Classical civilizations had three common characteristics: strong centralized governments, strong trade networks and economies, and ideas/contributions that lasted until today. They also experienced a golden age period of peace, prosperity, and progress. The document then summarizes the classical civilizations of Greece, Rome, Gupta India, and Han China, outlining their geography, accomplishments, and reasons for decline.

1. GLOBAL REVIEW #2
Classical Civilizations

2. Classical Civilizations
What are the three characteristics of
Classical Civilizations?
1.
2.
3.
All Classical Civilization have a
GOLDEN AGE!!!!
P
P
P
Strong, Centralized
Government
Strong trade networks
and strong economy
Contributions/ ideas
lasting until today
eace
rosperity
rogress

3. Greece
Geography Accomplishments
Mountains: Lack of fertile
land; Divided Greeks 
City- States
-Athens: Education, art
-Sparta: Militarism
Sea: Dependent on
Mediterranean Sea for food
and resources; skilled sea
traders
DEMOCRACY!
-Philosophy- human reason
(Socrates, Plato, Aristotle)
Traded with Phoenicians
(alphabet), Persians and
other Mediterranean
seatraders

5. Rome
Geography Accomplishments
Mediterranean Sea:
location at center = control
of Med. Sea trade
Large Empire controlled
many diverse peoples
LAW! The Twelve Tables
Advances in Engineering
-aqueducts, ROADS
-Greco-Roman Culture
-Split in half—Western Rome
(Middle Ages) and Byzantine
Empire

7. Gupta
Geography Accomplishments
Subcontinent
Himalayas in North:
isolate and protect India;
passage through Hindu
Kush
Monsoons- seasonal
winds that bring rain and
fertile soil
MATH! Concept of zero
and decimals
Influenced by Hinduism
Sanskrit record keeping

9. Han
Geography Accomplishments
Chinese Government?
Mountain, plateaus and
deserts in Western China
isolation  ethnocentrism
Population in East (arable
land, river valleys)
Influenced Korea and Japan
Civil Service exams based
on Confucianism (rule by
example)
Trade on Silk Road
Dynastic Cycle- rise and fall
of dynasties (ruling families)
Mandate of Heaven- divine
approval to rule

12. All Empire Fall for the same
reasons: What are they?
External Internal
Outside invaders!
Attacks!
Weak Borders
Corrupt Government
High Taxes
Weak Military
Declining infrastructure
(bad roads= lack of trade)