Early CIvilizations--Test Flashcards
Early Man, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome
Which civilization is the “Land between two rivers”?
Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates)
Which civilizations were in the Fertile Crescent?
Mesopotamia and Egypt
How did the Sumerians lay the foundations of a flourishing civilization in the harsh land of Mesopotamia?
Irrigation led to increase in agriculture which led to increased population which led to growth of cities.
What are examples of “Fundamental and Powerful Concepts”?
The Shaping Power of Geography and Environment and The Unifying Power of Religion and Government
How does the geography in Mesopotamia affect the religion in that society?
Harsh environment including unpredictable and violent rivers = Unpredictable, Violent Gods
GODS must be appeased through sacrifice and offerings but EVEN THEN, they may not listen
How does the geography of Mesopotamia affect the structure of government in that society?
Unstable, City-State Rivalry, Competition
History of Region is series of wars and counter-rebellions
What are three signs of a CIVILIZATION that we see in Mesopotamia?
Urban areas (ex. city-states) monumental architecture (ex. ziggurat) writing (cuneiform)
What was the name of the famous ziggurat at Ur? What was its function?
Mount of the Gods–a temple.
What kind of writing did Mesopotamia have?
Ideo-grammatical–not an alphabet. Ideas are depicted–gradually become simplified. Called cuneiform. Produced with a stylus on clay tablets.
Why is writing the MOST IMPORTANT of the cultural developments in Mesopotamia?
It created an intellectual and technical explosion of knowledge. Epics could be written and laws could be shared with society.
What is an epic and what is a famous example from Mesopotamia?
An epic is a work of literature which deals with a culture’s religious principles and cultural identify. Epic of Gilgamesh–he searches for eternal life.
What was the role of the scribes in Mesopotamia?
Trained in “tablet houses” they controlled information in society.
How were Mesopotamian numbers different from our own?
They did not have the concept of zero.
Why were images of the bull important in Mesopotamian culture?
The bull was used in statues and other imagery. It represented masculinity and vigor, which were important in a patriarchal society.
What are some key points in the structure of Mesopotamian religion?
Polytheism–more than one god.
Anthropomorphic and sometimes zoomorphic–gods looked like humans or animals.
Contractual–men appease gods and maybe gods will act favorably.
Humans act on a cosmic stage–Transcendence–there is something larger than every day life
What was important about life under King Hammurabi in Mesopotamia?
He brought stability, unity, and order for a brief time.
What was an important tool King Hammurabi used to bring about order during his rule?
Code of Hammurabi–a set of laws that were strict but also ensured people would be treated fairly in society “Eye for an eye”.
What is an important characteristic of Babylonian culture that is revealed in the Code of Hammurabi.
The code reveals the hierarchical nature of society. Punishments were based on one’s position in society. King nobles priests free commoners clients slaves
How did geography enable the Egyptians easily to form a prosperous society?
Nile River was predictable and its annual floods allowed the Egyptians to develop agriculture. The Great Provider of Social and Economic Stability
The environment is PREDICTABLE and thus…The society becomes Stable and Predictable as well
How do the Egyptians compare in religious, cultural and political outlook relative to the Mesopotamians?
Geographically “tight” settlements along Nile allowed for greater control of society to develop. (As opposed to isolated city states in Mesopotamia.)The “Trustworthiness” of the River creates a POSITIVE and CONFIDENT social identity Whereas, the Mesopotamian outlook was PESSIMISTIC and FEARFUL and thus UNSTABLE. Egyptians saw afterworld as a continuation of prosperous life but Mesopotamians saw afterworld as a dark place (see Gilgamesh).
What were the major cities in Egypt?
Memphis, Giza, Thebes
What does the word Pharoah actually mean?
Great House
Who was the unifier of Upper and Lower Egypt and how did he achieve that?
Menes–successfully built a dam that controlled the flooding of the Nile.
What was the first capital of a unified Egypt?
Memphis
What was the Myth of the Pharoah?
The pharoah has power to control the Nile River.
What are some basic characteristics of Egyptian religion?
Polytheistic (many gods) anthropomorphic and zoomorphic–gods have human and animal characteristics. (Humans part of the cosmic drama–like the Mesopotamians’ beliefs.) Amon-Ra is central god–carries Ankh–cross of life. He has sun on his head.
What is the role of the pharoah in Egyptian religion?
He is a god on Earth. He embodies justice and harmony. He is a connection to the divine. Lord of the Living. He takes on the role of Horus when a human on Earth and then Osiris in the afterworld.
Why is the god Osiris depicted as green in Egyptian art? (What is the story behind that?)
Osiris ruled the earth but killed by his brother Seth. His wife Isis brings him back to life with help from Anubus. Green symbolizes life and rebirth. Horus is the son of Isis and Osiris and is associated with the falcon god–he is god of the living.
What is the role of Anubus and what form does he take?
Anubus looks like a jackal. He is the guide to the after world. He weighs your heart against a feather on a scale.
What is the role of the priestly caste in Egyptian religion?
They protect your KA–the human soul.
What is the major primary source that tells us about funeral practices, etc. in Egyptian society?
Book of the Dead
What is a popular invention of the Egyptians?
Beer (Wine was also important to them.)
What was life like for women in Egypt?
They had some mobility, could purchase things, wealthier women had luxury items such as perfumes and wigs.
What kind of writing did the Egyptians have?
Hieroglypics–pictographic 24 standard images, 700 sounds
How were we able to decipher hieroglyphics?
Discovery of Rosetta stone which had hierglyphics plus Greek and Demotic writing which had same message. Discovered by French during Napoleonic invasion of Egypt.
Why are the invasions of the Sea People significant?
They disrupted trade and Egyptian society and led to downfall of the empire. This created a power vacuum.
What societies filled the power vacuum left by the downfall of the Egyptians?
Socially and culturally, the Greeks were on the rise. The Phoenicians prospered in trade. The Persian Empire gained political and military power.
What is Hellas?
The land of the Greeks.
What body of water is the focal point of Greek culture?
Aegean Sea
What was the impact of geography on Greek culture?
Diversity in geography leads to diversity in culture. A land of isolating mountains and fertile plains. Leads to independent city states.
What were unifying factors in Greek culture?
Religion and language.
What were two Bronze Age Greek civilizations?
Minoans and Myceneans. Minoans lived on Crete. Myceneans lived on the Pelopennesian peninsula.
What brought about the Greek Dark Ages?
Invasions and migrations from outsiders (including Sea peoples) contribute to a period of poverty and disruption
What important developments take place during the Greek Dark Ages? 1100-800 BCE
Important time when Greek culture develops including religion and literature.
Who was the famous Greek poet and what did he write?
Homer–Epics–Iliad (battle with Troy)and the Odyssey (Odysseus’ long 20 year journey home after the battle)
What was the world view that Homer wrote about?
Gods interacting with men in the cosmic drama.
What are the basic characteristics of Greek religion?
Polytheistic, anthropomorphic, gods interact with men whose unalterable fate determined by the gods.
Who were the Titans?
Came before the gods=Kronos, father of gods
Can you name some important Greek gods?
Zeus (lightning, thunder, weather) married to Hera, father of Apollo (lyre/harp, patron god of Sparta), Athena (wisdom, success, patron god of Athens) Ares (warfare) Dionysius (wine, partying), Aphrodite (love). Brothers of Zeus= Poseidon (trident/sea), Hades (cerberus-three headed dog, guards River Styx-passage to after life).
What is hubris?
Ultimate crime in Greek religion–that you think you are not dependent on the gods (pride) (Odyssey is about gods teaching Odysseus that he needs the gods)
As the Greeks moved from the Dark Ages to the age of Classical Greece, what was perhaps the most important development?
The rise of the Greek city-state (polis).
What were the dominant forms of government in Greece before the Classical Age?
Monarchy or Oligarchy (rule by small aristocratic elite) Could evolve into tyranny–oppressive rule that exploits the rest of society.
What were the two dominant city-states and what kinds of governments did they experiment with?
Athens–democracy/Sparta–separation of powers with elements of monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy
Who was Lycurgus?
He developed the Spartan Regimen where pure blooded Spartans had to earn their citizenship in a closed society. Ranks based on merit and age.
What was the Agoge?
Lifelong military training regimen beginning at age 7. Spartan citizens learned to sacrifice all for the city-state. No money, no luxuries, no free will. Both women and men participated. Conformity. Isolation from other city-states. Babies evaluated for fitness.
What was hoplite warfare?
Heavily armed foot soldiers using shields and spears. Used the phalanx formation–would march in close ranks.
What was the role of Spartan women?
Also received training to be physically fit, produced fit children and raised future soldiers, ran the households while men served in military.
What caused the Greek city-states to unite?
The Persian War
What were the shaping factors in Roman geography?
Mountains led to some isolation (Alps, Apennines) rich fertile plains, Tiber River (Rome built there)center of communication, proximity to other cultures
Which nearby cultures influenced Roman society?
Greeks and Etruscan
What is the mythical founding story of Rome?
Romulus and Remus–children of the god Mars and Rhea Silvia. Which child killed the other?
What is S.P.Q.R.?
SENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUS
The Senate and the People of Rome RULE
What were some Roman values when it came to government?
Power is “res publica” in the Public realm
Power is not privately held by King or Tyrant
Power is divided into many hands; elected ANNUALLY
Who was CIncinnatus?
Early Roman ruler who is seen as ideal–served the republic but then went back to being a farmer. George Washington was compared to him. Why is Cincinnati named after him?
What were some basic characteristics of Roman religious beliefs?
Gods–polytheistic, anthropomorphic. Many foreign gods borrowed: Jupiter (Zeus); Mars (Ares) (War); Neptune (Poseidon) Many cults. Contractual and ritualistic (means you have to fulfill your obligations to the gods in proscribed ways.)
Was Roman religion tolerant?
As long as the State gods were worshipped on certain days and as long as your beliefs did not interfere with your loyalty to the Roman state–nationalism–and with your duties as a Roman citizen.
How would you describe traditional Roman cultural beliefs?
CONSERVATIVE MORALITY, HIERARCHICAL (classes), PATERNALISTIC
TRADITIONAL ‘STOIC VIRTUES’
ROLE OF WOMEN: REPUBLICAN MOTHERHOOD
What were the three Roman classes?
Patricians, Plebeians, Slaves
What role did the Patricians play in Roman society?
Ran the government and the Senate (300 wealthiest citizens), controlled the military and appointments, They were the Fathers of the Republic.
What role did the Plebians play in Roman society?
Small landholders, merchants, soldiers. Could be wealthy but not allowed to participate in government at first.
What role did the slaves play in Roman society?
might be publicly or privately held, could sometimes earn their freedom,
What was the Struggle of the Orders?
Conflict between Plebeians and Patricians. Led to compromises and greater role of the Plebeians in government. (Plebeian Assembly)
What were the Twelve Tables?
Written laws–demanded by the plebeians.
Who did Rome fight in the Punic Wars?
Carthage (in Northern Africa)
Who was the famous Carthaginian general?
Hannibal
What was the result of the Punic Wars.
Hannibal defeated by Scipio Africanus, Carhage was severely punished, Roman Empire expanded.
What are the two early eras in history called?
Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic (New Stone Age)
How would you describe life in the Paleolithic Era?
Nomadic lifestyle, hunters/gatherers (foragers), stone tools. Shelter often found in caves (cave paintings)
What are examples of different migration theories?
Parallel Evolution and Radiation
What are two examples of early humans your professor discussed?
Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon
What changes signaled the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic ages?
Development of agriculture and the domestication of animals.
What were some of the consequences of agriculture?
More reliable sources of food which leads to surpluses which leads to more leisure time and more people. Then we have more specialization–not everyone has to grow food. More complexity in society which also leads to more levels–hierarchy.
What are the characteristics of a civilization?
Religion, urban areas, writing, architecture, …..what else?
