Module 3 Introduction and Outcomes

Module 3: Early Civilizations in South and East Asia

Like the ancient Middle East, civilizations in South and East Asia first developed near great river systems. The Harappan civilization of the Indus River valley developed in the middle of the third millennium B.C.E.—approximately at the same time as the river civilizations of the Middle East. But Harappa was unable to survive natural catastrophes and nomadic incursions and disintegrated as a civilization between 1500 and 1200 B.C.E. In East Asia, however, the Shang civilization served as the foundation of a new and unified civilization—the Zhou dynasty—that endured for millennia.

In this unit, we will examine the emergence and decline of these important early civilizations in Asia.

Time Advisory

This unit will take you 8 hours to complete.

• Section 3.1 The Indus River Valley: 2.5 hours
  
  
• Section 3.2 Early Chinese Civilization: 5 hours
  
  
• Section 3.3 Module 3 Quiz: 0.5 hours
  
  

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between geographical features and developments of early civilizations in South and East Asia.
  
• Assess the political, social, and cultural legacies of the Harappan civilization.
• Describe the social and religious structures of Aryan society.
• Trace the characteristics, development, and fall of the Shang and Zhou dynasties in early China.