Communities Long Ago

modern

ancient

civilization

democracy

republic

empire

trade

port

Mesopotamia

• one of the world's earliest civilizations
• Sumerians developed writing and the wheel

Ancient Egypt

• known for its pyramids
• developed ideas for building
• such as pushing heavy stones up ramps on rollers made of logs

Ancient China

• invented fireworks
• invented paper and printing

Ancient Greece

• located in Europe
• world's first democracy
• people loved the arts and learning

Ancient Rome

• located along the Tiber River in Italy
• the world's first republic
• built good roads and public baths
• one of the world's richest cities

Mali

• empire located in Africa
• important trading center
• traded gold for salt and cloth
• traders traveled by camel caravans