Unit 2: Independent Reading

It was the first place in the world where large, complex societies used communal technology to organize themselves efficiently.

Dates have to be derived from archaeological evidence.

In some cases it can only be said that an event or development happened within a thousand-year period, which is called a millennium.

It seems, however, that they did not know the technique of fertilizing their fields to increase crop yields.

The writer's inscription lasted until the tablet crumbled or broke.

The Mesopotamians not only invented writing, they invented stationery, too.

He discovered that most of the tablets utilize cuneiform to record names, dates, and farming information.

But then he found an artifact that was different from the rest.

Tree-ear was so called after the mushroom that grew in wrinkled half-circles on dead or fallen tree trunks, emerging from the rotten wood without benefit of parent seed.

Under the deep eaves at the back, Min kept his potter's wheel.

In only a few moments the clay rose and fell, grew taller, then rounded down, until it curved into perfect symmetry.

He took a length of twine and slipped it deftly under the vase to release it from the wheel, then placed the vase carefully on a tray to dry.

Even the little tail curled up with an impudence that made Tree-ear smile.

The potter waved one hand to cut off the boy's words and spoke with derision. "Turn the wheel! Ha! He thinks he can sit and make a pot—just like that!"

If Cheng and Ying are accepted into civil service, it would be the beginning of a great legacy for our village.

But mother, someone from our village must develop expertise beyond being a simple farmer! It's the only way we will be protected if disaster destroys our crops.