Civilizations in Ancient India, China and Southeast Asia Began Near Rivers and Seas
Civilizations rise when the right conditions exist.One of them is the right natural environment. In ancient China and India, the environment consisted of large and fertile river valleys. In Southeast Asia, the environment consisted of suitable conditions for rice-planting while the surrounding seas brought trade, which transformed the the Southeast Asian coastal villages to port cities like Singapore.
Ancient Civilizations had Governments
All civilizations had governments who governed the cities and the surrounding places. The leaders would be known as kings or emperors. They had to keep peace by ensuring that food was equally distributed to the citizens and that there was law and order.
Ancient People had different Occupations
While the leader ruled. the common people had different occupations. As the common people were specialized in a certain occupation, they started thinking of new ways to do things. This led to the development in Science and the Arts. Farmers, for example, used bronze farming tools. Those who became traders then brought and sold these products to other civilizations.
Ancient People had Complex Beliefs
As civilizations developed, people led a more comfortable life. They had time to think about issues like life and death and the existence of gods. Sometime, these thoughts and ideas would develop into religion and philosophies, such as Buddhism and Confucianism, which are still practiced today.
Ancient people had a Writing System
All civilizations had a way to record their thoughts and actions. The development or the writing system allow people to communicate with one another. In today's world, historians rely on writing records left by the people of ancient India. China and Southeast Asia to know more about the past.