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Evidence in Ancient History — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging history reading passage investigates how archaeologists and historians discover clues about how ancient people lived. Students will learn about archaeology, artifacts, and primary sources, focusing on how these elements reveal the daily life, social structure, and beliefs of ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. The passage explains methods like excavation and analysis, providing key examples such as the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and cuneiform tablets. Students are challenged to analyze cause and effect, continuity and change, and the significance of geography in shaping civilizations. Included are a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline to support comprehension and critical thinking. The lesson aligns with CA HSS 6.1.1 and CCSS RH.6-8.1, ensuring rigorous academic standards. Spanish translation and read-aloud audio are available to support diverse learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Burton Tutankhamun tomb photographs 1 016 — "Tutankhamun tomb" by Harry Burton (1879-1940) / Wikimedia Commons.

Archaeologists and historians use evidence from the past to learn about how ancient people lived. These clues can include artifacts, written records, and even the remains of ancient buildings. By carefully studying these sources, scholars uncover the details of daily life, social structure, and beliefs in early civilizations.

Archaeology is the scientific study of material remains. When archaeologists excavate, or dig up, ancient sites, they discover artifacts such as pottery, tools, jewelry, and weapons. For example, in 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. The tomb contained thousands of artifacts, including golden masks, chariots, and carved furniture. These objects revealed much about Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife, their craftsmanship, and the power of their rulers. In Mesopotamia, clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing have been found at the site of Ur. These primary sources record business transactions, laws, and stories, giving historians direct insight into Sumerian society around 2100 BCE.

Geography also affected how people lived. Civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia developed along rivers, which provided water and fertile soil. Archaeological discoveries of irrigation canals and granaries show how controlling water shaped agricultural production and supported large populations. The presence of city walls and weapons among artifacts suggests that protecting resources was important. Social hierarchy is revealed through burial sites: for example, Egyptian pharaohs were buried with rich treasures, while ordinary people had simple graves. This tells us about class divisions and beliefs about the afterlife.

Over time, the methods used to study the past have changed. In the early 1800s, archaeology was more about collecting treasures. Today, archaeologists use careful scientific techniques, such as dating artifacts with chemistry and analyzing soil samples. These approaches help create a more accurate picture of ancient life and ensure that even the smallest clues are not overlooked.

Learning about how ancient people lived connects us to broader themes of human adaptation, technological innovation, and social organization. By studying the evidence left behind, we can understand the achievements and challenges of ancient civilizations, and how geography and resources shaped their world.

Interesting Fact: The world’s oldest known written story, the Epic of Gilgamesh, was discovered on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia.

Who found King Tutankhamun's tomb?

Howard CarterLeonard WoolleyJean-François ChampollionHeinrich Schliemann

Where was cuneiform writing found?

EgyptGreeceUr in MesopotamiaRome

What did Egyptian pharaohs get buried with?

Simple gravesRich treasuresClay tabletsCanals

Why did civilizations develop near rivers?

For water and farmingFor huntingFor building wallsFor trade with Rome

How did archaeology change over time?

From collecting to scientific studyFrom farming to fishingFrom writing laws to building citiesFrom pottery to jewelry

What do artifacts tell us about?