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Origins of Social Classes — Reading Comprehension

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6.2.2
RH.6-8.1
RH.6-8.2
RH.6-8.4
WHST.6-8.2

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This engaging history reading passage explores how the rise of farming and the spread of pastoral nomads across the Eurasian steppes led to the first social classes and growing inequality among early humans. Students will analyze the evidence for social hierarchy, examine archaeological findings from the steppes, and consider the impact of geography and technology on human society. The passage is aligned with standards 6.2.2 and RH.6-8.2, and supports deep reading, analytical writing, and critical thinking. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, a timeline, and a glossary. The resource also features a Spanish translation and is designed to support English learners and all students in mastering key history and ELA skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The emergence of social classes began when early humans shifted from hunting and gathering to farming and herding animals on the Eurasian steppes around 6000 BCE. This region, a vast grassland stretching from Eastern Europe to Mongolia, became home to pastoral nomads who depended on herds of sheep, goats, and horses for food and trade. As these groups settled and managed resources, the first signs of inequality appeared among human societies.

Archaeological evidence from burial sites such as those at Sintashta (in modern Russia, c. 2100-1800 BCE) shows that some individuals were buried with elaborate goods—gold jewelry, decorated weapons, and chariots—while others had only simple graves. These discoveries suggest the development of a social hierarchy, with leaders or chiefs gaining more wealth and power than ordinary herders. Artifacts like horse harnesses and bronze tools reveal the increasing specialization of labor, with some people focusing on crafts, trade, or warfare, while most remained herders.

The cause of this growing inequality lies in the control of valuable resources. Those who owned more livestock or land could exchange their surplus for luxury goods or gain influence over others. The introduction of new technologies, such as the chariot (first used by steppe peoples around 2000 BCE), allowed elites to display power and lead in warfare. Over time, these differences created distinct social classes: chiefs, warriors, skilled craftsmen, and common herders. Oral traditions and early written sources, such as the Avesta (a collection of ancient Iranian texts), describe noble families and warrior classes among steppe peoples.

This change over time marked a turning point in human society. Instead of equal sharing, daily life became shaped by status and wealth. Geography played a key role: the open steppes made it possible for herders to build large herds, but also encouraged competition and raids. Social classes continued to develop, influencing later civilizations across Eurasia and even inspiring legends about powerful horse-riding peoples.

The rise of social classes among pastoral nomads of the steppes connects to broader themes in world history, such as the impact of geography on human societies, the causes and consequences of inequality, and the role of technology and resources in shaping civilizations.

Interesting Fact: Some steppe leaders were buried with sacrificed horses, showing the importance of these animals in status and belief.

Where did pastoral nomads live?

Eurasian steppesSahara DesertAmazon rainforestHimalayan mountains

What is an artifact?

Object from the pastA cityA wild animalA type of grass

When did farming begin on the steppes?

6000 BCE300 BCE1000 CE5000 CE

Why did inequality appear?

Control of resourcesLack of animalsNo waterToo many leaders

What did the chariot help elites do?

Display powerHunt deerPlant cropsWrite stories

How did geography affect nomads?

Allowed big herdsMade farming easyStopped tradeCreated rainforests

Social classes exist in all societies. True or false?

TrueFalse

What is a social hierarchy?

Ranking by statusA wild animalA group of plantsA farming tool

Perfect For:

👩‍🏫 Teachers

• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents

• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time

🏠 Homeschoolers

• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring

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Comprehension Quiz

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