Ancient Civilization Project: Stage 3 – Final Report

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

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.