The art and artefacts of the earliest civilisations
I can describe the similarities and differences in the art made by some early civilisations.
The art and artefacts of the earliest civilisations
I can describe the similarities and differences in the art made by some early civilisations.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The early civilisations that developed in the 'cradles of civilisation' all produced art and beautiful objects.
- They carved statues out of stone or formed them from clay.
- They made pottery and painted or pressed decorative patterns into them.
- When they discovered how to mix tin and copper to make bronze, this was used to make many pieces of art.
- Despite similarities in how they were made these civilisations all had their own styles of art.
Keywords
Art - art is something someone has created to be beautiful, interesting or to make you feel an emotion
Pottery - pottery are items like pots, cups or dishes made from clay that are baked hard in fire
Clay - clay is a type of soil that is useful for making objects
Bronze - bronze is a useful metal made by mixing copper and tin
Common misconception
Art is only drawings or paintings.
Look at lots of different examples of ancient art, such as sculpture, textiles, jewellery, decorated household objects, weapons and armour.
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: The art and artefacts of the earliest civilisations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: The art and artefacts of the earliest civilisations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Sumer and other early civilisations: what made them similar? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
where people settle to live in one place in an organised way
to buy and sell items
to move around without settling
to make or think of something new
Ancient Egypt
Sumer
Shang
Indus Valley
Exit quiz
6 Questions
something created to be beautiful, interesting or to make you feel
someone who makes art
items made from clay that are baked hard in fire