The basis of the economy of early villages and cities.

Were the locations of the earliest civilizations.

Became civilizations because they were located in areas near rivers and fertile soil

Is considered the world's first civilization

Was different from other religions in the ancient world because they believed there was one God who set down laws about right and wrong.

Was the first written set of laws. Did not treat all members of society equally.

A written alphabet based on sound

Were responsible for using hieroglyphics to record important information and maintain records

The process of preserving bodies in the afterlife, in order to overcome death

Were used by Indus Valley people to store surplus crops

People must end selfish desires to overcome suffering

A central part of the Hindu belief system in which the soul is passed from one physical body to another

Show a high level of planning, so scholars believe the Indus Valley Civilization was highly developed.

A person's duty to do what is right in Hinduism

Made is easier to trade anywhere in the Chinese empire

A shared belief for both Daoism and Confucianism

Warred with each other frequently, as a result of their independent spirit

governed many ancient Greek city states, they were made up of the richest families and favored the wealthy

Home of the Greek gods

Had more rights and freedoms than other Greek women

Used by the Romans, because they feared officials would gain too much power

Assemblies of citizens and citizens elect officials and pass laws

Were built so soldiers could travel more quickly. They allowed Rome to become an empire.

Show compassion for the poor

Spread Christianity throughout the Roman world after his death

Were fought in the Colosseum and were a great source of entertainment for Romans

Was built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian. It has served as a church, mosque, and museum.

was supposed to be based on cooperation and support, but in practice it created frequent warfare among landowners

self-sufficient economic units of the middle ages

Birthplace of Islam. It is a land best known for the harshness of its hot, dry desert landscape.

Founder of Islam. He moved his followers from Mecca to Medina to escape religious persecution from his opponents

Islamic empire that flourished because of its location at the meeting point between Asia and Europe

A person who speaks or interprets for God to other people. A central teaching of Islam is that Abraham, Jesus, and Muhammad were prophets of the same God.

One of the Five Pillars of Islam. People should give to the poor.

Was an advancement of the Renaissance. It increased literacy among ordinary people.