Transcript Ancient Civilizations - Barren County Schools

Ancient Civilizations
Egypt, India, China,
Mesopotamia, and The Hebrews
Egypt
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-located on the Nile River: “The Gift of
the Nile.” Longest river in the world;
flows into Mediterranean Sea.
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-the longest of the four civilizations.
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-annual flooding fertilized the soil.
Egypt
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Uniting Egypt
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Early on, 2 kingdoms developed.
The Upper Kingdom in the South
 The Lower Kingdom in the North
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King Menes united the two in Memphis.
Kings were referred to as Pharaohs.
Egypt
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The Great Periods
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The Old Kingdom
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The Middle Kingdom
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The New Kingdom
Egypt
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Egyptian Religion
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polytheistic, meaning they worshipped
many gods (part human & part animal).
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polytheistic, meaning they worshipped
many gods (part human & part animal).
Horus-sky god.
 Ra-sun god.
 Osiris-god of life and death
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-very dominant in their lifestyle.
-believed in life after death.
-believed in embalming, the preservation of the
body. (Brains were embalmed first; this was a
very religious ceremony.) (Mummification)
-caused government to be a theocracy, meaning
the king acted as both religious and political
leader.
-was a bureaucracy, officials to whom the king
delegated administrative responsibilities.
(Kasow)
Egypt
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Pyramids were built during the Old
Kingdom
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-These served as a place of rest/honor for
kings.
-They held the king’s clothing, furniture,
and weapons.
-There were secret passages.
-They took thousands of workers and
hundreds of years to build.
Egypt
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Egyptian Contributions
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Hieroglyphics-ancient Egyptian writing
system employing picture symbols. (e.g.Rosetta Stone was used to decipher
hieroglyphs.)
Number System-enabled them to calculate
area and volume.
Geometry-used to survey flooded land.
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Calendar-An accurate 365 day calendar.
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Medicine-Not only embalming, but doctors
used splints, bandages, and compresses
when treating fractures, wounds, and
diseases.
India
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-surrounded by mountains: Himalayas. The
mountains served to block cold weather out
of the valley and as protection.
-Due to seasonal floods, soil was rich for
seasonal crops.
-They had to deal with monsoons-seasonal
winds that would bring heavy rainfall.
India
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India’s Religion
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Hinduism-polytheistic; the people believed
in yoga and fasting, worshipping the cow.
Major concepts:
Dharma-righteous living; duties to fulfill.
 Karma-all actions have a consequence.
 re-incarnation: rebirth of the soul after death.
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Buddhism
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-founded by Siddharta Gautama, b. 566 B.C. (BuddhaThe Enlightened One). Buddha, a prince, wondered,
meditated, fasted, denied himself pleasure, searching for
a solution to end suffering and misery.
Comprised Four Noble Truths:
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All know suffering and sorrow.
Suffering is caused be desires.
People end suffering by eliminating their desire.
Eliminate desires by knowing truth, resisting evil, saying
nothing to hurt others, controlling thoughts, meditating,
etc.
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*The goal was to achieve nirvana,
meaning one could be one with the
universe.
India
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Contributions
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Seals to make contracts.
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Straight streets
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Ditches for irrigation
China
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These people lived in isolation because of
the Himalayas, near the Yellow Sea. Chinese
history is divided into Dynasties. Rulers of
China (from the same family) had a mandate
from heaven to form a theocracy. Most
important dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Quin, &
Han
China
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Religion
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Confucianism
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Confucious (b. 551 B.C.) was poor and sought
to end suffering by fulfilling a role in society.
He had many wise proverbs, such as “Do not
do unto others as you would not want done
unto you.”
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Taoism
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-rejects social structures; belief in the fact that
opposites attract and Yin/Yang-life must be
kept in balance.
China
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Contributions to Society
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System of weights and measurements
Agriculture system
Educated officials
Silk trade
China (pottery)
The Great Wall for protection
Mesopotamia
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Greek for “land between the rivers.”
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Located between the Tigris and Euphrates
Rivers in the Fertile Crescent.
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Sumerian farmers first built dams to control
flooding, and constructed canals and ditches
to bring river water to irrigate their fields.
Fertilized land produced food (grain crops)
by 4000 B.C.
Mesopotamia
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Religion
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Polytheistic; their gods had specific powers over
natural forces and human activity.
Their gods were unpredictable and selfish.
Humans had little control over their lives.
They built ziggurats (temples) where the gods
lived. (similar to pyramids)
Theocracy-the religious leader was also the
political leader; he was the mediator between the
gods and the people.
Mesopotamia
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Writing
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Pictographs were used; they also
developed a model for the alphabet.
Scribes wrote on clay; tablets had to dry.
They wrote epics-long poems (e.g.Gilgamesh,)
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They wrote proverbs-short bits of advice.
One bird in hand is worth two in the nest.
 A good plan today is better than a perfect plan
tomorrow.
 A penny saved is a penny earned.
 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh
word stirs up anger. (Prov. 15:1)
 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth
invites a beating. (Prov. 18:6)
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Hammurabi’s Code
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Hammurabi, the leader of Babylon had a
written set of laws that regulated society and
trade.
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He created a tax system.
There was a specific punishment for the violation of
laws. (e.g.-“an eye for an eye.”)
There were differing punishments for social classes.
Mesopotamia
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Contributions to Society
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Dams and Canals
Wagon wheel
Potter’s wheel
Sundial-to keep time
12 month calendar based on the cycles of
the moon
Metal plow
The Hebrews
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A people that grew out of Mesopotamia,
lived in Canaan, and were
monotheistic-a belief in a one allpowerful God (Yahweh). The Bible
records their beliefs and history.
The Hebrews
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Beliefs
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God determines right and wrong.
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People should deal justly with each other.
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People should accept moral responsibility
for their actions.
The Hebrews
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History - recorded in the Old
Testament.
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Abraham
Moved from Mesopotamia to Canaan at God’s
command. (1900 B.C.)
 God made a covenant (agreement): God would
bless Abraham and his descendants if they
would remain faithful to God.
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Jacob (Israel)
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Abraham’s grandson
Jacob had 12 sons, which would grow into tribes
(Israelites).
Due to a famine, they migrated to Egypt, where pharaohs
enslaved them.
Moses
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He led them out of Egypt in an exodus (departure) into
the Sinai desert.
The covenant was renewed as the Israelites pledged to
obey God’s laws, the most important-The Ten
Commandments.
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Joshua
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He led them across the Jordan River into
Canaan
After the “judges”, the Israelites wanted a
king.
Saul
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Although popular at first, he failed to
defeat the Philistines.
Battled with David over the throne.
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David
Slayed the giant Philistine, Goliath.
 He took the throne in 1012 B.C.
 Organized a central government at Jerusalem.
 Wrote Psalms.
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Solomon
Constructed a temple in Jerusalem.
 Wrote Proverbs.
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Prophets
After Solomon, the kingdom divided-Israel &
Judah.
 Invaded by Assyrians (722 B.C.), Chaldeans
(586 B.C.)-were exiled to Babylon.
 Prophets were preachers who interpreted
God’s will to the Israelites, who became known
as Jews after the Babylonian exile.
 Prophets were preachers who interpreted
God’s will to the Israelites, who became known
as Jews after the Babylonian exile.
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ANCIENT GREECE
Geography
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Located in the southern part of Europe’s
Balkan Peninsula; very mountainous, and
many islands. (Island of Crete;
Peloponnesus peninsula; Mt. Olympus).
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Mountains protected and isolated the Greeks on
the mainland.
Greek people never united under one
government.
People depended on the sea-trade for their living.
(Aegean, Mediterranean, Ionian, Black)
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Climate was mild; conducive to
outdoor public meetings. (theater,
schools, government)
Aegean Civilizations
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Minoans (2500 to 1450 B.C.)
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concentrated on the island of Crete.
Wealthy people with palaces (indoor
bathrooms, fireboxes) who decorated with
brigthly colored murals and enjoyed
dancing and sports.
Destroyed by a tidal wave caused by
earthquake.
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Mycenaens (2000 to 1100 B.C.)
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also lived on Crete; combined with
Minoans to form ancient Greece.
Married with local people (Hellenes) after
extending boundary to the Balkan Sea.
Built stone walls for protection.
Government kept detailed records of
taxes, crops, and livestock.
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Overran by the Dorians, which started the
“Dark Age” where written language
disappeared with no records kept, trade
stopped, and poverty.
Many fled to the mainland.
 They restored both cultures into the Hellenic
Civilization, the original inhabitants of Greece.
Hellenic Civilization taught love for nature,
importance of the husband-wife relationship,
and loyalty between friends.
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Hellenic Poets & Heroes
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Homer (700 B.C.)-wrote the epics Illiad & The
Odyssey
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Illiad-a Trojan prince falls in love with Helen (wife
of Mycenaean prince). Helen is captured and
taken to Troy, on which the Mycenaean's lay siege
for 10 years. The Greeks build a huge horse and
hide soldiers inside. The Trojans believe they
have won and take the horse into the city. That
night, the Greeks sneak out of the horse,
capturing and burning Troy to the ground. The
“Trojan Horse” destroyed from within.
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Odyssey-a homeward adventure of a
Mycenaean king after the Trojan War
taking 10 years to return home. An
odyssey is a long journey.
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Heroes-teachers used the Illiad to teach
pride in Greek civilization and heritage.
Greek Deities
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Activities of gods & goddesses
explained why people behaved as they
did. They believed deities caused
physical storms to happen.
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Athena-wisdom & art;
Demeter-goddess of agriculture;
Aphrodite-goddess of love & beauty;
Zeus-king of the gods; ruled the sky
(weather).
Dionysus-god of wine & fertility. (play
about this one)
Apollo-god of light (sun) and prophecy.
Hades-ruled the underworld.
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Greeks humanized their gods; they
were total human forms. They believed
gods behaved like humans (married &
had children).
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Deities possessed super human powers
(physical & mental).
Humans tried to be like deities in every way
possible.
12 most important deities lived on Mount
Olympus; each one controlling a specific
part of the natural world.
Religious festivals were important part of
Greek life; Olympic Games honored Zeus.
The Polis (city-state)
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This was the basic political unit of
Hellenic civilization comprised of the
city and the surrounding villages and
fields (measured about 3 days walking
distance). The center of the city stood
on a fortified hill (acropolis) with a
temple for the local deity. At the foot of
the acropolis was the agora-public
square.
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The polis was small enough that all citizens
could take part in business with 5,000-10,000
male citizens who voted, owned property,
and held office. Women, slaves, and
foreigners had no part.
The polis was famous for trading of wine and
olive oil with a monetary system.
Political and Social Change
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Kings lost power to landholding aristocrats
(wealthy nobles).
Farmers had to obtain loans from aristocrats.
When they were unable to pay them back,
they lost their land, becoming peasants and
sharecroppers.
farmers were foot soldiers in the Greek army,
more valuable than a wealthy cavalry.
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Other middle class working people
(artisans) joined forces with the
farmers wanting a voice in government
and citizenship.
tyrants seized power making promises
to the farmers (low & middle classes)
and wanting citizenship.
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harshness of a few tyrants caused “tyranny”
to mean rule by a cruel and unjust person.
citizens restructured their government into
either an oligarchy (small group of rulers) or
democracy (rule by the people).
-there were 2 democracies:
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1. Sparta
2. Athens
Sparta
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descendants of Dorian invaders founded in
southern Greece. Land was invaded and
farming people were taken as slaves (Helots)
and assigned to farm the land. Artisans and
merchants were hired, but were considered
free individuals, called Periocci. Together,
they outnumbered the Spartans. To maintain
power, they established a military society.
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Spartan Military
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life revolved around the military. Men were the
soldiers. Women breeded more soldiers.
Newborns were examined and the sickly left on a
hillside. Young boys would go to military school,
learning to read, write, use weapons, and steal. (If
caught stealing, they were whipped publicly.
They would go barefoot and have one garment to
wear and having little to eat.) After 20 years as a
soldier, they would marry at age 30, but continued
to live and serve in the military until 60, then they
would retire.
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Women in Sparta
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Involved in gymnastics, wrestling, and
boxing. They were to be as healthy and
strong as possible. They married at 19. If
younger, they were less likely to have a
healthy child. They had no rights in
government.
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Government in Sparta
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2 kings ruled jointly, leading the army and
religious services.
Legislative body had 2 houses
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The Assembly had most power, making laws and
decisions concerning war and peace. Male citizens over
20 served. There were five overseers (ephors) elected to
administer public affairs, and could veto legislation.
The Council of Elders were comprised of 28 men over 60
who proposed legislation.
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Spartan Culture
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people were exceptional athletes, always
winning the Olympic Games.
they lagged behind intellectually, and in
trade and manufacturing.
Athens
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located in the central part of Greece.
descendants of Mycenaean's.
named after the goddess Athena.
included more citizens; all free men
regardless of class or ownership of
land
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Athenian Tyrants (brought changes)
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Draco-extremely harsh penalties for
breaking laws. For minor offenses, such
as stealing, the penalty was death.
“Draconian” means cruel and severe.
Laws were written down, and aristocrats
could not dictate.
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Solon-improved economic conditions. He
canceled all debts and freed debtors from
slavery in Draco’s rule. Anyone could own
a limited amount of land. He promoted
trade. Cash crops were grown rather than
grain. He ordered fathers to teach their
sons a skill. He set up a 2 house
legislature:
1. Council of 400 (aristocrats);
 2. Council of Assembly (commoners).
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Peisistratus-divided land among the
landless; extended citizenship to the poor;
gave poor loans; and provided jobs for the
poor by providing work projects.
Cleisthenes-created laws that established
a democracy for Athens. A tyrant was no
longer needed.
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Athenian Democracy-lasted almost 200 years
until the Macedonians overthrew them. This
was more of a direct democracy.
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The Assembly was the major political institution.
All citizens were equal and guaranteed freedoms
and could belong to the Assembly. The Assembly
passed laws and acted as the Supreme Court.
They chose 10 generals to run a navy and army.
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The Council of 500 administered everyday
government business. They were chosen
by a lottery drawing because they thought
elections unfair. Good speakers had the
advantage in an election.
Jury System-majority vote needed for a
verdict and the jury was very large (200+).
The large size would keep jurors from the
influence of threats and bribes.
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Ostracism-each year, citizens would write
the name of an undesirable politician on a
piece of baked clay (ostracon). If the
name appeared on 6,000 ostracas, the
person was exiled for 10 years.
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Education in Athens
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fathers were required to educate their sons. All
citizens were expected to hold public office. Girls
did not receive a formal education, learning to
weave and bake. Boys went to school from age 7
through 18. They learned The Illiad and the
Odyssey by heart. They studied math, drawing,
music, and gymnastics. They also studied
rhetoric-public speaking. After school, they
spend 2 years in the military.