Classical Civilizations

1. Classical Civilizations Common themes for our classical civilizations: Geographic Features and their influence on a civilization�s development Types of Government Culture and Intellectual Life Movement of People and Goods

2. Do Now: 9.23.09 Staple and hand hmwk #5 Set up your notes for �Classical Civilizations�: 1/3 2/3 Quiz on these notes Thursday This PowerPoint is also linked on my homepage Come after school if you do not have PowerPoint at home. Aim: to assess the primary characteristics of civilizations in the fertile Crescent and China

3. Classical Civilizations The Fertile Crescent This is the land that comprises present day Iraq. See map on page 32 of text. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers form a band of arable land in an other wise arid climate. There are no real natural barriers in this area, and as a result we will see a proliferation of changes in power in the Ancient Middle east This is also referred to as the �cradle of civilization.�

4. Classical Civilizations Like Ancient Egypt, the presence of rivers provided the needed water and fertile land ti support these various civilizations. There are some similarities among all of the peoples of the Ancient Middle East, and here are some of the key facets that each have in common. Let�s take a look at the map on page 32 of our text.

5. Classical Civilizations Each of the civilizations of the ancient Middle East have: Polytheistic religions and an economy based primarily on agriculture A rigid social structure that is based on wealth and power Governments that are power based, with a single ruler in power and no hint of democracy Here are some of the key accomplishments of these ancient civilizations:

6. Classical Civilizations Sumerians: The existed nearly 5000 years ago, and were the first to have a systematized form of writing known as cuneiform. This utilized wax tablets, ,and included nearly 300 symbols. It is generally regarded as the first form of writing, and signals a new age in the development of civilizations.

7. Classical Civilizations The Phoenicians began to develop an alphabet, that moved from using symbols like the Sumerians to utilizing actual letter that could be formed into words. Our 26 letter alphabet is based on this innovation. The Hittites, who followed the Phoenicians, were responsible for the invention of ironworking. This is key for the making of better tools and weapons.

8. Classical Civilizations The Babylonians, who followed the Hittites were responsible for the codified laws which we studied known as the Code of Hammurabi. This set of laws was clearly in favor of the wealthy classes, but signaled a key step in the unification of a people under a prescribe set of rules.

9. Classical Civilizations The Persians, who we will see later will wage war against the Ancient Greeks, were the first great ancient civilization to begin an extensive trading network in the Mediterranean. See page 39 in your text They also began the minting of coins to be used as a means of exchange. What is key to note about this area and this time was the fact that geography played a huge role in the development off these peoples.

10. Classical Civilizations We will see similarities in the development of civilization is the Far East. Let us take a look at Ancient China and India. Notice the importance of geography in the development of these great river valley civilizations.

11. Classical Civilizations China: What we have to consider and what we need to know� Geography: Isolation due to high mountains and expansive deserts allow for a sort of protracted isolation. Let� look at the map on page 59 of your text. China, more than any other region has the concept of centralized government down!

12. Classical Civilizations Mandate of Heaven: this is the equivalent of the Divine Right theory that will be popular in latter day Europe. If God and Politics are connected, there can be grave problems. The dynasties that you read about are most important for the concept of the Dynastic Cycle�(see page 62 in text)

13. Classical Civilizations The Dynastic cycle reflects the natural ebb and flow of power in any system. New Dynasties: Provide Peace As time passes� Roads and canals The Dynasty Land becomes lazy� Protection and neglects the people

14. Classical Civilizations Corruptions causes over-taxation Failure to protect their provinces places them at risk Roads and wall begin to fall apart: Lack of maintenance People are mistreated � governmental apathy The �Mandate of Heaven� is �lost�. (Really the people�s confidence in the Dynasty is lost)

15. Classical Civilizations Problems arise that the Dynasty cannot or will not handle� Finally, a new dynasty fills the power vacuum and claims the �Mandate of Heaven� The cycle will continue with each succeeding Dynasty�(chart on page 62)

16. Do Now: 9.22.08 Have Hmwk #9 on your desk. Have your notebook out. Notes continued : �Classical Civilizations.� Today�s focus: China, India, Ancient Greece. Quiz #2 on Tuesday, based on the notes you have taken. Hmwk #10 � Wednesday. Pages 104 � 116 (1/3 2/3 from your text.

17. Classical Civilizations Power and Centralized Government in China Feudalism � (this system will also be the foundation of European Middle Ages and early Renaissance.) Feudalism is a three-tiered system of control.

18. Classical Civilizations Dynastic Rulers Give land and some autonomy to: Local Lords Give military allegiance to the Dynastic Ruler The Peasant Classes Give taxes to the lords in return for protections

19. Classical Civilizations Remember that the history of China will be a constant struggle between those in power, and those seeking power. Government is highly centralized, and power remains in the hands of the few. No matter who gains control, it always devolves into a system of exploitation. See map on page 95 in text book

20. Classical Civilizations Chinese Contributions: Civil Service: Government Employment Paper Manufacturing Acupuncture Bronze and ceramic work The Great Wall

22. Classical Civilizations India: Geography *See map on page 51 of your text Three regions of importance� North: Flat. Fertile. Plentiful Water Deccan Plateau: Central. Dry. Little Population Coastal Plains: Fishing. Farming. Trading. Heavily Populated.

24. Classical Civilizations Mauryan Dynasty. (321 � 185 B.C.E) Here we see similarities to the Chinese in terms of centralized Empires. A Bureaucracy existed � a government of departments and appointed officials. Taxes are collected. Public works (Roads etc.) are built

25. Classical Civilizations The Spread of Buddhism will be central to the history of the Indian Subcontinent, and we will cover that in later units. Further, schools and libraries were built in the major cities. Let�s move on to Ancient Greece.

27. Classical Civilizations Geography and the impact on Ancient Greece: Consult map on page 108 of your text book Mountains, and it�s location prevented Greece from having an expansive empire like Egypt or Mesopotamia Yet, its location also facilitated their skill as sailors, which proved to be a benefit in trade.

28. Classical Civilizations Most significantly, concerning Geography in Ancient Greece, was the fact that mountains caused the development of the City States Simply put, people settle in valleys more easily than on the sides of mountains Hence, in Ancient Greece, independent city states developed, rather than having one unified �country�.

29. Classical Civilizations The city state was also referred to as the polis. This polis was built on two levels: On the hilltop was constructed the acropolis � which typically contained the marble temples dedicated to the Greek Gods and goddesses On the flatter plain was the walled main city �where the citizens lived.

30. Classical Civilizations What was the Greek Governmental system like? It will change somewhat over time, but we can make some generalities here: Early Greece was really a series of monarchies in control of the city states. Over time, this evolved�

31. Classical Civilizations Power shifted to the wealthy landowners, called aristocrats. This landholding elite were the challenged by a growing middle class who prospered as trade grew. Hence, the aristocrats then banded together to form an oligarchy � which is governmental rule by a selected few. This elite were the most powerful both economically and politically.

32. Classical Civilizations Sparta and Athens: a case study in two city states. Interestingly � as iron replaced bronze as a metal to shape weapons, these weapons became cheaper and the military could expand its ranks. City-states were now in the hands of citizen soldiers, and we will see Sparta and Athens differ greatly on their emphasis on the role of the military.

33. Classical Civilizations Sparta Monarchy with two kings Military Society Trade and travel discouraged Military training mandatory for boys Women totally subjugated Athens Limited democracy Laws made by an assembly � only males Trade encouraged Education for boys Women were still subjugated

34. Classical Civilizations The wars between the Athenians and the Spartans weakened the power of the Greek city states, and made them vulnerable to attack from outside forces. The Greek also fought a series of campaigns against the Persians, which further diminished their power. Greece will be invaded by a power from the north, the Macedonians. Phillip of Macedonia will conquer Greece, but it will be his Son, Alexander will become known because of his great successes as Alexander the Great.