World Civilizations
Class Lecture Notes Chapter 1-2
History- Record of events since people first developed writing 5000 years ago.
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Prior to written records: PREHISTORY
Quick Terms to Identify: Hominids: Earlier humanlike creatures including humans
Artifacts: Objects such as tools, clothes, art, weapons, toys
Culture: Set of beliefs, knowledge, patterns of behavior developed by group
There may be some of you here who believe that Adam and Eve were the first humans on the planet,
when she said to him, “Which outfit do you like? Maple or the fig leaf…Honey they both look nice.”
If you believe this, that is fine. But we are going to base all of what we learn off of records that were
processed using CARBON DATING. (1/2 life of carbon’s decaying, etc.)
1974- Team led by Donald Johanson found remains of a hominid skeleton in Ethiopia.
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Bones belonged to a female who lived 3 million years ago, named Lucy after Beatles song.
(I would have gone with Layla, Jessica, or Angie)
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The period of prehistory that begins with the emergence of stone tools is called…..The Stone
Age (Shocker!)
Paleolithic Age- from Greek words palaios (ancient) and lithos (stone) refers to the “Old
Stone Age.” Lasts from 2.5 million years ago up to 12,000 years ago.
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Discuss: 2 million years of stone tools, compared to what we have done since I’ve been
born. Ex: Cell phones, internet, cloud, hybrid automobiles, satellite radio. How important
was the discovery of electricity? Electricity vs. Heat (could have students write opinion)
Discuss: Without written records, what do scientists use to infer and draw conclusions
about ancient civilizations? Geography, climate, position relative to water, etc.
EARLY HUMANS
- Homo Sapiens: All of us are homo sapiens. Evidence points to African origins, then spread to
Europe and Asia.
- Neanderthals: 35000- 130000 years ago. Evidence found in Europe and Southwest Asia.
Evidence shows burial of dead, a belief in afterlife?
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Cro-Magnons: Appeared in Europe appx. 35,000 years ago. Tool/Weapon producers.
Records of hieroglyphics in Spain indicate a hunting type of people.
NO CRO MAGNONS OR NEANDERTHALS EXIST TODAY
Emergence of Agriculture
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After the Old Stone Age, the Middle and New Stone ages emerged.
Middle Stone age: Mesolithic Age. New Stone age: Neolithic Age
Mesolithic Age
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Bow and arrow, fishhook, spears, harpoons became widespread.
More hunting, less gathering and berry consumption
Neolithic Age
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Polishing, grinding replaced chipping stone.
Nomadic lifestyle was common in Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages. However, in Neolithic
age homo sapiens began to develop raising crops and food: AGRICULTURE
Domesticated animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs
What is the importance of the emergence of Agriculture? What did agriculture do to the lifestyle of
hunter-gatherers? What are some risks with regard to the dependence of agriculture, specifically crops?
NEOLITHIC AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION- People learning to raise wheat, barley, rice, millet. Inventions
included plow, use of fertilizer, furrows in the earth. What did this revolution lead to? Emergence of
villages, cities, civilizations that remained in similar geographic location- evidence in Jericho (Jordan
river), Iraq, Turkey (Asia Minor)
The emergence of Ice Ages resulted in lower sea-levels, land locked continents, land bridges that
allowed humans and animals to migrate across the globe. The emergence of fire and clothing allowed
humans to settle in colder climates.
EMERGENCE OF CIVILIZATIONS
Four Major regions where human development occurred:
1. Nile River Valley- Northern Africa
2. Tigris and Euphrates Rivers- Arabian Peninsula/Asia Minor/Persian Gulf
3. Indus River Valley- Southern Asia
4. Huang, Yellow River in eastern Asia
Common Characteristics: Warm/Hot climate, rising rivers and flooded valleys during rainy season. 2040 degrees of latitude. Similar locations in U.S?
Civilization- complex culture in which people are able to produce surplus food, establish villages/towns
with a form of government, people perform different, specialized jobs or tasks.
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What do all crop fields need in order to be successful? H20. How did the farmers get
constant supply of water to their fields outside of the rainy season? Irrigation.
More food, constant water supply, led to: Population Growth. Result: Cities emerge
Large numbers of people living in a constant area resulted in labor demands to build palaces, temples,
public buildings. Combined with irrigation, flood control systems, complex human interactions were
required. Result: LEADERSHIP POSITIONS were required.
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Governments were instilled to guide person’s behavior
Discuss John Locke’s treatise of government??
Developments in farming resulted fewer numbers required to work the fields. Therefore, people began
to specialize in other kinds of work: Division of Labor. Artisans, skilled workers, merchants, traders all
resulted in Cultural diffusion, the spread of ideas and aspects of culture. Is this an emergence of an
economy?
Other Characteristics of Civilization? Calendar and Writing form. Calendars based on flood season to
flood season. Lunar and Solar Calendars: Lunar was 11 days short (354 days).
RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS
6000 Years ago in Nile and Tigris/Euphrates river valleys, emergence of copper brought an end to the
Stone Age. Copper was used to make tools, jewelry, etc.
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Bronze: Combination of copper and tin. Stronger than copper. Result: Bronze age 3000 B.C
Iron: Emerged in Asia 3200 Years ago
Role of Family in early civilization: Women managed the family, did much of the farming. Men were
primary food providers.
CHAPTER 2
ANCIENT EGYPT (NILE RIVER VALLEY)
Geography
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Today: Desert. 12,000 Yrs. Ago: Swampland
Dominant force: Nile River
4160 miles long, longest in world
Mostly smooth, steady-flowing
Ancient Egyptian civilization was built on a 750 mile stretch of the river, between the ‘great cataract’
and the Nile River delta.
Egyptians implemented ditches and canals to carry river water to nearby fields: AGRICULTURE
Nile River as a means of transportation: River flew south to north, yet winds blew from the
Mediterranean sea from north to south, so travel was possible both ways, meaning a faster trade link
which enabled the civilization to expand.
3000 B.C- People had been living in the Nile River valley for over 9,000 years. However, at this time
people in the valley had developed hieroglyphics( a form of writing). Hieroglyphics contained more
than 600 signs, pictures, or symbols.
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Papyrus: Plant found in Nile River valley. People would cut the plant stern into thin slices,
then moisten them together to make “papyrus”, from which “paper” originiated.
1798- Discovery of ROSETTA STONE
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French army invaded Egypt, officer discovered stone.
Written on stone was Greek, hieroglyphics, and demotic (Egyptian style of writing)
Prior to the establishment of Egyptian kingdoms, they were mining metals (copper, tin: bronze) farming,
and developing a form of writing. All indicative of civilization forming.
EGYPTIAN KINGDOMS
Egypt had evolved into two cultures, upper and lower Egypt. Upper Egypt lay south, lower Egypt at the
delta. 3200 B.C.E, Menes (upper Egypt King) united Egypt into 1 kingdom.
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Menes established dynasty, or family of rulers.
Menes’ dynasty improved Egyptian irrigation, trade, territory, and finance.
Line of dynastic rule in Egypt would become known as pharaoh
Pharaohs were absolute rulers; controlled g’vt, served as judges, generals, high priests
OLD KINGDOM
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Lasted from 2680-2180 B.C.E
Sphinx, pyramids constructed during the Old Kingdom
Society split into 2 classes: Lower class- Peasants, farmers. Served in army, worked on
building of canals, roads, pyramids. Upper-class- Pharaoh, royal family, priests, scribes,
government officials.
Toward end of Old Kingdom, elitists gained power, pharaohs lost power. Result: 1st
intermediate period.
MIDDLE KINGDOM
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2050-1750 B.C.E
2050 New line of Pharaohs reunited Egypt
Known as the “Golden Age” for Egypt because of the great stability and prosperity
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Hyksos (foreigners) arrived in Egypt from isthmus of Suez from Asia
Introduced new war tools such as chariot and compound bow
Debate amongst historians as to whether or not the Hyksos appeared and conquered Egypt.
Historians believe the nomadic Hyksos migrated to the Nile Delta in the 1700’s B.C.E. and
gained power following the collapse of the Middle Kingdom.
NEW KINGDOM
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1750-1050 B.C.E
Again, pharaohs rose to power; located in city of Thebes
Pharaohs created strong army due to the chariots from the Hyksos
Gained land along the eastern Mediterranean sea and extended south into Africa
An EMPIRE emerged: government in which individual or a single people rules over many
other peoples and territories.
Hatchepsut: first known female pharaoh. Reigned from 1503 to 1482 B.C.E.
Thutmose III (king tut) was stepson of Hatchepsut, brought Egypt to height of power
through conquest and trade until death in 1450 B.C.E
Amenhotep IV; Brought about attempts of social and religious change in Egypt.
Prior to Amenhotep, Egypt was Polytheistic- believing in 1 God. Amenhotep called for the
worship of only 1 God- Monotheism.
Amenhotep changed his name to Akhenaton, to honor the sun god Aton
Ramses II: ruled from 1279-1213 BCE
Ramses ordered construction of great Temples and monuments
Ramses seen as last great Pharaoh.
By 300’s B.C, Egypt had lost power.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF EGYPTIAN CULTURE
What is thought of when we think of Egypt? Pyramids, Sphinx.
Egyptians invented a calendar based on the movements of the moon. REVIEW: Did this work? NO
Egyptians noticed a bright star appeared before the Nile floods. Time between one rising of this star
was 365 days. New calendar was based on this cycle: 12 months of 30 days each, with 5 extra days for
rest and feasting.
Egyptians implemented a number system based on 10. Similar to the decimal system used today.
Egyptians developed educational system. Scribes learned to read and write so that they could work for
the government. Education focused mainly on this elite group of people.
RELIGION: Early Egypt had sacred animals: cat, bull, crocodile, scarab beetle.
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Amon, or Amon-Re was the creator, identified with the Sun
Osiris, who judged people after death, was associated with the Nile River
AFTERLIFE
Initially, Egyptians believed that only pharaohs had afterlife. In a radical 180, they decided that
everyone had afterlife, including animals. (So is ‘All Dogs go to Heaven’ based on Egyptian works?)
In order to determine how a person was judged, their heart was weighed on a great scale against a
sacred feather (symbol of truth). If the scale balanced, the heard had told the truth. It could then enter
a place of eternal happiness. If scale did not balance: thrown to the Eater of the Dead!!
Egyptians believed in mummification, process by which body was preserved. Organs were removed,
body was treated with chemicals. Mummy was placed in tomb with clothing, food, tolls, and weapons.
SOCIETY AND ECONOMY
Pyramids were built to demonstrate the obvious greatness of the pharaohs. Most Egyptians never had
wealth or power. Lower class people could work to improve their status, but by and large they never
entered the upper class. (A theme that will follow us throughout history, from Egypt to Greece to
France, to our very shores. Maybe even in this classroom!) Women had rights such as social and
business equals compared to their husbands (a rarity throughout history).
FARMING
Large estates, where Peasants did most of the farming. Wheat, barley, flax, and cotton were grown and
harvested.
TRADE
Tightly controlled by the government. Egyptians traded extra food with other peoples. Caravans of
Egyptians traveled into west Asia, Africa to trade.
SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
There is a strip of fertile land in present day Iraq (has that place been in the news at all in the last 10
years?) where two rivers flow from the mountains to the northwest down to the Persian Gulf. This land
has a crescent-shaped area that is known as The Fertile Crescent. Identifiable civilization records date
back to 5000 B.C.E in this area.
The society was built around the cooperation necessary to control floodwaters and irrigate fields. With 2
major rivers, Tigris and Euphrates flowing from the Turkish hills down to the gulf, ample fertile
farmlands were available. This valley between the rivers has been called Mesopotamia and Babylonia.
This region differed from Egypt. It was not near as dry as Egypt, nor was it as isolated. Egypt was
surrounded by harsh desert, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Land access was available in
Mesopotamia from every direction, which resulted in constant invasion and waves of invaders crossing
the land.
By 3000 B.C.E, nomadic people had settled in the lower reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the
area that we call Sumer. Sumerian culture developed, and by 3000 B.C.E people in this region were
using metal, and had developed pictographs (picture writing).
Sumerian Writing- done by pressing marks into clay tablets. Writes used wedge-shaped tool called a
stylus. This writing became known as cuneiform, one of the earliest known writing methods. 600
cuneiform signs
(Alien writing in Sumerian, language in Sumerian, cuneiforms showing extra-terrestrial life)
Contributions: Arch- curved structure over an opening. Resulted in rounded dome roofs. Zigguratslarge temples made of baked brick placed in layers (not the baked bricks you guys are thinking of) The
Wheel may have originated in Sumerian culture.
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MATHEMATICS: System of numbers based on 60. Example: Circle divided into six sections
of 60 degrees (360 degrees) Each degree was divided into 60 minutes, with each minute
having 60 seconds. CONNECTION: Watches, compasses are using Sumerian system
Emergence of City-States, seen in Greek history, began in Sumerian civilization.
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CITY STATE: township or city, and the surrounding land controlled by said town. Notable
city-states in Sumerian civilization included Ur, Erech, and Kish. (Thousands of residents)
The many city states rarely united under a single g’vt.
Sumerian people believed that much of the land in each city-state was property of one or
more of their Gods (Polytheism)
Result: Priests were powerful, as were war leaders. Eventually city-states competed for
water and land.
Heirarchy- Kings, high priests, and nobles dominated Sumerian society. (Similar to Egypt) Low priests,
merchants, scholars were in the “second tier”, or “middle class.” Lower tier included peasant farmers,
slaves from other regions.
Economy: Farming, agriculture dominated Sumerian economy. Why? GEOGRAPHY. Sumerian farmers
grew dates, grains, and vegetables. They raised domestic animals. Grew flax for linen and wove woolen
goods.
Sumerian farmers grew an abundant amount of produce and food. Result: Specification. (Always
results in a growth of civilization) Sumerians worked as artisans and traders. Prior to 3000 B.C.E,
Sumerians had been trading with peoples of S/W Asia. Location allowed for both land and sea travel.
Education- Only upper class MALES partook in school. (Sorry ladies) Math, art, reading, writing.
Religion- Polytheism. Gods centered around forces of nature and heaven (Sun and moon). AfterlifeSumerians buried food and tools with dead, but did not believe in detailed afterlife. No
rewards/punishments after death.
AKKADIAN EMPIRE
2330 B.C.E the Akkadians (Northern part of fertile crescent; Mesopotamia) attacked and conquered
Sumerians. Remember, fertile crescent commonly attacked. Akkadians spoke a Semitic language that is
related to modern day Arabic and Hebrew (Muslim, Jewish??)
Empire lasted 150 years. Sumerian city states prospered after end of Akkadians, (UR being chief citystate). Soon, another Semitic-speaking people rose to power.
BABYLONIAN EMPIRE
1792 B.C.E, city of Babylon (narrow portion of land between Euphrates and Tigris rivers) was ruled by
Hammurabi. Hammurabi conquered most of the Tigris-Euphrates valley.
Contributions of Hammurabi:
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Outstanding military, political, social leader.
Lawmaker; established Code of Hammurabi
Code contained 282 Laws concerning commerce, industry, wages, working conditions,
property rights. (Eye for an eye type of punishment system)
*Have students research Code of Hammurabi online?? Compare it to law systems seen today
Babylonian Culture
Similar to Sumerian Culture. Dependent on agriculture, farming, domesticated animals. Extremely
active traders; merchants exchanged goods with Egypt, India, other regions of fertile crescent.
Women- legal and economic rights; Property. Women could be merchants, traders, or even scribes.
Religion- Babylonians adopted Sumerian religious beliefs by and large. Sacrifices to gods for favors like
good harvests, success in business. Believed in shadowy afterlife after death (Sumerian). Priests could
foretell the future; very powerful and wealthy. ( I think I could be a priest. I can foretell that some of you
aren’t taking good enough notes and are going to fail this first test? Ya think?)
HITTITES
Warlike people who invaded from Asia Minor (Turkey). First people to smelt iron. Most important
achievements focused on laws and government. Spoke Indo-European language.
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Only major crimes received death penalty (Code of Hammurabi said otherwise)
Fines were imposed, not ‘eye for an eye’ policy
Hittites remained an empire until 1200 B.C.E in western part of fertile crescent. Invaded by sea peoples.
ASSYRIAN EMPIRE
Semitic speaking people from Mesopotamia. Settled city of Assur on upper Tigris River in early 2000s
B.C.E. After centuries of fighting off invasion and barely getting by, they rose to power and dominated
S/W Asia. 900-650 B.C.E Assyrians expanded into Egypt, across Fertile Crescent. At height of power,
contained all of crescent, Syria, Palestine, and Nile River Valley.
Military Accomplishments: fierce, effective warriors. Chariots were used in battle, as well as soldiers on
horseback known as cavalry. They used terror to control their enemies; killing captured enemy soldiers.
Deported entire populations to other regions. 700 B.C.E they sacked and looted Babylon, destroying it
completely.
Government: Assyrian King was an absolute ruler, having total power over large empire. Priests and
government officials took orders from the king. Governors ruled conquered lands.
Nineveh- Capital city of Assyrian empire located on northern Tigris River. Huge double wall was
constructed around Nineveh to fortify it. 70 feet high by 7.5 miles around.
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Great library kept in Ninevah containing clay tablets filled with literature and other works.
Epic of Gilgamesh contained in library; story of Sumerian king. One of oldest works of
literature known to man. (Researchers and historians learned ample amounts about
Sumerian beliefs by studying this text)
Nineveh and the Assyrians fell after Civil War broke out in 635 B.C.E, weakening it severely. Around 612
B.C.E the Chaldeans captured and destroyed Nineveh.
CHALDEANS
Reclaimed territory from the Assyrians. Led by Nebuchadnezzar, Chaldeans conquered most of the
Fertile Crescent. Including all land West of Tigris River, all of Euphrates River west to coast of
Mediterranean sea (Included Jerusalem)
Nebuchadnezzar rebuilt city of Babylon, ruling there from 605 B.C.E to 562 B.C.E.
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Babylon flourished during this time.
Massive buildings, canal systems.
Nubuchadnezzar’s palace included “Hanging Gardens,” (show picture)- regarded as one of
the Greeks 7 wonders of the world.
Chaldeans struggled after King Neb’s death, fell to the Persian Empire in 539 B.C.E.
PERSIAN EMPIRE
Conquered Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Persians spoke Indo-European language similar to Hittites. By 850
B.C.E Persians had migrated into present-day Iran along with peoples known as the Medes. By 550,
Persians, led by Cyrus the Great rebelled against the Medes.
Cyrus, and later Darius I and his son Xerxes (southpark video of Xerxes?) expanded Persian rule across
Fertile Crescent, including Babylon, Asia Minor (Turkey, Syria).
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Empire included all of Asia Minor, Egypt, present-day Iraq, Iran, Pakistan (many other ikistan
countries. Ruinning past the Indus River in western India. North to Caspian and Aral Seas.
Empire extended west as far as the black and Aegean sea
Never conquered Greece (I don’t need to tell you that, you’ve seen 300), yet at the time still
the mightiest empire up to this point in history.
Government: Persian kings were rulers and generals. Although all-powerful, early leaders were lawful,
collecting taxes and administering law fairly.
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More gracious to conquered people than previous empires before them
Allowed conquered peoples to keep their own religions and laws.
Secret agents known as “the King’s Eyes and Ears” kept the king informed, preventing
regional rulers in check….2 questions. 1.) how do we know that’s what they were called? B.)
Is this the first form of the C.I.A? or KGB, or Secret Police? Now I’m scared.
Infrastructure- Roads connected cities within empire (Royal Road ran 1250 miles). It took the Great
Depression before F.D.R would conceive of the idea, which Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower authorized in
1956. Historians will argue that Roman road systems were stolen ideas from the Persians.
Religion: At first, Persians were Polytheistic. However, 600 B.C.E brought about the teachings of
prophet Zoroaster, or Zarathushtra.
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Zoroaster taught that on earth people receive training for a future life
In the world good and evil battle each other
Good = eternal blessing. Evil = damnation…..SOUND FAMILIAR???
Zoroaster’s theories influenced Judaism and later Christianity
Decline of Persian Empire
Leaders after Darius and Xerxes lacked leadership abilities. 331, Persians suffered defeat at the hands of
Greeks and Alexander the Great.
PHOENICIANS
Western Fertile Crescent (Asia Minor) did not produce large empires, but still greatly influenced the
modern world.
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Region made up of present-day Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. (Talk about Syrian conflict!!)
In ancient times, region was known as Phoenicia. Phoenicia had little fertile land, bordered by the Med
Sea on the west, and the Lebanon Mountains to the east. Result: Phoenicia was trade-dominated
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Seaports of Tyre, Sidon were world famous
Trade
Phoenicians were highly skilled sailors; traded throughout Mediterranean region. (Possibly as far as G.B)
Post 1000 B.C.E: Phoenecia reached peak as a great sea trading power.
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Colonies were established throughout Mediterranean sea
City of Carthage, in North Africa, became major power.
Colonies established in present-day Sicily, Sardinia, Spain
What does it take to become a dominant empire when you are from an isolated, poor-farming land?
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Again, Phoenicians weren’t farmers, weren’t growers….TRADERS
Seaports, access to ocean, sailing skill…..even before all of that.
How are ships made? Lumber. Lebanon mountains contained vast cedar forests
Allowed for shipbuilding
Phoenicians were importing goods via sea travel, but they were also exporting gold and silver objects.
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Learned metalworking methods from the Egyptians.
Metal was probably imported as well; products were exported
Glassblowing: invented by Phoenicians; created exquisite glass objects
Other exports included dried fish (salt cured, smoked), linen, olive oil, wine, and cloth dye.
CULTURE
Phoenicians were imitators: Government and customs resembled Egypt and Babylonia. (Meaning?)
Phoenician religion: Brutal. Polytheistic beliefs. They believed in the afterlife, but pleasing the Gods was
of primary importance in their culture. Extreme circumstances included the sacrificing of children.
Phoenician Alphabet: Writing systems were developed in Mesopotamia and Egypt, but none as
sophisticated as this alphabet. Phoenicians used writing in their business transactions to draw up
records, bills, etc. Their trade network included all of Mediterranean region. Result: Spread of
Phoenician Alphabet. Alphabet became adopted by the Greeks, who modified and added vowel sounds.
Romans took the Greek alphabet and turned it into the alphabet we know today. But it all started with
the Phoenician alphabet, model for western alphabets.
Phoenician empire never gained military strength; conquered by Assyrians.
LYDIANS
Controlled Asia Minor (Present-day Turkey) near 600 B.C.E
First people to use coined money. Result: Money economy replaced barter system which relied on the
trade of commodities. Obviously this became part of world-wide culture.
JUDIASM (Begin by asking who knows anything about the origins of one of the oldest religions still
around today)
Begins with the Hebrew People, who are ancestors of present-day Jews. Hebrews resided in a region on
the Arabian peninsula northeast of Egypt, and south of Phoenicia known as Canaan. Throughout the
history of this region, Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians, and Syrians have laid claim to, and
conquered, this land.
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Founder of the Hebrew people is a man named Abraham
Abraham once lived in Sumer (remember from Sumerian civilization)
Abraham led his people from Sumer across the Syrian desert to Canaan
Jacob, grandson of Abraham (also called Israel)
Modern Jews trace heritage through Jacob, whose 12 sons established their own tribe,
known as 12 tribes of Israel
Descendents of Abraham left Canaan and traveled west into Egypt, hoping to escape drought and
famine. The Hebrew people lived peacefully with the Egyptians for a period of time, before losing favor.
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It is believed that the Hebrews arrived with the Hyksos people around 1700 B.C.E
When Hyksos were expelled in 1200’s B.C.E, the Hebrews were enslaved
Enslaved for a period of 400 years
Who famously led the Hebrew people out of Egypt? Moses (Cue family guy video)
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Biblical books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy tell the story of Moses
According to the bible, Moses led the exodus from Egypt into the deserts of the Sinai
Peninsula, just west of Egypt.
Moses climbed to the top of Mt. Sinai (pg. 44) When he returned, he had with him tablets
that contained the 10 commandments that Yahweh(Hebrew God) had revealed to him
Moses announced that Canaan was a land promised to his ancestors.
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Hebrews from Egypt joined those who lived on the borders of northern Canaan
Loose confederation of Hebrew tribes were bound together by the need to maintain a
central shrine for the Ark of the Covenant (Container of the tablets)
2 groups inhabited the region alongside the Hebrews: Canaanites and Philistines. Hebrews drove
Canaanites out, however never could completely remove the Philistines. During the fighting years, the
12 tribes merged to form 1 unified people
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First king of Israel was Saul
Saul was succeeded by David, who formed new dynasty and occupied Jerusalem.
Under Solomon, David’s son and successor, Israel reached height of wealth and power.
Solomon established relationships with Egypt( one of his wives was Egyptian), sought for
peaceful trade with Arabia.
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Built a temple to God in Jerusalem. Temple became the religious center for life in Israel
After Solomon’s death, struggles for power emerged in Hebrew kingdom, resulting in a split of Israel.
The two kingdoms lacked the ability to fend off invaders; Israel in the north fell to the Assyrians. The
Chaldeans captured Judah in the south, destroying Jerusalem and Solomon’s temple. When the Persians
under Cyrus conquered the Chaldeans, he allowed the Hebrews to return to their homeland. Temple of
Solomon was rebuilt.
JUDIASM CTD
Hebrew scriptures tell of the creation of the world and the special mission of the Hebrews. One third of
these scriptures (Old Testament) is Hebrew history. Remaining section of Hebrew Scriptures includes
poetry, laws, prophecy, and instruction.
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Law and Ethics: Torah- Hebrew code of laws. Mosaic Law (named for Moses) includes the
Ten Commandments. Mosaic law demanded kindness toward the poor, slaves. It was
similar to Hammurabi’s code, yet it only called for the death penalty on severe crimes;
adultery, kidnapping, treason, sacrifices to idol Gods.
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Hebrew god of Yahweh. Hebrews came to believe that people had a choice between good
and evil. Yahweh held them responsible for their choices
Allowed freedom to make choice themselves
Yahweh was perceived by Hebrews as a spiritual force; not containing human qualities
No earthly political ruler had any omnipotence or claims to divinity
Hebrew religion known as ethical monotheism; one god, with proper conduct and ethics
enforced.
These ethics carried over into the founding of Christianity; Judeo-Christian ethics. These
ideas are the greatest contribution from Hebrews to western civilization
Religion
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INDUS RIVER VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS
Geography
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Indian Subcontinent is a continent crashing into Southern Asia. This clash of continental
plates resulted in the formation of the Himalayan mountains to the north.
2 Rivers; Ganges and Indus rivers flow through India.
Monsoons occur; winds that mark the seasons in India. November-March: Monsoons blow
from the NE, drop moisture on northern slopes of Himalayan mountains: Dry season. SW
Monsoon occurs from June through October; moist air from the Indian ocean condenses
and rains along coastal plains.
1st CIVILIZATIONS
In 2500 B.C.E, great civilization emerged in Indus River valley and lasted 1000 years. This civilization is
known as Harappan Civilization.
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2 cities, Harappa and Mohenjo Daro have revealed much about this early civilization
Archaeological digs led historians to infer that both cities were large and carefully planned
Wide streets at right angles (Sound at all like Salt Lake City? Or any Utah City? Maybe
Mormons studied their Harappan??)
Water system with public baths, brick sewers.
2 story brick homes were found
Bathrooms, garbage chutes found in some homes
Each city contained a citadel, or strong central fortress built on a brick platform
Civilization organized around strong central government
Rich farmlands surrounded Harappa and Mohenjo Daro.
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Cotton, wheat, barley, rice were harvested.
Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats were raised.
Canals and ditches built to irrigate crops
Surplus crops were raised for storage and trade *This is evidence of organized and strongly
governed civilization.
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City dwellers produced and traded goods
2300 B.C.E, Harappan people traded with civilizations of the fertile crescent
Cloth, pottery, bronze, gold and silver jewelry were all traded
Trade
Language
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Written language (evidenced by pictographs, not readable yet)
Writing found on clay pots, fragments, but still no connection to other languages
It is unclear why the Harappan civilization collapsed. Scientists speculate that floods, invasions, major
earthquakes are all possible.
*Question for debate: Harappan civilization lasted 1,000 years. No real reason for collapse, many
guesses indicate natural disaster. There were several unburied skeletons found at Mohenjo Daro, which
may point to disastrous event. Himalayan Mountains reach 29,000 feet high, generate moisture, and
Indian subcontinent is very active, still raising Mt. Everest’s elevation appx. 2 inches/year. Is there any
natural disaster that could remove United States from top of world powers?
INDO-ARYAN MIGRANTS
1750 B.C.E- tribes of Indo-European peoples crossed the Hindu Kush Mountains into NW India.
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Hindu Kush mountains lie in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan; sister range to the
Himalayan Mountains
Name “Hindu Kush” literally means “Kills the Hindu.” A reference to when Indian slaves died
during the harsh winters of being transported back into central Asia.
Stronghold of Al Qaeda and Taliban members
Peoples arrived from north of the Black and Caspian seas, known as Indo-Aryans
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Sheep and cattle herders
Skilled warriors
Indo-Aryan word for war meant “desire for more cows;” drawn to northern India by the
fertile, lush pasturelands.
Armies of Indo-Aryans, which benefited from archery and chariots, conquered all of northern India.
Vedic Age (1500 B.C- 1000 B.C.E)
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Vedas: Indo-Aryan works of religious literature. The source for information concerning the
Indo-Aryan ways and culture.
Sanskrit: Indo-Aryan language in which the Vedas were recorded.
Religion: Earliest Gods mentioned in the Vedas were drawn from nature (similar to several civilizations
that we have learned about thus far) Exception: Judaism; Yahweh
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Earth, fire, light, rain, sky, storms, sun, water (H2O, maybe Water boy was Indo-Aryan?) all
personified. Ex: Sky was father, earth was mother. Jimmy Buffet thinks Ocean is mother,
“mother mother ocean….I have heard you call….”
Vedic religion did indicate one supreme being, however. “That God,” in one hymn, that
created the universe.
Different Gods had different characteristics.
Brahmins, or special priests who knew how to perform proper rules and types of religious
ceremonies, became very important in Indo-Aryan society.
Sanskrit became the language used by priests in rituals, not the language of everyday
speech.
Society: Previous to settling in northern India, Aryans were nomadic. After arrival, they formed villages;
giving up their nomadic lifestyle. Animals were still herded and raised, yet crops also emerged.
In time small independent states or territories emerged, which were governed by raja, or chiefs.
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Raja had power over military, lawmaking, and judgment. (Similar to most cultures we’ve
discussed. One authoritarian leader over a group of people. Not large allocation of power.)
*Indo-Aryan people differed greatly from the previous inhabitants of the region, known as the IndoGangetic plain. (Indo, for India, Gangetic, for relation to the Ganges river)
These differences helped form the complex social system and social orders that developed and became
important in Indian society.
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Indo-Aryans were light skinned, compared to the dark skin of earlier settlers
Indo-Aryans had been nomadic, whereas Indus valley people settled communities
Warriors were chief amongst Indo-Aryans; Merchants farmers, traders were below them
*Question: Do differing cultures jive well with one another? Give examples (U.S.A into Iraq)
Economy: Indo-Aryans raised wheat and barley on the rich plains of the Indus and Ganges rivers.
Irrigation was used to grow rice. Other crops included sugarcane, leafy vegetables, gourds, peas, beans,
and lentils. (Has anybody ever seen a gourd? What the hell is that thing?)
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Local trading only due to poor methods of transportation. (Blocked by Hindu-Kush and
Himalayan mountains.)
INDIA BECAME A SOURCE OF ORIGIN FOR TWO OF THE GREAT RELGIONS IN THE WORLD: HINDUISM
AND BUDDHISM.
At the end of the Vedic Age, social structure of India had taken shape. Influenced by the writings of
Indo-Aryan peoples, many great works of religious literature were written.
700 B.C.E: Religious thinkers began to question the authority of the Brahmins (priests). These thinkers
began to wander the Ganges plain, teaching their messages.
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This became a school of thought known as Vedanta, or “end of the Vedas.”
These teachings were collected in Upanishads, or written explanations of the Vedic religion.
Ordinary people who couldn’t read the Upanishads listened to religious stories that
explained the ideas of Vedanta.
These stories were based on religious tales and heroes and great events that helped pass
along religious tradition. (DOES THE BIBLE HAVE ANY OF THESE STORIES? (Jonah, Moses,
Noah, hmm….)
The stories taught the preachers of Vedanta were combined into two epics; long poems based on
historical or religious themes. Mahabharata (Muh.hah.bahr.uh.tuh), and the Ramayana.
Mahabharata
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Tells story of great battle in kingdom of present-day Northern India
Part of this epic is known as the Bhagavad Gita, the most famous Hindu scripture.
Ramayana
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tells story of Rama; prince and an incarnation of the god Vishnu. When his wife Sita was
kidnapped by a demon, Rama rescued her and became king. Rama and Sita became role
models for Indian men and women.
Changing Indian Society ( 1500 B.C.E- 500 A.D)
CASTE SYSTEM: Complex form of social organization. Took shape after Indo-Aryan migration to northern
India.
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4 distinct varnas, or social classes, appeared in Indian society
1st class: Rulers, warriors
2nd class: Brahmins, priests, scholars. (Over time Brahmins will enter first class)
3rd class: Merchants, traders, farmers.
4th class: Peasants who worked doing menial labor
5th group: Pariahs, or “untouchables:” Pariahs were viewed as being outside the varnas,
although still a part of caste system. They were only allowed to do jobs that were
considered unclean; i.e skinning animals, preparing the dead for funerals. (Quote, pg. 61)
Over time the 4 varnas developed into smaller groups, known as jati. There are over 3000 different jati.
With the emergence of more classes, more strict rules developed. A person born into the jati of his or
her parents could only marry within that subgroup. (Joke about kids in class being forced to marry
someone else, or wanting to ask out a cute girl/boy.)
*Today’s Indian constitution has abolished the caste system, but its influence remains strong in parts of
Indian society.
Emergence of Hinduism
Hinduism developed parallel to the Caste system, and became deeply interwoven within it. Hinduism
gradually spread to become India’s principal religion.
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Developed through Brahmin priests’ explanations of the Vedas (Indo-Aryan works)
Upanishads say that a divine essence called Brahman fills everything in the world
People have an individual essence, known as Self or Atman.
HINDUISM: Brahman and Atman are one in the same
All things in the universe are of the same essence as God: known as MONISM
Hinduism teaches that the world we see is an illusion. If you accept this illusion, called maya, you
cannot be saved. People gain salvation only if they recognize and reject maya.
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Hinduism: it is difficult to reject maya; can take several lifetimes. Result: Souls must be
reborn again and again (REINCARNATION)
Souls can be reborn again in the body of another human or of an animal.
*Question: What would you like to be reincarnated in? Human, animal? Be specific
2 PRINCIPLES OF HINDUISM: DHARMA and (Greg) KARMA
Darma- doing one’s moral duty in this life so that the soul can advance in the next life. (Question: How is
this similar to forms of Christianity? Mormonism, Catholicism, etc.)
Karma- Good or bad force created by a person’s actions. “Get what’s coming to you.” “Get his come
uppins… “Get what you give.” Blah blah blah.
Hinduism: People who fulfill their dharma gain good karma and are born into a higher social group in the
next life. Conversely, people who do not live good lives will be born as lower animals or people (like pigs,
or sophomores in high school)
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Nirvana: perfect peace. Attained when souls continue to grow spiritually and recognize and
reject maya. At this point, the soul unites with Brahman.
The Hindu God Brahma can be represented as a number of Gods, even Gods representing trees, animals,
people, etc. Remember, Brahma fills everything in the world, so Hindus must respect and revere
everything. Question: Is Hinduism polytheistic? (Answers could be yes or no)
Practices of Hinduism include:
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Yoga (mental and physical exercises that bring soul and body together)
Celebrations and festivals that represent seasonal course of nature
Cows are protected by Hindu law (provided power for plows and carts, and produced milk
and butter)