Formation and Development of Classical Societies - Coursework Example

due: History: Media- the formation ical societies (500 BCE to 500 CE) The ical societies in Eurasiawere governed by powerful states. The powerful empires were; Archaemenid, Qin, Mauryan/ Gupta, Roman and Seleucid empires. These empires had an influence over vast regions in Eurasia, due to their organization capabilities and strategies of state building. An example this is Sanchi Stupa; which was a shrine built in India, Ashoka by the Mauryan Empire. The empires which dominated Eurasia was diverse, but they shared issues of transport and communication routes. Therefore, they came up with strategies to counter these problems (Bentley et al, 67). Efforts of the classical societies resulted into a dramatic increase in most of the world’s religions. This was facilitated by the development of roads- a mode for transport and communication of goods and services. Likewise, sea route of transportation was also developed as a trade route. This led to trade and interrelations between individuals of diverse localities. These links lead to the worldwide movement of goods, people, diseases and beliefs. Beliefs founded were all connected to a supreme supernatural being. The beliefs include; Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. These trade routes were advantageous and also disadvantageous. The con was the development of diseases and epidemics which were deadly. This led to the disruption of the classical society (Confucius, 27). Discussion: comparison of Persian and Chinese empire. The Persian and Chinese empires were two significant historical empires. There was a successful reign within the centuries due to the emperor bodies imposing the Machiavellian principals in both empires. The leaders used anyway to maintain peace and order within the reigning locations. This method of administration persisted for many centuries in the two discussed emperors. The Chinese empire also known as the Han dynasty was created by Lui Bang in 201 BC. He used the Machiavellian principals in administration. He linked the pre- Qin emporium and the Qin dynasty domineering emporium. This aided in the expansion of the empires in aspects of economy, population and culture. The Chinese empire is historically significant due to accomplishments made. The accomplishments included; paper invention, compass invention, advancements in science and technology, steel manufacturing and seismograph development. This empire had a strong military command; this enabled its expansion in Korea, northern Vietnam, and Southern China. This empire also developed routes which were primarily used for the delivery of silk to the Roman Empire. The trade routes were build up along Central Asia, further expanding to India, and finally in Persia (Steele, 8). Another historical landmark of the Chinese empire is the establishment of a tributary organization system comprising of local powers; to enforce peace and unity. The collapse of this dynasty was as a result of its lack of strength in facing internal conflicts concerning imperial relatives, military generals, scholar officials and government advisors. This misunderstanding led to a gradual fall of the empire from 100 AD. This resulted in the central government assuming authority, corruption developed in the bureaucrats, and land owners ruled their properties as they wanted. This led to a disruption of the Machiavellian principals and an end to the Qui dynasty. The states the Han dynasty had authority over were able to overthrow it. The Persian Empire was inclusive of several empires that ruled Iran for a number of centuries. The Archaemenid Empire the initial Persian empire from 648 BC to 330 BC. Darius I ruled this empire and maintained its strong authority. He used the Machiavellian principals to rule his lands, thus united diverse cultures and maintained peace. There was the development of roads to facilitate transport and communication within the empire as well as the exterior locations. The Archaemenid Empire under Darius III contained a weak military unit as well as political instability. This brought a downfall to this excellent empire, which was conquered by the Greek; a period known as the Hellenistic period. This action facilitated the Buddhism religion and trade along the Silk Road. Both the Persian and Chinese empires observed the Machiavellian principals of administration. Both empires were founded by strong leaders, who imposed strong military command. Both empires facilitated the development of transport routes all in the name of transport and communication. Both empires lost their authority when the leaders lost their power internally. Both empires were very successful, but once they collapsed, they lost all that the founding leaders had worked hard to build over the centuries. Response According to the first case, I disagree with the first points. The Persian and Chinese empires initially had problems in transport and communication, but they solved the problem with the development of roads and sea routes. The Persians used one technique to govern their people; that were the Machiavellian principals. I agree with the fact that they conquered the outside communities and later built roads. I disagree with the fact that the Persian Empire failed due to the civilizations it conquered. In the real sense, this empire fell due to a weak military command and political instability. According to the Chinese empire, I agree with the fact that they built transportation routes; as well as ensure unity and peace within the kingdoms. I agree that the Chinese united its citizens through education empowerment and trade. The Chinese dynasty lasted for a longer period as compared to the Persian period. This is because the Chinese had better methods for unity as compared to Persians who tried to unify diverse cultures. In accordance to the second case, I agree with all the information displayed. Both empires had challenges in governance. China used the routes created to promote peace and unity, as well as trade. Persia used the routes for trade and communication purposes. Thus, Chinese Empire was more successful than the Persian Empire. Issues in history: Zoroastrians Zoroastrianism was named so due to its prophet who was called Zarathushtra. He was known to the ancient Greeks as Zoroaster. He was from Iran; he founded the doctrines of Zoroastrianism in the pre- historic times. The founder of Zoroastrianism lived during the period stone- age was paving the way for the Iranians to the Bronze- age. It is estimated the time was around 1700 and 1500 BC. He was a priest. The Zoroastrian scriptures are known as the Avesta the language in which the scripture is written in is known as Avestan. By comparing the scriptures, the essential teachings of the proto- Indo- Iranian faith are found here. Some of the developments are traced back to the Iran people before Zoroaster was even born. Zoroastrianism is the oldest revealed religion, which has a direct or indirect influence on man. It is the religion of the Iranian empires, which was there for many decades. This religion spread to the near and middle east. Because of the authority and prestige of Iran, some of the teachings of this old religion were adopted by Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. Currently, several factors have led to the reduction of Zoroastrianism to small amounts of individuals still practicing it. Most of these individuals reside in Iran and India. Most of the beliefs instilled by the Zoroastrianism prophet are used by individuals worldwide. Currently Zoroastrianism has been abandoned all for other modern religions. Zoroastrianism is viewed as an old religion (Mitchell et al, 214). Zoroastrianism was initially taught to the pastoralists on the Asian grasslands. With the rise of the Islam religion, Zoroastrianism lost its value and religious power. Zoroastrianism currently is a religious practice of minority position. Zoroastrianism doctrines consists of rich faith and knowledge which increases a man’s spiritual comprehension. This religion makes man relate to himself spiritually in a unique way; it is more like mediation of the Buddhists. Clearly; the Buddhists copied this doctrine from the Zoroastrianism religious teachings. Basic objects of the Zoroastrianism teachings are water and fire- those used by the ancient stone- age pastoralists. According to the proto- Indo- Iranians, water was used as an offering agent to a goddess. Zoroastrianism religion, water is used as an offering. Therefore, these two religions are connected. Fire was used by both religions as a source of burring the offering to appease the gods. Focus paper: the Analects of Confucius Analects refer to sayings collected by the students of Confucius. It is a collection of small passages that illustrate the words of Confucius and his disciples. The analects describe Confucius as a human being- male gender. It also talks of some of the events in the life of Confucius. In reference to traditional china, it is believed that the content of the Analects of Confucius were assembled quickly by his followers; immediately after his death. This accurately took place in 479 BCE according to the Chinese beliefs. Modern scholars believe that the sayings were collected after seventy years of the death of Confucius. The modern scholars also believe that little of the word if any of it can be termed as the original words of Confucius. The analects together with the books; the doctrine of the mean, the Mencius, and The famous learning make up the four classics of Confucian thoughts. The Analects of Confucius are similar as the biblical gospels; there are sayings and parables on how an individual should lead a righteous life. The Analects of Confucius display the vivid image of Confucius; as well as his ideas. This is through the changing stand points of the various branches of the schools of thoughts which he founded. The philosophies conveyed through the Analects of Confucius are based on ethical perspectives. Likewise, the biblical gospels teachings are also based on ethical teachings. Both texts have always been comprehended as structured on key ethical concepts. For example; both teachings highlight on the following words; goodness, honesty, righteousness, loyalty, faithfulness, respect and many more ethical terms to mention a few (Confucius, 26). The ideas of the Analects are influenced by characters in the text. These ideas are presented mainly as an act among characters. The characters include; Confucius who was the master, his disciples and his followers. The disciples of Confucius provided characters which were both negative and positive to the audience. This led the way for the followers to follow the positive aspects towards the teachings of Confucius. The characters in the book are referred by various names, all in reflection of the customs of the times. During that period, it was a rule that members of the aristocracy had three types’ names, and they could possess many more names. The three basic types of names fell under the surname which was the family name, personal name which was given at birth and style or polite name which was given at puberty. The narrative voices in the text referred the disciples by their style/ polite name. Confucius is seen as calling his disciples by their personal names. For example; there is a passage where Confucius uses the name “You” when asking a question; in the narrative it is written as “Zilu”. Considering Zilu and You are the same person. The Analects of Confucius focus on the significance of rituals. The spiritual well being of individuals was considered as a major part in the rituals. The spiritual aspect of the teachings was followed in a precise manner. Followers were taught to be spiritually fit. Aspects of righteousness, humility were regarded. Quiz answers 1. A- a series of small kingdoms. 2. E- Persians 3. C- Chandragupta Maurya. 4. E- Ashoka. 5. D- suffered through a long period of chaos marked by a later Dravidian uprising. 6. B- left local government and administration in the hands of their allies. 7. A- Persians. 8. C- understanding the rhythms of the monsoon winds. 9. E- were written during a period when Indian society was strongly matriarchal. 10. B- the rise of guilds, which essentially served as jati. 11. C- thejati. 12. A- reflected the increasingly materialistic character of Indian society. 13. C- the Jain principle of nonviolence. 14. B- Jains. 15. E- Path of Reincarnation. 1. E- usually consisted of independent, autonomous city-states. 2. B- the city-state. 3. A- helots. 4. E- discipline and military talent. 5. B- males and females as long as they owned property. 6. B- lived under the legal authority of their male relatives. 7. A- the will of the gods. 8. B- consuls. 9. A- plebeians 10. A- enormous plantations worked by slaves. 11. C- favored liberal policies and social reform. 12. A- the patriarchal nature of the Roman family. 13. D- one-third 14. A- Stoicism. 15. B- “the anointed one.” Works cited Bentley, Jerry H, Herbert F. Ziegler, and Heather Streets-Salter. Traditions & Encounters: A Brief Global History. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print. Confucius, . The Analects. S.l: Filiquarian Pub, 2006. Print. Mitchell, Joseph R, and Helen B. Mitchell. Taking Sides: The Ancient World to the Pre-Modern Era. Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill Contemporary Learning Series, 2009. Print. Steele, Philip. The Chinese Empire. New York: Rosen Pub, 2009. Print. Read More