Ancient Civilizations History Reading Comprehension Passages Questions Rome

Ancient Civilizations & World History Reading Comprehension Passages, Worksheets, Questions, and Annotations Bundle!

This bundle contains 8 StudentSavvy Reading Passage & Expository Text Resources! It contains a total of 40 Engaging, Non-Fiction Reading Comprehension Passages with Directions for Student Annotations! Reading Comprehension Questions also included!

Units include: The Stone Age | Early Humans, Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Israel, Ancient India, Ancient China, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome

***UPDATE: Bundle now contains The Stone Age | Early Human Reading Passages!

Questions & Answer Keys for Each of the 40 Reading Passages!

COMMON CORE ALIGNED!

Aligned with Ancient Civilizations Interactive Notebook

Find the Complete Ancient Civilizations Curriculum Here!

What’s included in the bundle (overviews of each unit):

Unit 1: The Stone Age
1.) The Earliest Humans and the Stone Age

-Overview of the Stone Age timeline: Three Phases - Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age)

-Paleolithic Period – Old Stone Age

-cave paintings (first recorded expressions), period of the hunters and gatherers,

-Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo sapiens

-Mesolithic Period – Middle Stone Age

Early beginnings of domesticating animals and farming.

-Neolithic Period – New Stone Age

-semi-nomadic lifestyle, some villages with raised animals and crops

Keywords: Stone Age, Paleolithic Period, Mesolithic Period, Neolithic Period, Homo Habilis (handy man), Homo Erectus (upright man), Homo Sapiens (intelligent man)

2.) Archaeology and Important Findings

-Overview of Archaeology and the role of an archaeologist.

-Discoveries of artifacts (human-made objects) and fossils (human teeth, skull, and bones) and the discovery of how prehistoric people live.

-Louis and Mary Leakey

-1974 – Discovery of Lucy in Africa

-1978 – Laetoili site in Tanzania, hominid footprints preserved in volcanic ash

-1984 – Richard Leakey finds a nearly complete skeleton of a Homo erectus boy

3.) The Tools and Artifacts of the Stone Age

-Brief overview of how the early humans learned to make and control fire, as well as other important tools and discoveries. New technology and tools allowed for more control over their environment.

-The use of fire

-The use of wooden spears

-Prehistoric clothing created with fur, leaves, leather, or grass approx 200,000 BC

-sewing needles approx.. 30,000BC (made of tiny bones and ivory)

-Early humans also created hunting bows, drills, axes, awls (pierces holes in wood and leather)

- Utilized and experimented with bone, ivory, antler, and stone.

4.) Hunters, Gatherers, and Early Societies

-Overview of lifestyle – hunter and gatherers were nomads. In their nomadic lifestyle, they migrated and followed animals to hunt.

They lived in small bands (20-50 people, including children), made up of several families.

-Men hunted, women gathered berries, fruits, seeds, and nuts from wild plants. Children also worked.

-With the development of spears and specialized fishing tools, the hunters were able to catch larger amounts of prey to feed their small bands or families.

-Approx. 70,000-100,000 years ago, early humans migrated from Africa to parts of Asia and Europe. (They most likely migrated due to a depletion of resources and food)

Keywords: hunters, gatherers, small bands, migration

5.) Climate Change, Domestication of Animals, and Agriculture

-Overview of how global warming/climate change melted the ice glaciers, allowing early humans to move to new areas.

-Overview of domestication of animals

Approx. 8000-9000 BC – learned to domesticate animals and grow plants, modifying their environment to address their needs

Sheep and goats 9000BC – raised them for clothes and food

-milk and meat products as well as clothing and shelter with skin. Used bones for weapons, needles, and other tools

-Overview of Agriculture

8,000 BC early humans began planting seeds to raise crops

-Agricultural Revolution

-Slash-and-burn agriculture

-Irrigation – African farmers along the Nile were the first to use irrigation, built canals

Keywords: domestication, global warming, climate change, settlements, slash-and-burn agriculture, agricultural revolution, agriculture

Unit 2: Ancient Mesopotamia

Topics covered in this resource include:
1.) Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent
-location between the two rivers
-nomadic versus sedentary lifestyle
-what was needed for survival
-the fertile crescent today (no longer fertile) 
Keywords: nomad, fertile crescent, hunter-gatherer

2.) Sumerian Life
-supplies, economy, and inventions
-building of the Ziggurats
-hierarchy and society 
Keywords: ziggurat, empire, city-states, polytheistic

3.) The Code of Hammurabi
-overall description of his codes (strict, severe, cruel and unjust)
-description of how they affected society
Keywords: Theocracy, stele

4.) Cuneiform
-when and how it was first used
-tools and materials needed for writing
-how it changed society
Keywords: cuneiform, tablet, reed, stylus

5.) The Epic of Gilgamesh
-earliest form of literature
- description of independent stories that make a combined epic 
-overview of the stories
-who is Gilgamesh? Was he a living person or a fictional character? (According to scholars, he probably was real. The legends that are in the Epic of Gilgamesh are greatly exaggerated and fictional, but a man named Gilgamesh may have existed.)
Keywords: immortality, epic, heroic

Unit 3: Ancient Egypt

Quick overview of topics covered in this resource include:

1.) The Two Lands of Ancient Egypt

-covers the layout of Ancient Egypt (Upper and Lower Egypt)
-flow of the Nile River
-black lands (fertile soil) and red lands (barren soil)
Keywords: Upper Egypt, Lower Egypt, Nile River, Black Lands, Red Lands

2.) Society & Social Structure of Ancient Egypt
-covers the social hierarchy (Pharaoh, Viziers/Priests/Nobles, Scribes, Merchants/Craftspeople, and Peasants/Servants)
-description of daily life and society
-influential pharaohs like Menes, Hatshepsut, and Ramses II
Keywords: Pharaoh, bureaucracy, vizier

3.) The Three Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt
-Ancient Egypt is divided into the three time periods (the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom)
-significant events highlighted that occurred in each period. (Pyramids of Giza built during the beginning of the Old Kingdom)
Keywords: Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, dynasty, Pyramids of Giza

4.) Mummification
-description of the process in detail
Keywords: Ka, amulets, canopic jars

5.) Hieroglyphics & Hieratic Script
-description of each writing style and their differences
-the tools used to write
-description of how the Rosetta Stone assisted with the translation of hieroglyphics
Keywords: hieratic script, hieroglyphics, Rosetta Stone

Unit 4: Ancient Israel

Quick overview of topics covered in this resource include:
1.) The History of Ancient Israel
-description of 1,200 BC, when the Israelites first came to Canaan
-How the Israelities established their nation - Solomon later becomes King and builds the First Temple in Jerusalem
-after the death of King Solomon – kingdom splits into the northern and southern kingdoms
Keywords / Power Words: Monotheism, prophets, nomad, Hebrews, Judaism

2.) Migrating to Egypt & The Enslavement of the Israelites
- describes how the drought caused the Israelites to migrate after an extreme scarcity of food
-describes the enslavement in Egypt by a pharaoh until Moses frees them

3.) History of Judaism
-description of how it developed among ancient Hebrews, that eventually became a world religion
-describes how it later influenced Christian and Islamic religions of today
Keywords: First Temple, The Torah

4.) The Wisdom of King Solomon
-description of his reign over Israel during their Golden Age
-how he composed songs and proverbs
-great achievements, such as building the temple in Jerusalem
Keywords to include: The First Temple

5.) The Promised Land
-description of the land of Canaan
-area was rich in natural resources

Unit 5: Ancient India

1.) The Indus Valley Civilization of Ancient India
-Describes lifestyle, society, and inventions (drainage system, iron plow, and Sanskirt writing system)
-Describes how the winter and summer monsoons (seasonal winds) impacted their farming
-(also known as Harappan Civilization or Period)
-Describes the four major varnas (social categories) in Aryan society role in economy and daily life, also building around a river valley similar to Ancient Mesopotamia’s Fertile Crescent)
Keywords: Sanskirt, Aryans, monsoon

2.) The Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama
-Describes his upbringing (born a prince) and his awareness of the pain of others compared to his privileged existence.
-His quest for enlightenment (sitting under the bodhi tree and meditation) becoming awakened
-What he learned and his teachings
-interesting/fun facts
Keywords: Buddhism, Bodhi tree (fig tree)

3.) Caste System In Ancient India
-Description of the four major varnas (social categories) in Aryan society
(Brahmin, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras) and what their daily lives consisted of
-Describes Jati (how Caste is determined by birth)
-Describes who the Untouchables were
Keywords: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras, Caste System, Untouchables

4.) Hinduism and Buddhism: A Comparison
-Describes the important components of Hinduism (karma, reincarnation, dharma, gods & goddesses)
-Describes the important concepts of Buddhism
-Compares and contrasts the two religions
Keywords: reincarnation, karma, dharma, nirvana

5.) Advancements in Ancient India
-Contributions to astronomy
- Documents the occurrences of eclipses, the Earth’s circumference, and even theories about gravitational pull.
-Building of religious structures, pillars, stupas, and rock chambers
Keywords: pillar, stupa, rock chamber, gravitational pull, astronomy

Unit 6: Ancient China

Quick overview of topics covered in this resource include:
1.) Ancient China Civilization: Dynasties & History
-Contains overview of Ancient China's history and description of dynasties.
-Xia Dynasty - describes how little information was recorded during this time period
-Shang Dynasty -describes the Bronze Age and first recorded history
-Golden Age description during the Zhou Dynasty - philosophers and great thinkers such as Confucius, Laozi, and Mencius
-Qin Dynasty, describes political period and Legalism
Keywords: Legalism, Golden Age, Bronze Age, Huang River Valley, Dynasties

2.) The Bronze Age of Ancient China
-describes when it began and the types of materials used to create tools, weapons, decorative items, etc. that were created.
-description of spiritual beliefs and focus during this time – communicating with oracle bones / taotie masks to ward off evil spirits.
Keywords: bronze casting, oracle bones, taotie masks

3.) The Great Wall of China
-describes how it was designed to stop northern invaders (Mongols) from invading
-describes structure and length, facts
-describes how it was successful in keeping invaders out but many workers died while creating the wall
-compares to other past and present “walls” in society 
Keywords: Great Wall, laborer, watch tower, beacon towers, and fortresses

4.) The Silk Road
-describes the routes and how traders used it
-Chinese merchants exported silk, spices, tea, and other goods
-describes the hazards that traders faced along the way (dangers of robbers, bad weather, illness, lack of water)
-How goods were transported (in caravans)
-The cultural impact that the Silk Road had to Ancient China (New religions were discovered: Buddhism movements ) New technologies and other useful information discussed and traded
Keywords: caravan, silk, Zhang Qian

5.) Ancient and Contemporary Philosophies: Confucianism and Daoism
Describes Confucius and his beliefs and values (education and self-improvement)
-reinforced The Mandate of Heaven belief
-Describes his book The Analects and some of his famous quotes
-Describes Daoism and the teachings of Laozi
-Famous sayings of Laozi from Tao Te Ching
-Compares and contrasts the two philosophies
Keywords: The Analects, The Mandate of Heaven, Daoism, Confucius, Confucianism

Unit 7: Ancient Greece

Quick overview of topics covered in this resource include:
1.) The Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations of Ancient Greece
-Describes timelines, locations, and a brief overview of history of the two civilizations
Minoan Civilization (2700-1450 BC) on the Island of Crete
-Bronze Age Civilization
Mycenaean Civilization (1600-1100 BC) monarchies built on hills
-Comparison to past civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, China)
-Describes Ancient Greece landscape – located on three bodies of water (Mediterranean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Aegean Sea)
Keywords: Minoan, Mycenaean, monarchies, Bronze Age Civilization

2.) The Dark Ages Describes daily life during the Dark Ages – Economy and society falling apart after the Bronze Age.
-Describes what might have caused the collapse
-Describes why historians referred to this period as the Dark Ages

3.) Ancient Greek Olympics
-Describes how it was a series of athletic competitions among city-states.
-held every four years, known as an “Olympiad”
-describes the Ancient Greek Olympic sports (chariot racing, discus, javelin, etc.)
-provides a comparison with present day Olympics
Keywords: Olympiad, Olympic Games, chariot

4.) Daily Life in Athens
-Describes daily life and structure of society for Athenians and City-States (Polis)
-Describes Athenian Government in 500 BC
-Describes political ideas and forward ways of thinking
Keywords: Polis, democracy, Athenian Assembly, oligarchy, democracy

5.) Spartan Warriors and the Peloponnesian War -Description of how Spartans were trained at an early age in the military (taken from their family and sent away to become soldiers)
-Physical fitness seen as highly important
-Forward thinking in some aspects – Spartan women were educated and had rights of owning property.
-Demonstrates contrast, they were also barbaric and had a high slave population
Keywords: helots, ephors

Unit 8: Ancient Rome

Quick overview of topics covered in this resource include:

1.) The Roman Republic & Daily Life

-Built on seven hills - Latins first came 1,000 BC, Rome was founded in 753 BC and became a Republic in 509 BC

-describes influences (Greeks and Etruscans)

-excelled with military and rose to power

-describes how they were able to maintain control and rule Italy

Keywords: Republic, Confederation, Triumvirate (during collapse)

2.) The Social Hierarchy of Ancient Rome

-Describes the hierarchy (Senators, Nobles & Patricians, Plebeians, Freedmen, and Slaves), including the two chief executive officers in Roman Republic (Consuls, Praetors)

Keywords: plebeians, consuls, praetors

3.) Roman Law and Its Influences

-Overview of system of government and laws

-describes how their ideas about laws and government influences our legal system today.

Keywords: Twelve Tables, Law of Nations, Roman Constitution, checks and balances

4.) The Punic Wars

-Overview of the First, Second, and Third Punic Wars

-Describes Hannibal Barca of Carthage and what made him an effective leader (great military strategist of all time, crossing of the Alps, the creativity of using war elephants)

Keywords: Punic Wars

5.) The Roman Empire -Describes how it was a period of great growth, wealth and trade (however, there was still an enormous disparity between rich and poor.)

-Describes daily life, entertainment, expansion, economy

Keyword: Pax Romana

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You may also enjoy:

Ancient Civilizations (Entire) Curriculum

Ancient Civilizations Interactive Notebook BUNDLE

Ancient Rome Interactive Notebook

Ancient Rome STEM

Ancient Greece Interactive Notebook

Ancient Greece STEM

Ancient China - Interactive Notebook

Ancient China - STEM Challenges

Ancient Israel - STEM Challenge

Ancient India - Interactive Notebook

Ancient Mesopotamia - Interactive Notebook

Ancient Egypt - Interactive Notebook

Ancient Israel Unit - Interactive Notebook

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