Question

“Bronze Age civilisations developed independently but shared common features.” Examine this statement with reference to the civilisations given in the chapter.

Answer 1

The Bronze Age civilisations developed independently in different parts of the world, but they shared many common features. The Mesopotamian civilisation developed around the Tigris and Euphrates, the Egyptian civilisation along the Nile, the Harappan civilisation around the Indus and its tributaries, and the Chinese civilisation near the Huang He. All of them depended on agriculture and rivers, developed towns and cities, had specialised occupations such as farming, crafts and trade, and developed systems of writing, administration and social organisation. They also engaged in trade and produced skilled crafts. Thus, although these civilisations developed separately, they showed similar features because people faced similar needs and challenges.