LESSON PROPER WEEK 1 STS The emergence of agricultural societies around

7000 B.C. marked the beginning of small village

Civilization is defined as the level of formations in the Indus River Valley, located in present-
development where people coexist peacefully in day India and Pakistan. By approximately 3300 B.C.,
communities, with ancient civilization specifically these settlements experienced significant growth,
referring to the first stable communities that laid the particularly in the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro,
groundwork for future states, nations, and empires. The which accommodated populations of around 40,000 to
study of ancient civilization is a subset of ancient history, 50,000 residents. The urban development in the Indus
which spans from the invention of writing around 3100 Valley is characterized by advanced architectural
BC for over 35 centuries. Although humanity existed practices, including the use of baked-brick construction.
prior to writing, the advent of written records enabled the The cities were equipped with sophisticated sewer and
preservation of historical information. The earliest water supply systems, contributing to their cleanliness
ancient societies emerged in various regions, including and public health. The layout of the streets followed a
Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, the Huang He strict grid pattern, indicating a high level of urban
Valley in China, Crete, and Central America. These planning and organization. The uniformity observed in
civilizations shared common characteristics, such as the construction materials, such as bricks of standard
urban development, the invention of writing, dimensions, reflects the societal emphasis on
advancements in pottery and metallurgy, animal consistency and order. Additionally, the Indus Valley
domestication, and the establishment of complex social civilization is noted for its innovations in weights and
hierarchies. Knowledge about these ancient peoples is measures, which were crucial for trade and commerce.
primarily derived from written records and archaeological The presence of a unique yet undeciphered writing
discoveries. Significant archaeological findings have system and advancements in metallurgy further
occurred over the last two centuries, with notable highlights the complexity and ingenuity of this ancient
discoveries including the Sumerian culture in civilization.
Mesopotamia in the 1890s and important excavations in
China after the late 1970s. 3. Ancient Egypt (3100 B.C. to 30 B.C.)

1. Sumerian Civilization (4500 B.C. to 1900 B.C.)

Valley of the Kings. The tombs of the Ancient Egyptian

Pharaohs near the West Bank of the Nile River (Credit:
The ruins of Eridu in Iraq (Peter Sobolev/Shutterstock) Anton Belo/Shutterstock)

Ancient Sumer, located in Mesopotamia, is By 6000 B.C., settlers established communities

recognized as the birthplace of the first civilizations in along the Nile, finding refuge from harsh desert
human history. The region's "Fertile Crescent," around conditions. These early settlements evolved into
10,000 B.C., enabled early populations to establish significant urban centers by 3100 B.C., governed by
agricultural practices, leading to settled communities. By pharaohs who served as both political leaders and
approximately 4500 B.C., these communities, known as spiritual intermediaries, responsible for law-making,
the Sumerians, developed sufficient agricultural surplus taxation, military endeavors, and maintaining order. The
to create the world's first cities. Prominent Sumerian ancient Egyptians flourished for millennia, gaining
cities, including Eridu, Uruk, and Ur, featured significant recognition for their advancements in various fields,
architectural structures such as temples and palaces. including arithmetic, astronomy, and anatomy. Their
The Sumerians are also credited with the invention of medical practices, particularly in surgery, were notable,
writing, specifically cuneiform, which emerged around with mummification techniques believed to have
5,000 years ago. This writing system facilitated the contributed to their understanding of human anatomy.
documentation of grain transactions, storytelling, and the Additionally, the Egyptians developed a sophisticated
dissemination of agricultural knowledge. These writing system known as hieroglyphics, comprising a
advancements have earned Mesopotamia the vast array of characters used for inscribing on stone.
designation of the "Cradle of Civilization." Additionally, They also created derivative scripts for writing on
the Sumerians made significant contributions to papyrus, a durable material derived from local plant life.
mathematics, astronomy, and astrology, developed The architectural achievements of ancient Egypt are
irrigation techniques, established the first educational particularly remarkable, with their temples and tombs
institutions, codified legal systems, and created the regarded as some of the most impressive constructions
modern concept of time by dividing the day into hours, in history. Iconic monuments such as the Great Sphinx
minutes, and seconds. and the Pyramids at Giza stand as enduring testaments
to their engineering prowess and creativity.
2. Indus Valley Civilization (3300 B.C. to 1300 B.C.)
4. Ancient and Early Imperial China (2070 B.C. to
A.D. 220)

Ruins of Dholavira, a Harappan metropolis, in Gujarat,

India (Credit: Vihang Ghalsasi/Shuttterstock)
Western Xia tombs at the foot of Helan Mountains, an
ancient landmark in Ningxia province of China (Credit:
Katoosha/Shutterstock)
 The Yellow River Valley in China is recognized Ancient Greece, while not the first civilization in
as the cradle of one of the world's oldest civilizations, the Mediterranean, significantly influenced Western
with the emergence of farming settlements around 5000 culture. Agricultural settlements emerged around 7000
B.C. This agricultural foundation eventually led to the B.C. in the Aegean Sea, leading to the development of
establishment of a centralized government, beginning societies such as the Minoans and Mycenaeans. The
with the Xia Dynasty from 2070 to 1600 B.C. The Mycenaeans notably contributed to the Greek language
concept of the "Mandate of Heaven" emerged during this and mythology, introducing key figures like Achilles and
period, positing that rulers governed by divine right and Odysseus, and establishing a pantheon that included
were expected to act as caretakers of their subjects, with gods such as Zeus and Athena. The collapse of Minoan
a strong warning against misconduct. This political and Mycenaean cultures around 1100 B.C. gave rise to
philosophy played a significant role in shaping independent city-states, including Athens, Sparta, and
governance throughout Chinese history. Culturally, Thebes, by the 8th century B.C. These city-states,
China experienced significant development during both despite their distinct identities, shared a common
peaceful and tumultuous periods. The Shang Dynasty, language and religious practices, fostering a spirit of
from 1600 to 1046 B.C., saw the creation of written innovation. Greek poets like Homer and Hesiod laid the
characters that bear resemblance to modern Chinese groundwork for Western literature, while philosophers
script. By 400 B.C., the teachings of influential figures such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle advanced the
like Confucius began to take root, emphasizing values fields of medicine, mathematics, and science. The
such as virtue and filial piety. In addition to philosophical political ideas developed during this period also
advancements, Chinese artisans made groundbreaking established the foundations for modern democratic
contributions, including the invention of silk, paper, and systems. Overall, the contributions of ancient Greece in
the early processes of block printing. The development various domains, including literature, philosophy, and
of the maritime compass, along with the enduring governance, continue to resonate in contemporary
practices of acupuncture and herbal medicine, further society.
exemplifies China's rich cultural heritage. Notably, the
construction of the Great Wall commenced as early as 7. Ancient Rome (750 B.C. to A.D. 470)
the 7th century B.C., marking a significant architectural
achievement in Chinese history.

5. Ancient Maya Civilization (1000 B.C. to A.D. 1520)

Ponte Rotto ancient destroyed bridge from the Tiber

Island, Rome, Italy (Credit: marcovarro/Shutterstock)

Rome originated as a small village along the

Ruins of ancient Observatory El Caracol in Chichen Itza. Tiber River around 750 B.C. and evolved into one of the
Mexico (Credit: Iren Key/Shutterstock) largest empires in history, encompassing vast territories
across the Mediterranean and beyond. As the empire
Around 7000 B.C., Mesoamerican communities expanded, the Romans integrated various ideas and
began the cultivation of maize and beans, establishing inventions from the cultures they encountered,
permanent settlements in regions that now encompass demonstrating a capacity for cultural assimilation. The
southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Romans enriched their religious practices by adopting
Honduras and El Salvador. By approximately 1000 B.C., deities and rituals from the Greeks, Egyptians, and other
these early villages evolved into the ancient cities of the societies, thereby enhancing their own pantheon. They
Maya Civilization, characterized by grand administrative also played a significant role in the preservation and
and ceremonial complexes. The Maya exhibited a organization of knowledge, producing some of the
profound interest in astronomy, constructing large earliest encyclopedias. Notably, Pliny the Elder's
observatories and meticulously documenting planetary "Naturalis Historia" aimed to compile a comprehensive
movements. They developed a sophisticated writing collection of facts from diverse cultures, covering
system that combined pictorial and phonetic elements, extensive topics in natural history, art, and architecture.
enabling them to make accurate predictions about Roman ingenuity is particularly evident in their state-
celestial bodies. Their advanced understanding of the sponsored construction projects. While they did not
movements of Venus, Mars, and the moon significantly invent key architectural elements such as roads, arches,
influenced their renowned timekeeping system. This or aqueducts, their adaptations were distinguished by
timekeeping system featured intricate interlocking exceptional durability and strength, with some structures
calendars that aligned agricultural practices and religious still in use today. The legacy of Roman architecture is
ceremonies with specific astronomical events. The exemplified by enduring monuments like the Pantheon
legacy of the Maya's calendar continues to resonate and the Colosseum, which showcase the advanced skills
today, as it remains a point of reference for many of the of ancient architects and the innovative use of concrete.
approximately 6 million modern descendants of the These constructions serve as a testament to the
Maya civilization. impressive achievements rooted in ancient history.

THE MEDIEVAL WORLD AND STS

6. Ancient Greece (1100 B.C. to A.D. 140)
The Medieval Era, from 476 to 1600 AD, was a
significant period in science and technology, influenced
by political and religious circumstances. Despite its
association with knights and the Bubonic Plague,
advancements in health, agriculture, and economics
significantly impacted society. These advancements
positively impacted mankind.

Parthenon temple on Athenian Acropolis, Athens,

Greece (Credit: Lambros Kazan/Shutterstock)
Technology and Church more difficult terrain, climb mountains, and pull bigger
loads. As early as 50 BC, the Romans and Celts would
The Medieval period, often referred to as the have been aware of them.
"Dark Ages," was characterized by a lack of scientific
advancement due to the Christian Church's control over C. Architecture and Construction
religious, government, and scientific functions. The 1. Artesian well (1126). A small, hard iron cutting rod is
Church feared scientific reasoning would threaten its inserted into a bore hole and pounded with a hammer
authority, but new technologies like the chimney were several times. Without using a pump, the water is forced
integrated into everyday life. The Church strictly up the hole by subsurface water pressure. The first
controlled certain scientific practices. Christianity was Artesian well was sunk in 1126 by Carthusian monks in
legally recognized as a religion in 313, thanks to Artois, France, hence the name of the wells.
Constantine's efforts. The Church became a center of
community life, allowing scientific learning and healing. 2. Wheelbarrow. A tool for farming, mining, and
However, rules and religious restrictions impeded construction (1170s). In North-western Europe,
scientific advancement. Public dissections were wheelbarrows first appeared in tales and illustrations
considered moral, limiting anatomy and medical science. between 1170 and 1250. earliest illustration of it from the
This limited faith in the Church's abilities. thirteenth century.

The Medieval period saw technological 3. Blast furnace (1150-1350)

advancements in agriculture, textiles, and building About 1150, cast iron is first recorded in Middle Europe.
construction, which did not negatively impact the It was believed that the method was a unique European
Christian Church or its authoritative image. The Church invention.
maintained control over scientific knowledge while
embracing new technology. D. Clocks
1. The hourglass (1338). Hourglass is a trustworthy,
reasonably priced, and precise timepiece. Unlike other
The Technology Used in Everyday Medieval Life time measurement devices of the era, the equipment is
The Medieval period saw significant not susceptible to freezing. A medieval invention,
technological advancements, including vertical windmills, hourglasses were originally recorded in Siena, Italy.
spectacles, mechanical clocks, and improved water
mills. Between 1000 and 1300 AD, medieval universities 2. Mechanical clocks (13th -14th). Weight-driven
emerged, benefiting from translated texts and providing mechanical clocks, invented in Europe in the 13th and
new infrastructure for scientific communities. By the 6th 14th centuries, were mostly utilized on clock towers.
century, teaching and learning moved to monastic and
cathedral schools, with the Bible as the center of 3. Plate amour (14th, late). The best personal armor in
education. In the 7th century, learning began in Ireland terms of body protection and metalworking skills is plate
and the Celtic lands. amour (late 14th century). By the end of the fourteenth
century, large, fully assembled plates of armor start to
A. Mechanical Artillery appear.
1. Counterweight trebuchet (12th). By using
counterweights to propel massive stones over great
distances, these weapons, powered by gravity, E. Other Medieval Inventions
revolutionized medieval siege tactics. The eastern 1. Vertical windmills (1180s). Originally developed in
Mediterranean region was its original usage. By the Europe as a pivoting post mill, these devices were
1120s and 1130s in Byzantium, the Crusades, and the effective in draining water and grinding grain. One was
Latin West by the 1150s, trebuchets were in use. first mentioned in 1185, in Yorkshire, England.

2. Missile weapons, Longbow with massed, 2. Spectacles (1280s). Convex lenses were used in
disciplined archery (13th). The longbow was a potent spectacles made in Florence, Italy, to aid the farsighted.
and precise weapon that ultimately led to the fall of the Before the fifteenth century, concave lenses were not
medieval knight class. During the Hundred Years' War, produced for nearsighted individuals.
the English employed it against the French (1337-1453).
3. Spinning wheel (13th). Brought to Europe probably
from India.
3. Steel crossbow (late 14th century). This European
invention was the first hand-held mechanical crossbow 4. Chess (1450). The game's ancestors first appeared in
and included a variety of cocking devices to increase India in the sixth century AD, and they eventually made
draw power. Huge and start to emerge by the 14th their way to Europe via Persia and the Muslim world.
century's end. The game changed to become what it is now around the
fifteenth century.
B. Agriculture
1. Heavy plough (5th - 8th). The heavy wheeled plough 5. Mirrors (1180). In 1180, Alexander Neckham said,
originated in Slavic regions and then spread to Northern "Take away the lead which is behind the glass and there
Italy, including the Po Valley. It was in use in the will be no image of the one looking in." This was the first
Rhineland by the eighth century. In order to cultivate the recorded reference of a mirror.
rich, heavy, and frequently rainy soils of Northern
Europe, the Heavy Plough was essential. 6. Oil paint (c. 1410). Flemish painter Jan van Eyck
created a stable oil mixture as early as the 13th century.
2. Horse collar (6th–9th century). From the 6th to the Details were added to tempera paintings using oil.
9th century, the horse collar underwent several
evolutionary changes. More horse power could be used 7. Quarantine (1377). The Republic of Ragusa instituted
to draw big ploughs, for example. the quarantine, which was initially a 40-day term, to stop
the spread of diseases like the Black Death.
3. Horseshoes (9th). These enable horses to endure
Quarantining started in Venice and quickly expanded
throughout Europe.