: Research into an ancient civilization or site significant for world prehistory.

OPTION B: ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

For this option you will select an ancient civilization or site that is significant for world prehistory. You will research the subsistence strategies of that civilization and its environmental interactions researching also diet, health, and technology of the civilization.

You may choose from the following list (or propose and receive permission to research another group/site.)

Ancient Civilization Groups/Sites

  • Natufians (Middle East)
  • Sumer (Mesopotamia)
  • Ancient Egypt
  • Indus River Valley
  • Shang (China)
  • Mesoamerica
  • Cahokia (North America)
  • Andean South America
  • Great Zimbabwe
  • Aksum
  • Catal Hoyuk

CONTENT GUIDELINES FOR OPTIONS A & B

Your paper should address the following:

1) Describe the geography where this group is located. Include the following:

  • Climate
  • Topography
  • Water ways
  • Identify modern-day country

2) Describe specific archaeological sites which tell us about your group.

  • Name and Location
  • When excavated and by whom
  • Significant features

3) Explain original reason for settlement (advantages) and the reasons for growth.

4) Describe the culture:

  • Subsistence base: how did people support themselves?
  • Political organization: how did people govern themselves?
  • Social Structure: what do we know about people were organized?
  • Contacts with others: with whom did they trade; fight; network with?

5) Explain what happened to the group.

  • Analyze the reason for the decline, disappearance, or continued existence.

6) Draw comparisons to our own modern-day situation.