Organization AND Reorganization of Human Societies
SNAPSHOT
•Early stages of new wave of urban, centralized civilizations in Persia, China, India,, eastern Mediterranean, & Mesoamerica that created enduring religious, cultural, artistic, & political legacies.
• Codification and strengthening of enduring religious and philosophical belief systems
• Nomadic cultures interactions w/ sedentary, agriculture based urban civilizations included: trade, diffusion/spread of ideas and technologies, and conflict
• Established regional grasslands, desert, and sea trade routes in the Eastern Hemisphere
• Codification and strengthening of enduring religious and philosophical belief systems
• Nomadic cultures interactions w/ sedentary, agriculture based urban civilizations included: trade, diffusion/spread of ideas and technologies, and conflict
• Established regional grasslands, desert, and sea trade routes in the Eastern Hemisphere
Key concept 2.1-chapter 3 pages 74-80 and chapter 6; Key Concept 2.2-chapter 4; Key Concept 2.3 - Chapter 7
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Key Concept 2.1 Codification and Continued Development of Religious and Cultural Traditions
As states and empires increased in size and contacts between regions multiplied, religious and cultural systems were transformed. Religions and belief systems provided a bond among the people and an ethical code to live by. These shared beliefs also influenced and reinforced political, economic, and occupational stratification. Religious and political authority often merged as rulers (some of whom were considered divine) used religion, along with military and legal structures, to justify their rule and ensure its continuation. Religions and belief systems could also generate conflict, partly because beliefs and practices varied greatly within and among societies.
1. Codifications and further developments of existing religious traditions provided a bond among people and an ethical code to live by
A. The association of monotheism with Judaism was further developed with the codification of the Hebrew Scriptures, which also reflected the influence of Mesopotamian cultural and legal traditions. The Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman empires conquered various Jewish states at different points in time. These conquests contributed to the growth of Jewish diasporic communities around the Mediterranean and Middle East.
A. The association of monotheism with Judaism was further developed with the codification of the Hebrew Scriptures, which also reflected the influence of Mesopotamian cultural and legal traditions. The Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman empires conquered various Jewish states at different points in time. These conquests contributed to the growth of Jewish diasporic communities around the Mediterranean and Middle East.
B. In South Asia, Hinduism established a spiritual and social caste system that created a long-term foundation for the civilizations there.
- Hindu beliefs were influenced by concepts from the Vedic religions brought in by Indo-European groups and local traditions. For centuries, beliefs were passed on through oral traditions, but later they were recorded in sacred texts in Sanskrit, including the Vedas and Upanishads.
- This religion, Hinduism, contributed to the development of the social and political roles of the caste system and the important manifestation of Brahma, the Great Soul of the Universe to promote teachings of reincarnation. To the westerners, Hinduism appears to be both polytheistic and monotheistic.
- Unlike christianity or buddhism, there is no single founder of Hinduism. it developed over many yearsin South Asia out of a blending of various religious traditions, many of which were brought in from outside the region.
- The caste system was an important part of the culture of India at this time. All living things participated in the caste system.
- through the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation, believers hoped to elevate their souls to the highest levels of spirituality or moksha, when they become one with Brahma, the Great Soul.
- The process could take many hundreds or thousands of lifetimes.
- A soul may move up and down the ladder toward unity with Brahman depending on one's deeds and sincerity towards faith during a lifetime.
- The law Karma taught that one's social position in this life was a sign of good or bad deeds performed in a previous life.
- There were five major levels of human castes; one moved into higher caste because one had demonstrated good karma in a previous life; if a person was born into a lower caste (the lowest being the untouchables, that soul had channeled bad karma through selfish deeds.
2. New belief systems arose out of Hinduism and the Hebrew (Judaism)religion and cultural traditions emerged and spread, often asserting universal truths.
1. Buddhism
a. Began in South Asia around 500 B.C.E
b. Founded by Prince Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha or Enlightened One). his teachings are recorded in the Sutras and other scriptures.
c. Maintained Hinduism's belief in reincarnation but taught that, spirituality, there was no caste system.
Four Noble Truths taught:
- In life, there is suffering.
- Suffering comes from selfish desire
- Those seeking the path to nirvana should strive to end suffering.
-This can be done by following the Eight Fold Path:Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Manifestation, and Right Concentration.
Buddhism changed over time as it spread throughout Asia- first through the support of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and then through the efforts of missionaries and merchants, and the establishment of educational institutions to promote core teachings.
a. Began in South Asia around 500 B.C.E
b. Founded by Prince Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha or Enlightened One). his teachings are recorded in the Sutras and other scriptures.
c. Maintained Hinduism's belief in reincarnation but taught that, spirituality, there was no caste system.
- Male and female, rich and poor shared the same ability to reach nirvana, the state of perfect oneness with the great spirit of the universe.
- The closer one was to nirvana, the less troubled one would be by the cares of this world. Buddhism did support the existence of social castes as a temporary, worldly conditions.
Four Noble Truths taught:
- In life, there is suffering.
- Suffering comes from selfish desire
- Those seeking the path to nirvana should strive to end suffering.
-This can be done by following the Eight Fold Path:Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Manifestation, and Right Concentration.
Buddhism changed over time as it spread throughout Asia- first through the support of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and then through the efforts of missionaries and merchants, and the establishment of educational institutions to promote core teachings.
Buddha and Ashoka Crash Course Video
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2. Christianity
a. Began in southwest Asiaduring the first century CE.
b. Christianity was introduced by to the Hebrews in Roman-controlled Palestine byJesus, who preached salvation through faith in him as the Son of God.
c. Jesus's teachings were recorded in the Gospels and developed in other writings, particularly by his disciple, Paul.
d. A significant difference between Buddhism and Christianity is that the Buddha did not promise eternal life to his followers, while Jesus did.
Both Buddhism and Christianity gained more followers outside their place of origin. Just like Buddhism, Christianity spread by the work of missionaries and merchants, and carried west from its origins in modern-day Israel into North Africa, northwest into Turkey and Europe. As the Roman Empire began to fall in the West, Christianity became a more prominent religion as the focus on ever-faithful God and never ending heavenly reward was more comforting to increasing number of people. Today it remains a dominant religion in Europe.
a. Began in southwest Asiaduring the first century CE.
b. Christianity was introduced by to the Hebrews in Roman-controlled Palestine byJesus, who preached salvation through faith in him as the Son of God.
c. Jesus's teachings were recorded in the Gospels and developed in other writings, particularly by his disciple, Paul.
d. A significant difference between Buddhism and Christianity is that the Buddha did not promise eternal life to his followers, while Jesus did.
Both Buddhism and Christianity gained more followers outside their place of origin. Just like Buddhism, Christianity spread by the work of missionaries and merchants, and carried west from its origins in modern-day Israel into North Africa, northwest into Turkey and Europe. As the Roman Empire began to fall in the West, Christianity became a more prominent religion as the focus on ever-faithful God and never ending heavenly reward was more comforting to increasing number of people. Today it remains a dominant religion in Europe.
Christianity From Judaism to Constantine Crash Course Video
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3. Confucianism
a. around 500 BCE, when China was undergoing great political turmoil during the Warring States period, the teachings of Confucius became the bedrock of that society.
The sayings of Confucius were written after his death in The Analects. He set out a clear set of rules for moral behavior and for family and political stability.
a. around 500 BCE, when China was undergoing great political turmoil during the Warring States period, the teachings of Confucius became the bedrock of that society.
The sayings of Confucius were written after his death in The Analects. He set out a clear set of rules for moral behavior and for family and political stability.
- Filial piety-utmost respect for parents- and obedience to those in political control were two of his most important teaching.
- The kind of strict moral clarity shaped family and gender relations, political governance, and attitude towards other civilizations for centuries and is still strong today.
- Patriarchy, a superior place of men over women in society, was firmly established in East Asian cultures by his teachings.
4. Daoism
A. Developed in East Asia about the same time as Confucianism and was another major influence on Chinese culture.
A. Developed in East Asia about the same time as Confucianism and was another major influence on Chinese culture.
- Daoism taught that there were close connections between humans and nature, a balance and harmony in all things; it also stressed deep respect for ancestors.
- Whereas Confucianism emphasized order in human relations, Daoism encouraged people to look away from human creations and instead find peace and balance in nature's examples.
- This attention to attaining a proper balance in life influenced Chinese medical practices, such as acupuncture.
- Daoist-influenced architecture sought to blend the building style into local landscape. Examples of this blending are the famous sloping roofs that top many temples in East Asia.
2000 YEARS OF CHINESE HISTORY :THE MANDATE OF HEAVEN AND CONFUCIUS VIDEO
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5. Greco-Roman Philosophies
. The core ideas in Greco-Roman philosophy and science emphasized logic, empirical observation, and the nature of political power and hierarchy
. The core ideas in Greco-Roman philosophy and science emphasized logic, empirical observation, and the nature of political power and hierarchy
6. Animism and Shaminism
Other religious and cultural traditions such as Animism and Shamanism continued parallel to the codified, written belief systems in core civilizations.
Animism is a belief that the natural world itself has spiritual powers.
Shamanism is the belief that human spirit guides (shamans) are contacts between this world and the spirit world and deceased ancestors. Shamans believed to have the power to heal physical and spiritual illnesses.
Shamanism and Animism continued to shape the lives of people within and outside of core civilizations because of their daily reliance on the natural world
3. Belief systems affected gender roles. Buddhism and Christianity encouraged monastic life and Confucianism emphasized filial piety. (children respect parents and family elders, look after their welfare, support in old age, remember them and ancestors after their deaths).
- While men dominated the leadership of all major religions, women often served in similar capacities as priestess, prophets, and missionaries.
- Both Buddhism and Christianity offered religious community to women by allowing them to serve as nuns.
- Ancestor veneration persisted in many regions (Africa, Mediterranean region, East Asia, Andean areas (this site is on Incan ancestor worship that was derived from earlier beliefs)
4. classical Cultures
Classical civilizations developed many long-lasting forms of the arts, including architecture, literature, paintings, and sculptures.
A. Greek plays and histories influenced literature around Mediterranean region and eventually throughout Western civilization.
B. Indian epic poems (Ramayan and Bhagavad Gita) continue to influence literature in South Asia today with their stories of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty and to the Hindu faith.
- The Greeks invented the theatrical acting- initially dramas with moral themes and later comedies that reflected human condition.
- Greek Histories of their wars with the Persians and among themselves became the template for Western historical writing.
- The point of history according to Greeks, was to teach life lessons about consequences of good and bad behavior and decision making. In this way, people learn to become good citizens.
B. Indian epic poems (Ramayan and Bhagavad Gita) continue to influence literature in South Asia today with their stories of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty and to the Hindu faith.
C. Architecture that developed in China, India, Mesoamerica, and the Mediterranean region in the classical era had a long-lasting influence on building styles.
- In all these regions, monumental building projects supported both the government and religious faith
- Mesoamerican temples looked similar to Mesopotamian ziggurats from a much earlier age.
- Greek and Indian architectural styles blended as a result of Hellenism after Alexander the Great's empire reached into South Asia.
D. In art and sculpture, religious themes prevailed in all regions.
- As with architecture, Greek forms of sculpture blended with North African, South Asian, and East Asian themes to be known as Hellenistic in style.
- Many sculptures throughout South and east Asia venerated Hindu, Buddhist, or Confucian beliefs.
- Daoist artists painted beautiful scenes of nature as part of their expression of faith.
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Key Concept 2.2 Development of States and Empires
As the early states and empires grew in number, size, and population throughout Afro-Eurasia and the Americas, they frequently competed for resources and came into conflict with one another. In quest of land, wealth, and security, some empires expanded dramatically. In doing so, they built powerful military machines and administrative institutions that were capable of organizing human activities over long distances, and they created new groups of military and political elites to manage their affairs. As these empires expanded their boundaries, they also faced the need to develop policies and procedures to govern their relationships with ethnically and culturally diverse populations: sometimes to integrate them within an imperial society and sometimes to exclude them. In some cases, these empires became victims of their own successes. By expanding their boundaries too far, they created political, cultural, and administrative difficulties that they could not manage. They also experienced environmental, social, and economic problems when they overexploited their lands and subjects and permitted excessive wealth to be concentrated in the hands of privileged classes.
1. Political Control and Contributions: Dramatic increase in size and number of key states and empires by imposing political unity on regions of previously competing states.
2. Empires and states developed new techniques of imperial administration based, in part, on the success of earlier political forms.
- In order to organize their subjects, the rulers created administrative institutions in many regions (China, Persia, Rome, South Asia).
- Required examples of administrative institutions:
- Centralized governments
- Elaborate legal systems and bureaucracies
- Imperial governments projected military power over larger areas using a variety of techniques.
- Required examples of such techniques:
- Diplomacy
- Developing supply lines
- Building fortifications, defensive walls, and roads
- Drawing new groups of military officers and soldiers from the local populations or conquered people
- Required examples of such techniques:
- Much of the success of the empires rested on their promotion of trade economic integration by building and maintaining roads and issuing currencies
3. Unique social and economic dimensions developed in imperial societies in Afro-Eurasia and the Americas.
A. Cities (Persepolis, Chang'an, Pataliputra, Athens, Carthage, Rome, Alexandria, Constantinople, Teotihuacan) served as centers of trade, public performance of religious rituals, and political administration for states and empires.
B. The social structures of empires displayed hierarchies that included cultivators, laborers, slaves, artisans, merchants, elites, or caste groups.
C. Imperial societies relied on a range of methods(Corvee, Slavery, Rents and tributes, Peasant communities, Family and household production) to maintain the production of food and provide rewards for the loyalty of the elites.
D. Patriarchy continued to shape gender and family relations in all imperial societies of this period.
B. The social structures of empires displayed hierarchies that included cultivators, laborers, slaves, artisans, merchants, elites, or caste groups.
C. Imperial societies relied on a range of methods(Corvee, Slavery, Rents and tributes, Peasant communities, Family and household production) to maintain the production of food and provide rewards for the loyalty of the elites.
D. Patriarchy continued to shape gender and family relations in all imperial societies of this period.
4. The Roman, Han, Persian, Mauryan, and Gupta empires created political, cultural, and administrative difficulties that they could not manage, which eventually led to their decline, collapse, and transformation into successor empires or states
The fall Of Rome Crash Course Video
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A. Through excessive mobilization of resources, imperial governments caused environmental damage (deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, silted rivers) and generated social tensions and economic difficulties by concentrating too much wealth in the hands of elites.
deforestation_in_rome.pdf | |
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B. External problems resulted from security issues along their frontiers (between Han China and Xiongnu, between Gupta and the White Huns, between the Romans and their northern and eastern neighbors) including the threat of invasions.
decline_collapse.pdf | |
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Key Concept 2.3 Emergence of Transregional Networks of communication and Exchange
With the organization of large-scale empires, the volume of long-distance trade increased dramatically. Much of this trade resulted from the demand for raw materials and luxury goods. Land and water routes linked many regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. The exchange of people, technology, religious and cultural beliefs, food crops, domesticated animals, and disease pathogens developed alongside the trade in goods across far-flung networks of communication and exchange. In the Americas and Oceania localized networks developed.
1. Existing land and water routes became the basis for larger transregional (acrossseveral regions) trade, communication, and exchange networks in the Eastern Hemisphere.
- Many factors, including the climate and location of the routes, the typical trade goods, and the ethnicity of people involved, shaped the distinctive features of a variety of trade routes.
- Required examples of trade routes
trade_route_assignment.pdf | |
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2. New technologies facilitated (assisted) long- distance trade, communication and exchange
A. New technologies (yokes, saddles, stirrups) enabled the use of domisticated pack animals (horses, oxen, llamas, camels ) transport along meritime routes from East Africa to East Asia
B. Innovations in meritime technologies (lateen sails, dhow ships) as well as advanced knowledge of the monsoon winds, stimulated exchanges along maritime routes from Wast Africa to East Asia
3. Alongside the trade in goods, the exchange of people, technology, religious and cultural beliefs, food crops, domesticated animals, and disease pathogens developed across far-flung networks of communication and exchange.
A. The spread of crops, including rice and cotton from South Asia to the Middle East, encouraged changes in farming and irrigation techniques (The Qanat System, pictured below).
B. The spread of disease pathogens diminished urban populations and contributed to the decline of some empires (Effect of disease on the Roman Empire, Effect of Disease on the Chinese Empires
C. Religious and cultural traditions were transformed as they spread-.
Required examples Christianity, Hinuism, AND Buddhism
Required examples Christianity, Hinuism, AND Buddhism
religious_and_cultural_transformations.pdf | |
File Size: | 260 kb |
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Preview to the next period, Post classical |
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CONTINUITIES(generally what remained the same during time period)
- imprtance of religion or philosophical beliefs in various cultures.
- forced labor-slavery generally consequence of conquest, debts, or poverty
- patriachy
- interactions between settled and nomadic cultures- conflict and/or trade and exchanges
- Chinese dynastic cycle.