Prehistory Vocab

2. – An independent city with its own government and land, like Athens in Greece.
3. Diffusion – The spread of ideas, goods, and traditions from one culture to another.
8. – An organized system in society, like government or religion.
11. – A large step-shaped temple built in Mesopotamia to honor the gods.
12. – A scientist who studies the past by examining artifacts and ruins.
13. – A large area ruled by one leader over many peoples and lands.
18. Crescent – A rich farming region in the Middle East where early civilizations began.
19. – A lifestyle based on raising livestock like sheep, goats, and cattle.
20. – Large stone tombs built in Egypt for pharaohs.
21. – Systems of bringing water to crops through canals or ditches.
23. – The picture-writing system of ancient Egypt.

1. – A complex society with cities, government, jobs, and writing.
4. Script – Writing that uses pictures or symbols to show words or ideas.
5. – A person who survives by hunting animals and collecting plants.
6. – A person who moves from place to place without settling permanently.
7. – The practice of farming crops and raising animals for food.
9. – A scientist who studies humans, culture, and societies.
10. – Dividing history into different time periods for study.
14. – Groups of people living together with shared rules, culture, and organization.
15. Revolution – The change from hunting and gathering to farming and settled life.
16. – Belief in many gods.
17. – The world’s first written language, developed by the Sumerians.
22. – A ruling family that stays in power for many generations.