Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Indus Valley civilization
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the general knowledge and history section. It lists some of the world's earliest great civilizations. To determine the missing term, we should recall the sequence of major river valley civilizations that are usually taught together as the earliest centres of urban culture. The series begins with Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations and ends with Chinese civilization; we must identify which classical early civilization normally appears between Egypt and China in such discussions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In history textbooks, the earliest urban civilizations are commonly listed as Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Indus Valley, and Chinese. These are the major Bronze Age river valley civilizations. Greek and Roman civilizations are later classical civilizations, while Persian civilization, though ancient, is not usually grouped as one of the earliest river valley centres in the same way. The missing term in the standard list between Egyptian and Chinese is therefore the Indus Valley civilization, which flourished in the region of present day Pakistan and north western India along the Indus River and its tributaries.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the standard list of early river valley civilizations: Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Indus Valley, and Chinese.
Step 2: Compare this with the given series, which already includes Mesopotamian and Egyptian at the start and Chinese at the end.
Step 3: Recognise that the only famous early river valley civilization missing from the sequence is the Indus Valley civilization.
Step 4: Select Indus Valley civilization from the options as the term that logically fills the blank between Egyptian and Chinese civilizations.
Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to consider approximate chronological and thematic grouping. Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations began very early in the third millennium BCE. The Indus Valley civilization flourished slightly later but is still among the earliest urban cultures. Chinese civilization also developed early but is usually placed after these when teaching the four main ancient river valley civilizations. Greek, Roman, and Persian civilizations are generally discussed in later historical units as classical or imperial powers, not as the very earliest river based urban cultures. This confirms the suitability of Indus Valley civilization as the missing term.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Greek and Roman civilizations are important but they are not part of the standard four earliest river valley civilizations. They developed later around the Mediterranean Sea and are usually classified under ancient classical civilizations rather than Bronze Age river valley cultures. Persian civilization, although ancient and powerful, is not typically grouped in the same fundamental set of earliest urban river valley civilizations either. Mayan civilization is from a completely different region and much later in time, located in Mesoamerica, and does not fit into the standard list of early Old World river valley civilizations discussed here.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted to choose Greek or Roman civilization simply because those names are very familiar and frequently mentioned in historical studies. Another common error is not recognising that the question is specifically hinting at the earliest river valley civilizations. Remembering the classic list Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Indus Valley, and Chinese can help avoid such confusion in many exam questions.
Final Answer:
The missing civilization between Mesopotamian and Egyptian on one side and Chinese on the other is the Indus Valley civilization.
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