Unit Reflection

1. In 2-3 sentences for each topic, summarize what you learned about the following: a) The domestication of plants and animals
During this unit we learned a lot about the domestication of plants and animals.We learned about how it happened, who started it, why it helped, and how it didn't just happen over night. We also learned that with a strong agricultural backbone and therefor self-sufficiency, there is more opportunity to explore and invent.
b) The transition from hunter-gatherer communities to the first civilizations
During this unit, we learned that the transition between hunter gatherer community's and first civilizations didn't happen over night. It was a long slow process but once the Pros were evident, it caught on fast. Although, even when most communities were staring to settle, not everyone chose to give up their nomadic lifestyle.
c) Early religion and beliefs
Religion of the early civilizations was all very much alike. Most of them were very religious and were also Polytheist (meaning they believed in many gods). Most had a city god, as well as many other gods for small items such as bricks. They worshiped at temples and ziggurats and made sacrifises and offerings to their gods.
2. Imagine someone saying to you, "Learning about the Sumerians isn't very important since they're long gone!" What would you tell them in order to change their mind?
I would say that even though their gone, they still have a huge impact on our life. The Sumerians were the ones who started the agricultural evolution. Without them, we wouldn't have a stable surplus of food. We would still probably be migrating every few week following food. Also, we still use some of their mathematical findings. They were a super advanced civilization and although they are gone, they still played a huge part in the shaping of our modern world.