Consider the following questions:
Where did the four great river valley civilizations arise and why? What has led historians to believe that these four civilizations developed independently of each other?
How did the different environments in which these civilizations arose affect their economy activity, religious beliefs, and political systems?
How did rulers in the fours river valley civilizations seek to expand their states?
What are the similarities and differences in political institutions, social structure, and ways of life in the four great river valleys?