Enduring Understandings
- A number of early civilizations and empires arose in the Fertile Crescent, a region of the Middle East that became a crossroads where people and ideas met and mingled.
- Sumerian city-states had distinct social structures, and Sumerian ideas and innovations influenced later civilizations.
- The ancient Israelites' belief in a single all-knowing, all-powerful God developed into Judaism, the world's first monotheistic religion and an influence on later religions and civilizations.
- Daily life in Egypt was strongly affected by religious beliefs, and Egyptians made many advances in art, literature, and learning.
Watch the My Story Video
to learn about the story of Hatshepsut, a ruler of ancient Egypt.