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COMPARISON OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

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Comparison of Ancient Civilizations Grade12| Trimester 2 |Ancient World, Modern World

Before you read

Work in pairs. Look at these images of ancient structures. Some of these were built by the Ancient Egyptian civilization and some were built by the Ancient Aztec civilization. Discuss what are some similarities and some differences between these monuments.

[Insert four images of Pyramids: 2 Egyptian and 2 Aztec]

Building huge monuments was very difficult in the past. Consider and discuss why you think the Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs built such amazing structures. Then read to find out if your guesses were correct.

A Comparison of Ancient Civilizations

The Ancient Aztec civilization and the Ancient Egyptian civilization were both ancient cultures that shared several features but also differed in significant ways. Both societies built structures that we can still see today, so I will compare and contrast these structures.

Ancient Egyptian and the Ancient Aztec societies have many similarities, but the most interesting commonality is that they both built huge pyramids. Both the Egyptians and Aztecs used giant stones to build these massive monuments, so both civilizations were clearly excellent builders. The pyramids are still standing today in Egypt and Mexico and are famous tourist attractions that teach people in the modern world about ancient societies, their engineering feats and their ideals.

Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Aztec pyramids also demonstrate significant differences. Each culture built pyramids for different purposes or reasons. Ancient Egyptians constructed pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs. A tomb is a resting place for the dead. Ancient Aztecs, on the other hand, raised their pyramids as temples. They used the temples as a way to worship their Gods. This difference may explain why the Egyptian pyramids are smooth on the outside and the Aztec pyramids have steps.

After comparing these civilizations, I want to know more about each culture. I believe each ancient society can teach us facts about building and design. I also enjoy learning about different cultures as this can help us in modern societies become better and more educated.

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Comparison of Ancient Civilizations Grade12| Trimester 2 |Ancient World, Modern World

Reading Comprehension

Read the following questions and choose the answer. The first one is done as an example. F 0) What does the author think is most interesting about both the Ancient Aztecs and the Ancient Egyptians?

A) their religion F B) the pyramids F C) their education systems F D) their advanced technology F

1) What feature of the pyramids shows that both the Aztecs and the Egyptians were excellent builders?

A) the quality of stones F B) the large size of stones F C) they are tourist attractions F D) the small size of stones F

2) For what purpose did the Ancient Egyptians build the pyramids?

A) temples F B) royal residences F C) military defense F D) pharaohs’ tombs F3) What were Aztec temples used for?

A) meditation F B) storing religious art F C) worshipping gods F D) community gatherings F

4) What was different about the construction of Aztec pyramids?

A) they were made of wood F B) they were not very tall F C) they had steps on the outside F D) they were round F

5) What does the author believe helps modern societies become better educated?

A) reading ancient books F B) using new technology F C) learning about different cultures F D) visiting tourist attractions F

Grammar

Use the pronouns from the box to complete the sentences below. Use the correct pronoun to match the words. Use each word once. The first one is done as an example.

they them themselves these their those

0) The Ancient Egyptians built huge pyramids. They built pyramids as tombs for pharaohs.

1) The Ancient Aztecs also build huge structures. The Aztecs built structures as temples.

2) Studying Ancient pyramids can tell people today about the ancient civilization that built .

3) The Aztecs used pyramids as temples to worship gods.

4) These days many tourists like to take pictures of in front of pyramids.

5) Egyptian pyramids are mostly smooth on the outside. On the other hand built by the Aztecs have steps on the outside.

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Comparison of Ancient Civilizations Grade12| Trimester 2 |Ancient World, Modern World

Vocabulary

Use the words in the box to complete the sentences. The first one is done as an example.

structure commonality massive worship

differ smooth significant

0) Ancient and modern cultures are often very different but we can find some commonality between them.

1) Pyramids were structures that stood very tall.

2) Ancient Aztecs used their pyramids to and honor their Gods.

3) When we compare ancient cultures, we find that they a lot in many ways.

4) Many ancient cultures have had a impact on modern societies.

5) It is impressive to see the , large stones used to build the pyramids.

6) A pyramid was an important and served different purposes for the ancient Aztecs and the ancient Egyptians.

Critical Thinking

Modern societies also build huge structures like the Burj Khalifa, the Empire State Building, The Eiffel Tower, The CN Tower in Toronto and Taipei 101.

Work with a group and choose a modern structure that you find impressive and important. Describe the physical properties of the structure. List reasons why the people and rulers of the city or country might have built the structure and what it is used for. Finally, describe how the structure is important to the society or culture What does it symbolize? What values does it reflect?

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Comparison of Ancient Civilizations Grade12| Trimester 2 |Ancient World, Modern World

Writing

Choose two of the structures from the list in the Critical Thinking section and research them. Then, write a compare and contrast essay comparing the structures you chose. Be sure to find out similar types of information about both structures to allow you to compare and contrast easily. Use the essay above as a model for your essay.

Extension

Choose one of the buildings mentioned in the Critical Thinking section (Burj Khalifa, The Empire State Building, the CN Tower or Taipei 101). First, research the information about the building. Find out when it was built, where it is located and create a poster giving information about the structure. Include where it is located, when it was built, how long it took to construct, the reason it was built, how tall it is and what it is made from.