Six lesson sequence on early civilisations

Teaching the first civilisations

The rise of civilisations in the ancient Near East changed the world. Open Stage has prepared a six-lesson sequence covering the key events  from 3500 BCE to 500 BCE in this part of the world. This sequence aims to prepare students for future learning on Ancient Rome as well as understanding the history of the modern-day Middle East.

The lessons introduce the terms city-state, kingdom, and empire with multiple examples  to helps students develop these concepts into clearer pictures in their minds.

Can we believe the first historians?

Written history begins around 3500 BCE. Our six lesson sequence examines the reliability of these early written sources. 

We analyse the Code of Hammurabi, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Herodotus’s works - all important sources for students to become familiar with.

An overview of early civilisations

The sequence of six lessons provides an overview of four civilisations: Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Persia. 

Access slides, student workbook, and lesson guides

Open Stage resources have all the materials you need to learn, adapt to your students, and teach. 

The above content is part of the Ancient World (Year 7) resources in Open Stage. 

Click here for free access to the first lesson in the Early Civilisations unit.

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