Posted: November 29th, 2014

archaeological case studies of early civilizations, one in Peru and one in the Indus Valley.

Unit 7

Order Description

The readings involve archaeological case studies of early civilizations, one in Peru and one in the Indus
Valley. You should examine these in relation to the broad patterns outlined in the powerpoint
presentations. Please answer and discuss three of the following questions, from both of the readings.
1. “Early Andean Cities”
What were some of the assumptions about early cities in Coastal Peru challenged by this excavation
and analysis?
and/or
What methods did the archaeologists use to draw conclusions about the timeline and activity patterns
at this site? What were some of their most important conclusions?
and/or
What evidence did the archaeologists find of growing social inequality at this site?
2. “200-year Drought Doomed Indus Valley Civilization”
How did the scientists determine that climate change may have led to the collapse of this
civilization, and what do they think are the implications of this finding for us?
Assignment and Film:
1. Film: “Guns, Germs and Steel: Out of Eden”
https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/guns-germs-and-steel/
Enter the links above and click on the picture to stream films online.
This film, the first 55 minutes of a 3-part documentary, examines global patterns of inequality. It
examines the work of Jared Diamond, and his theory of the relationship between local ecological
conditions, and the development of complex civilizations.
This film is also available to view in Netflix under the title “National Geographic: Guns, Germs and
Steel,” then just choose the first episode. I have also included a transcript of the film, just in case, but
it is worth watching it if you can.
2. Assignment
Answer the questions based on the film or film transcript. These questions must be answered also!!!!!!! Unit 7 Assignment
Guns, Germs and Steel: Out of Eden
Use either the transcript of the film posted on ecourseware, or watch the film on Netflix or some
other streaming site. Use information from the film to answer the following questions.
1. What were some of the environmental characteristics that may have encouraged people to
adopt domestication in the Middle East?
2. What kind of knowledge and skills are necessary for people to survive as hunters and
gatherers in Papua New Guinea?
3. What crops were domesticated in the Middle East and in Papua New Guinea? According
to Diamond, how did these crops influence social organization in each region?
4. What are the characteristics of animals in the Middle East that make them ideal for
domestication? What advantages did this provide to people in this region?
5. How does Diamond explain broad patterns of inequality between regions? How do you
evaluate his conclusions?

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