How has Asia been geographically important in human history?

1. Why was the Indus Valley a desirable place for early settlements of humans?

It had a river which was used for irrigation and when it flooded, deposited fertile silt
deposits on the soil, which made the soil good for growing crops.

2. What enabled the first cities to develop in the Indus Valley?

First there were spiritual settlements in which people began to settle because they
wanted to be near their spiritual leader. Then, as they differentiated, they started
trading with each other, and built trade networks. These then became more advanced,
eventually becoming cities.

3. Who was Ghenghis Khan?

Ghenghis Khan was the leader of the Mongol Empire.

4. Name 3 Asian countries which were once part of the Mongol Empire (Map A will help
you)
China, Mongolia, Afghanistan

5. What problems might trades have met with on the silk road? The answer is not in the
text blow, you need to think of your own ideas on this one.

6. Why was the silk road important to rich Europeans?

7. China did not want other countries to make silk. Why not?

8. What is a colony?
 9. Name 3 countries in Asia that were colonised by Britain.

10. Name 3 countries in Asia that were colonised by France.

Big Thinking Question

What is the legacy of colonialism in India? (The source is quite biased, but I’m sure you’ll spot
that!)

Historic Cultures
Nomadic peoples settled along the lush river banks of the river Indus, Nile, Tigris and
Euphrates to harvest wild wheat and barley, becoming the world’s first farmers. This
represented a fundamental shift in the lifestyle of early humans, who until that point had
survived by following their food as hunter-gatherers. Through agriculture, people
learned to sustain themselves by manipulating the natural environment.

As more tribes settled and worked together, important agricultural innovations were
developed, such as the wheel, irrigation, and hand tools. Farmers used these tools to
tame wild grasses, such as wheat, barley, and lentils. Farmers also domesticated
animals such as cows, sheep, and pigs.

Agriculture made cities and civilizations possible by producing enough food for the
community so not everyone had to provide for themselves. People not engaged in
agriculture had time to develop writing, religion, taxation, and trade.
Map A : The maximum extent of the Mongo Empire in AD 1294