1. Thought of the Day Yesterday, we talked about the Assyrian Empire and the Persian Empire. What are some reasons why people would want to fight over lands to expand their empires? Write 5 complete sentences.

2. The Early Civilizations of India

3. Geography of India - Northern India lies the Himalaya Mountains - South of Himalayas is the Ganges river; very rich valley - West- the Indus River - South- Deccan Plateau that goes from the Ganges Valley to the southern tip of India - Hilly & dry -Eastern & western coasts are plains, but densely populated

4. Monsoons - a monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern in Southern Asia - From June to September winds blow from South to Southwest- from Arabian Sea to Indian Sea - Heavy rainfall especially on Mumbai (also known as Bombay) - October to February has cooler monsoon wind & blows from North to Northwest - Wettest place on Earth are mountains of Northeast India - Farmers are greatly depended on heavy rain or crops are ruined

5. Indus Valley -Civilizations start near river -Two major civilizations are Harappa & Mohenjo -Both cities carefully planned -Divided with large walled neighborhoods -Narrow rows for houses - Houses are 1,2, & 3 stories with a courtyard in center -Made of oven baked mud bricks that are square

6. Indus Valley -Public wells provided regular supply of water for all - Advanced draining system allowed for bathrooms -Flowed out to drains under streets to sewage pits beyond city walls -Chutes took trash from house to street bins

7. Rulers & Economy - Harappan rulers based power on divine (God) assistance -Religion & politics went together -Example: Royal palace & temple were a combined fortress -Economy based on farming - River flooded & made soil rich to grow wheat, barley, & peas -Traded copper, lumber, precious stones, & cotton with Mesopotamia & Sumerians -Used Persian Gulf