A BC

D

Label the following River Valley Civilizations on the map:Mesopotamia, Nile River (Egypt), Indus River (India), Yellow River (China)

A.B.C.D.

GPISD WH SCC #5 SE 2B, 16A, 16B, 16C

EARLY RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONSEARLY RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS

HEBREWS

The first civilizations were developed in four river valleys around 3500 BC. Each river valley had a mild climate and a water highway to other places. Water from the rivers could be used for drinking and cooking food. Each of the valleys had a flood plain where the overflowing river would deposit fertile soil. The rich soil led to abundant harvests and food surpluses.

The Ancient Hebrews

-the Hebrews, or Israelites, lived south of Phoenicia (present day Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan)

-because of their location, they were deeply influenced by Mesopotamia and Egypt

-the forefather of the Hebrews, Abraham, grew up in Mesopotamia

-Abraham later moved to Israel

Judaism

-the ancient Hebrews were monotheistic (belief in one God)

-the new religion was called Judaism

-Jews did not believe that God had human characteristics

-Jews saw their God as an invisible but powerful force or spirit

-their God created the world and demanded proper moral conduct

The Ten Commandments-the Hebrews’ relationship with God is told in the “Old Testament” of the Bible

-the ancient Hebrews migrated to Egypt

-they remained in Egypt for hundreds of years where they became enslaved

-Moses, their leader, took them out of Egypt rescuing them from slavery

-Moses presented the Hebrews with the Ten Commandments, which came directly from God

-they forbade stealing, murder, adultery, and other forms of immoral behavior

-the Hebrews returned to Israel in 1000 BC where they found someone else living there

-this led to wars which the Hebrews won and they established a capital at Jerusalem

9/10 Notes

The Ancient Hebrews-Judaism was the religion of the ancient Hebrews-Judaism is the 1st religion to teach monotheism

-Judaism began in Israel-Moses led the Jews out of Egyptian slavery-the Old Testament is the history of the Jewish people-the Ten Commandments established

Vocabulary

-monotheistic—belief in one God

-Judaism—religion practiced by Jews