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Course: World History Project - Origins to the Present > Unit 3

Lesson 1: Era 3 Overview | 3.0
Arts and humanities
World History Project - Origins to the Present
Era 3—Cities, Societies, and Empires (6,000 BCE to 700 CE)
Era 3 Overview | 3.0
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BEFORE YOU WATCH: Era 3 Overview

Google Classroom
Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below.
Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below (next in the lineup!). If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.

First read: preview and skimming for gist

Before you watch, you should skim the transcript first. The skim should be very quick and give you the gist (general idea) of what the video is about. You should be looking at the title, thumbnails, pictures, and first few seconds of the video for the gist.

Second read: key ideas and understanding content

Now that you’ve skimmed the video transcript and taken a quick peek at the video, you should preview the questions you will be answering. These questions will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and arguments that are presented in the video. Keep in mind that when you watch the video, it is a good idea to write down any vocab you read or hear that is unfamiliar to you.
By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:
  1. This video begins by looking at the world in 6000 BCE and 700 CE. What does it argue had changed in between these years?
  2. Why is the Amazon a surprising place to start an era that focuses on cities, states, and long-distance trade networks? According to the video, what was happening in Tapajos after 350 BCE?
  3. Watch the animation showing the development of cities around the world. This map may not be complete—we may still find more evidence of other cities – but in general, what kind of pattern does it show about where cities emerged first, and then later?
  4. According to the video, why did the rise of cities lead to the rise of the state?
  5. According to the video, what was the pattern by which networks of trade grew in this period? How did this help lead to changes in religion?
  6. What were some of the disadvantages of living in a city and a state at this time?

Third read: evaluating and corroborating

Finally, here are some questions that will help you focus on why this video matters and how it connects to other content you’ve studied.
At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:
  1. The population and age of Tapajos—and whether it should be considered a city—is still disputed. What kind of evidence could be used to figure these things out?
  2. Do you think the developments of this era should be considered progress? Why or why not?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.

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