World History BEFORE 1200 [AP World History Review]

Summary

This video introduces the new AP World History curriculum, starting from 1200 CE, by providing a historical context. It traces human development from the Neolithic Revolution to the formation of early civilizations around major rivers. Key points include the rise of permanent settlements, the development of writing, and the establishment of hierarchical societies. Major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity are discussed, alongside the formation and fall of early empires such as the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Chinese dynasties. The video aims to prepare students for the new curriculum by highlighting significant historical events and trends before 1200 CE.

Takeaways

• 📜 The new AP World History curriculum starts at 1200 CE, cutting out thousands of years of earlier history.
• 🌱 The Neolithic or Agricultural Revolution began about 10,000 years ago, shifting humans from hunting and gathering to farming, leading to settled societies.
• 🏞️ Early agricultural societies developed around rivers, such as the Nile, Yellow, Indus, Mesoamerican, and Andes River Valleys.
• 🏙️ The formation of cities began about 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and the Nile River Valley, leading to complex societies with hierarchies and monumental architecture.
• 📚 Writing emerged for utilitarian purposes like tracking grain but eventually developed into literature and religious texts, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Rigveda.
• 🕉️ Major religions emerged from these early civilizations, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and later, Christianity.
• 🏛️ Empires and city-states frequently interacted through trade and war, exchanging technologies and cultural ideas.
• 🇨🇳 Confucianism and Daoism emerged in China during the Warring States Period, providing social and spiritual frameworks that persisted through various dynasties.
• 🌍 By 600 BCE, major empires and city-states existed globally, including the Achaemenid Empire in Persia, the Qin and Han Dynasties in China, and the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean.
• 🏺 In the Americas, civilizations such as the Maya and Moche developed complex societies with advanced agricultural practices, monumental architecture, and distinct cultural practices.

Q & A

What is the starting point of the new AP World History curriculum?

The new AP World History curriculum begins in the year 1200 CE or AD.

What major historical event does the script begin with?

The script begins with the Neolithic Revolution, also known as the Agricultural Revolution.

What was the primary lifestyle of human beings before the Neolithic Revolution?

Before the Neolithic Revolution, human beings survived by hunting and gathering and wandering from place to place.

What major change occurred during the Neolithic Revolution?

During the Neolithic Revolution, humans discovered that planting seeds in the ground and waiting for them to grow into crops produced more food than hunting and gathering, leading to the advent of farming.

How did the Neolithic Revolution affect human settlement patterns?

The Neolithic Revolution led to humans settling in one place, building permanent structures for crop storage and religious purposes, and experiencing a population explosion.

What were some of the earliest river valley societies?

Some of the earliest river valley societies were the Nile River Society in North Africa, the Yellow River Valley in East Asia, the Indus River Valley in South Asia, and the river valleys of Mesoamerica and the Andes mountain society.

What is the significance of the Code of Hammurabi?

The Code of Hammurabi is significant because it laid down clear lines for societal hierarchies and punishments for lawbreaking, and it was one of the first legal codes to mention the principle of 'an eye for an eye'.

What role did writing play in early civilizations?

Writing in early civilizations was initially used to keep track of grain supplies, but it eventually expanded to produce literature and religious texts, explaining creation and the meaning of life.

How did Hinduism and Buddhism differ in their teachings and societal impact?

Hinduism, a polytheistic religion, emphasized a hierarchical caste system and the concept of reincarnation. Buddhism, which emerged from Hinduism, also taught reincarnation but rejected the caste system, focusing instead on ending suffering by eliminating desire.

What was the Mandate of Heaven in Chinese belief?

The Mandate of Heaven was a Chinese belief that the heavens would provide a just ruler, but if the ruler governed poorly, he would be ousted and replaced by a new ruler.

How did the Roman Empire compare to the Han Dynasty in terms of size, wealth, and technological advancement?

Both the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty were large and wealthy, but the Han Dynasty was technologically more advanced, building the Great Wall and extensive canal systems.

What was the role of pastoralists in early civilizations?

Pastoralists, who continued hunting and gathering, played a crucial role in fostering connections and cultural exchanges between major civilizations.

What were some significant contributions of the Phoenicians?

The Phoenicians were known for their advanced seafaring capabilities, establishing colonies through diplomacy and trade, and developing the oldest known alphabet.

How did the concept of citizenship and democracy originate?

The concept of citizenship and democracy originated with the Greek city-states around 600 BCE, where free white males had the ability to influence their government.

What were some key features of the Maya civilization in Mesoamerica?

The Maya civilization built huge monumental structures as religious temples, advanced agriculture and writing systems, and practiced human sacrifice.

What was Teotihuacan, and why is it significant?

Teotihuacan was one of the largest cities in the world at its time, with a complex governmental bureaucracy, huge reservoirs, and stone apartment complexes, showcasing advanced urban planning and architecture.