Imagine your life with no computer, cell phone, iPod, or other everyday conveniences. Ten thousand years ago life was quite different than it is today. People were nomadic; they carried their possessions with them at all times and had no place to call home. At some point, however, this began to change and civilizations began to emerge.

This lesson will cover the locations and development of four river valley civilizations.

Tigris and Euphrates River Valley Civilization - Also known as Mesopotamia, this civilization was located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers near present-day Iraq in the Middle East. Mesopotamia was the center of the world’s first major cities.

Nile River Valley Civilization - Around 3100 BC, the Nile River Valley was settled at the northern tip of the Nile River in present-day Egypt. The area around the Nile River was fertile and created a suitable location for people to settle.

Yellow River Valley Civilization - Around 4000 BC, in present-day China, the Yellow River Valley Civilization, also called the Huang He River Civilization, began to emerge. The emergence of this civilization marked the beginning of the Chinese Empires.

Indus River Valley Civilization - Around 2500 BC, the civilizations in the Indus River Valley began to appear near present-day India. The roots of Hinduism began during this during this time period.

Using the basic descriptions of the civilizations above, locate the four river valley civilizations in the world map below. Click on the name of the civilization and drag it to the correct location on the map. Use the 'hint' button to give you a better idea as to where the civilization is located.