Influential Civilization Worksheet

Question

Review your timeline carefully as you complete all parts of the worksheet.
Part 1
Write a short answer response to both questions for the first civilization you
studied. Responses should be 3–4 sentences.
Civilization #1:
1. Describe major innovations, advancements, achievements, or cultural
practices of this civilization.
2. How did these advancements or practices affect the development and growth
of the civilization? How did they affect the other civilization you selected?
Part 2
Write a short answer response to both questions for the second civilization you
studied. Responses should be 3–4 sentences.
Civilization #2:
1. Describe major innovations, advancements, achievements, or cultural
practices of this civilization.
2. How did these advancements or practices affect the development and growth
of the civilization? How did they affect the other civilization you selected?
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Part 3
If your civilizations had contact with each other:
Write a summary about how advancements or practices of one civilization
influenced the other civilization. Your summary should be about a paragraph in
length.
As you write your summary, use the following questions as a guide. Note, you
do not need to answer every question.
• How did the development of one culture influence or impact advancements or
development of the other culture?
• How did factors such as trade or migration affect the spread of cultural
practices or ideas?
• In what ways were cultural practices of one civilization adapted or adopted
by another civilization?
If your civilizations did not have contact with each other:
Write a summary about how the advancements or practices of each civilization were
similar and different. Your summary should be about a paragraph in length.
As you write your summary, use the following questions as a guide. Note, you do
not need to answer every question.
• Did these two cultures develop any technologies that were similar to each
other?
• Is there anything that these cultures did that was very different from each
other?
• Is there something that developed in one culture that would have solved a
problem for the other? do ancient africa and acient and islamic

Answer 1

Part 1: Civilization #1: Ancient Africa

1. Ancient African civilizations were marked by significant innovations such as the development of intricate metalworking, pottery, and textile production. Kingdoms like Mali and Ghana thrived due to trade across the Trans-Saharan routes, which facilitated not only economic prosperity but also cultural exchanges. Innovations in agriculture, such as the use of irrigation, allowed for increased food production and supported larger populations.

2. These advancements led to the growth and stability of powerful kingdoms, enabling them to become influential centers of trade and culture. The riches from trade, especially gold, attracted many outsiders, including Islamic traders, thus impacting civilizations like the Islamic empires by increasing trade connections and cultural exchange.

Part 2: Civilization #2: Islamic Civilization

1. The Islamic civilization made remarkable contributions in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and architecture. Innovations like the development of algebra and the establishment of hospitals and libraries were crucial, as was the architectural achievement of mosques with their intricate designs and calligraphy. The Islamic Golden Age was marked by philosophical advancements and literary achievements, epitomized by scholars such as Avicenna and Al-Ghazali.

2. These advancements spurred the growth of urban centers and facilitated trade networks across Asia and Europe, enhancing the exchange of knowledge, goods, and culture. The Islamic civilization's emphasis on learning and education significantly influenced African kingdoms by introducing new ideas and fostering scholarly pursuits, particularly through the establishment of centers of learning, such as Timbuktu.

Part 3: Contact Summary

Although ancient African civilizations and Islamic empires developed independently, their contact through trade and cultural exchange enriched both societies. The introduction of Islamic scholarly traditions and advancements in mathematics and medicine from the Islamic world influenced African intellectual pursuits. Conversely, the wealth of African kingdoms, particularly through gold and salt trade, provided resources that bolstered Islamic economies. This exchange led to a mutual enrichment of culture, knowledge, and technology, facilitating a dynamic interplay between the two civilizations that shaped their historical trajectories.