Internet Exercises

Chapter 12: The Rise of Cities and Civilization

1. Access the splendid website of the Harappa Archaeological Research Project at www.harappa.com. The Harappa website includes 3-D computer mapping of the site, a slide show (‘Around the Indus in 90 Slides’), a time line, a discussion of the Indus script, photographs from British Colonial India, and movies. You can even send postcards of Harappan artifacts or scenes. See the slide show, read the accompanying text, and answer the following questions about the Indus Valley Civilization and Harappa: 1) Where was this civilization located (region and present-day countries)? 2) Over what period did Indus civilization develop? When was it at its height? 3) From looking at the slides and maps, what were some of its most important features? 4) What are the most common motifs on the seals, and what were they used for? 5) What mythical animal originated in this culture?
   
   
2. Visit the virtual exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization on the Mysteries of the Maya located at http://www.civilization.ca/civil/maya/mminteng.html and answer these questions. What are some of the defining features of Mayan cities? What were the palaces used for? What role did the Maya kings play? What was the life of the common people like?
   
   
3. Why do you think Lamanai http://www.rom.on.ca/digs/belize/what-we-know.html didn’t collapse with the other Mayan centres?