This unit covers several ancient civilizations.  It picks up where Unit 1 left off, with the advent of agriculture in the area we now call the Middle East. Here, you will have a chance to think about whether you would rather live the life of a farmer or hunter-gatherer. 

It then heads east to the Indus Valley Civilizations in the region that is now Pakistan. Almost five thousand years ago, a peaceful, cooperative civilization thrived here. We don't know what caused it to fall, but you will be asked to consider what you believe to be the most credible theory. 

Image from History-World.org

From there, we will be looking at some of the innovations developed in Mesopotamia. You will be learning why this is considered to be the first true civilization, based on many features of their society that are still with us today. 

We will then explore Ancient Egypt, a civilization that lasted longer than any other at almost three thousand years. Of course you will learn about their mummies and pyramids, but you will also find out about the gods that they worshipped, the foods that they ate and the calendar that they followed that allowed them to prosper for millennia. 

Lastly, you will have a chance to think about who has benefitted from the development of these great civilizations over the years. In most cases, it wasn't the common folk.