•egyptian • mesopotamian • indus valley • chinese what did the above civilizations have in common?

Similarities between Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Indus Valley and Chinese Civilisations:
Strict Class Divisions/Centralized Government

Mesopotamia- Ruled by priests

Egypt- Ruled by the Pharaoh. His word was law.

Harappa- Ruled by a king, usually head of military class.

China- Ruled by an emperor.

Religion- All civilizations had some form of religion.

Egyptians worshipped their gods (Osiris, Ra, Isis, etc.). They believed that their pharaohs were gods on earth and created grand burial tombs to ensure they have a good afterlife.

Record Keeping/Written Law Codes- Each civilization had their own unique way of writing. The Egyptians used hieroglyphics, the Harappans had their own script and it is still not deciphered. The Chinese had their own script, which is still being used today. The Mesopotamians had their own form called cuneiform.

Economic Development

Metal Tools/Weapons

Increased Agriculture- from better tools and irrigation techniques

Increasing Trade

Practiced Slavery