The Ancient Period, Before 600 BCE: Content Summary 1.5: State Formation in Ancient Afro-Eurasia

Sedentary communities that settled in these valleys soon experienced increased agricultural surpluses, population growth, and economic specialization. (1.5.A)

Sedentary communities that settled in these valleys soon experienced increased agricultural surpluses, population growth, and economic specialization. (1.5.A)

Some of these communities developed sophisticated hydrologic infrastructures that allowed their settlements to spread. (1.5.A)

These early states incorporated bronze into their weapons and armor, and eventually their chariots, to make them stronger and more durable. (1.5.A)

The superiority of bronze weapons contributed to the growth of states as well as the development of social hierarchies. (1.5.A)

Expensive bronze weapons were monopolized by elites with the leisure time to practice warfare. (1.5.A)

Over time, farmers and laborers increasingly entered into tributary agreements whereby they would provide labor and products to military elites in exchange for protection. (1.5.A)

These early city-states, such as Uruk, expanded via military conquest or political alliances. (1.5.B)

Mesopotamian city-states contained elaborate temple complexes. (1.5.B)

These empires created the first political bureaucracies to delegate duties and coordinate administration over larger territories. (1.5.B)

These empires created the first political bureaucracies to delegate duties and coordinate administration over larger territories. (1.5.B)

The ancient kingdom of Egypt unified the Nile River Valley. (1.5.B)

In addition to collecting tribute, Egyptian pharaohs also claimed divine connections and ruled as religious authorities. (1.5.B)

Cuneiform, a sophisticated sound-based form of writing, was developed in Mesopotamia. Character-based writing systems emerged in East and South Asia. (1.5.C)

Writing facilitated basic record keeping, and written language led to the creation and codification of laws. (1.5.C)