1. Ch. 1 The first civilizations
Some of the first civilizations arose in southwest Asia. The people of these civilizations gradually learned how to farm and developed systems of government, writing, and religion.

2. Ch. 1:1 Early Humans
The earliest humans hunted animals and gathered plants for food.
When farming developed, people settled in towns and cities.

3. Ch. 1:2 Mesopotamian Civilization
In early Mesopotamian civilizations, religion and government were closely linked.
Kings created strict laws to govern the people.

4. They used powerful armies and iron weapons to conquer the region.
Ch. 1:3 The First Empires
New empires arose in Mesopotamia around 900 B.C. These civilizations included the Assyrians and the Chaldeans.
They used powerful armies and iron weapons to conquer the region.