Development Of Cities - Assignment Example

Development Of Cities Early civilization was influenced by a myriad of factors. Development of economic centers was one of the factors that necessitated the civilization of the ancient communities. According to Herbert Muller, development of cities has been seen among several communities as a sign of civilization. He cites the examples of the civilization of Sumer that happened as a result of the development of cities by the Sumerians in the valleys of rivers Tigris and Euphrates. Another accompanying economic factor was the development of irrigation systems along the rivers. This indicates that the rivers were very influential geographical features in the sense that they consolidated people for a common objective. Through this development, the region became an early center of civilization. Rivers among other geographical features played a very important role in consolidating people together so that they could engage in economic activities. According to Robert Braidwood, “most historians and anthropologists point to agricultural revolution… as the central development in this transformation to civilization.” In another instance, the Nile was also a landmark geographical feature that facilitated early civilization in Egypt. The Hymn to the Nile provides first-hand information of how the Egyptians perceived the Nile and the relationship that their relationship with their deity. These aspects made people come together hence the development of the early centers of civilization. Apart from geographical factors, other influential factors made it possible for early civilization to be achieved. The political leadership played a pivotal role in the consolidating people together for a common objective. This can be viewed through the modern management systems, organizations that have good management are able to outdo those that are mismanaged. For example in Egypt, the Pharaoh was a very influential leader in this early center of civilization. As documented in the Hymn to the Pharaoh, the people demonstrated allegiance and commitment to their leadership. They heaped praise and demonstrated their contentment to the pharaoh through the hymn. The artwork has revealed several of the ancient civilizations. For example, ‘The Royal Standard of Ur’ helps in realizing that aspects of peace and war dominated in the course of early civilization. The availability of peace is an indicator that people will have the freedom to live whatever they wanted and do whatever pleased them. However, war brings a different perspective, in this case, people are forced to cluster as well as develop strategies to neutralize the enemy. In the process of regrouping and fighting their enemies, early civilization emerged. Apart from demonstrating aspects of war, paintings were used to show what economic activities brought about the civilization. The Egyptian Wall Painting at the tomb of Menna provides information on the economic activities that facilitated early civilization in Egypt. According the paintings, it is evident that farming played a pivotal role in the development of early civilization. It is apparent that various features influenced the development of early civilization. Vol 1, Ch 3, Qn 2 Advantages Firstly, it was very convenient for the Greeks to utilize their talents for the benefit of the entire community. This facilitated the tremendous development of the region resulting in civilization. In Greece, insurmountable talent by a few individuals from the small population characterized their civilization. The prowess of these people made the region exhibit strength over their neighbors; this made them become aggressive in capitalizing on whatever opportunities came forth from among themselves as well as from other regions. Another advantage is that they were aggressive, focused and critical. It was possible to change the ideologies of the population using parameters that affect them. Due to their critical nature, they attracted other regions to their philosophy. Therefore, it would be easy to change how people perceive different aspects. In addition, it would be very efficient to manipulate people to conform to their expectations. This boosted civilization in a great way. As demonstrated through evidence, Greek civilization was characterized by positive development. There was enhanced democracy, philosophy exhibited growth, drama, and art became part of them. Such developments motivated the people to advance, as they felt superior and competent to handle issues that faced their region as well as other regions. Small groups were very important in the provision of security in Greece. It was easy and convenient to defend a smaller group compared to the large population. Their expertise and prowess enabled them to defend themselves hence enhanced security was evident. The smaller population provides a platform for minimal consumption of the products being made. This results in trade and other economic activities. They usually found an opportunity to trade because they had no place to take the surplus. This strengthened the economic status of the region as well as facilitating other economic developments. The Greeks were well educated and understood how to deal with other people. They took advantage of collapsed civilizations as well as ignorance from the uncivilized so that they could further their interest. When it came to trade, these people knew where to source and where to sell outside their own territory. According to Finley Hooper, the Greeks’ intelligence and scientific accomplishments propelled them to become a center of early civilization. The region experienced a lot of democracy that made the people be free at all times. The individuals are at a pleasure of doing whatever pleases then, hence the ability to develop innovative as well as creative mechanisms. It promotes efficiency. Being in small groups, the people of Greece capitalized on the ability to know one another as they engaged in various developments. The people were rational and curious hence they found themselves not only attracting the attention of other people but also reaching out to other regions and emerging as the leaders. They also demonstrated their prowess through discoveries that are some of which are still influential in the world to date. Disadvantages There was a big gap between the creative minority and the rest of the small-scale developers. Despite the population being small, there was the evident disparity between the two factions of people. In case of a heavy attack, lack of reinforcement is likely because their numbers are limited hence the empire remains vulnerable. However, the presence of heavily talented and trained personnel can increase the chances of success. Vol 1, Ch 4, Qn 3 It is apparent that both early civilizations began as city-states. Rome was located in a geographically strategic position, on one side there was the sea while on the other there were the mountains. This made this region interact with other people outside its region. On the other hand, Greece had several city-states that were isolated from one another by the mountains and the irregular coastline. Greek artistic works were very developed and were superior to those of the Romans. Those of Romans were very decorative and depicted several imitations while that of the Greek was very creative and demonstrated originality. Both civilizations were very religious. Festus de Colleges points out that despite being a bit secular, the Romans just like Greeks upheld religious beliefs. In history, the most popular gods and goddesses are those from either Greek or Rome. However, Greeks had dominance in mythology. For example in Rome, the goddess of love was Venus while among the Greeks it was Aphrodite. These gods had differences between the two centers of civilization. The naming of Roman gods has mimicked the naming of the solar system. According to an ancient Greek author, Homer explains the existence of these gods. While both city-states exhibited political systems, that of Rome was more powerful and advanced. The rise of the Roman Empire came after the collapse of Greek as an early center of civilization. The stability of the political system provided Rome with a number of benefits that helped strengthen the empire. Education and utilization of talent played a pivotal role in the development of both civilizations. Greek had a few talented individuals who utilized their prowess for the good of the community. In addition, philosophers emerged that provided knowledge and information. On the other hand, the Romans treasured education very much. According to Cicero, his success as an author and orator was as a result of the education he acquired through the Roman education system. The Roman Empire arose in response to conflict. In order to protect their territory from the enemies, the Romans came together to fight them. This drew large numbers of people who shared common objectives hence the civilization was developed. Large armies emerged that became professional soldiers with the full support of the people. This also facilitated the development of a strong political system that helped stabilize the country. However, the rise of influential generals brought down the existing political systems and hence resulted in the downfall of the Roman Empire. On the other hand, the unity of the Greeks was coercive. The rise of education and philosophy played a very important role in fostering the integration of the people. In addition, having small population integration was much easy and there was the need to come together to counter invasions. Vol 1, Ch 5, Qn 1 Christian rules were very exclusive, in both cases, they did not accommodate anything that went contrary to what they believed in. As Dodds mentions, “they refused to concede any value to alternative forms of worship.” On the other hand, the Romans relied on diverse thoughts, beliefs, and philosophies. This shows that there were a number of available alternatives when it came to aspects of worship. In addition, they had a number of gods while Christianity only focused on one God. While the different alternatives presented confusion and relied upon the conviction of individuals, the Christian faith brought one choice that as irrevocable. Social, economic, religious, as well as political stratifications were evident all over the Roman Empire. The reputation, respect, and treatment that was directed towards individuals were based on all these variables. This brought inequality among the people and the rise of the feeling that some individuals were better than others and in essence required special treatment. In contrary, Christianity brought a view of equality among all. In addition, it was presented as a religion that accommodated diverse groups irrespective of their social, economic or political standing. Those who the society had neglected such as the prostitutes, ex-criminals, outcasts, and slaves among others were placed at the same level with rulers and other people. The teachings of the Bible advocated that there was only one God over all creation; His view towards humanity was the same irrespective of the diversity. There was a common view among most of the Roman religions and Christianity that there was a better life after death. Earthly life had been presented with a very low value compared to the life that would be given by the supernatural deity in another world. Despite the same position held, Christianity held that the promise and hope of a better place were real and based it on the reality of the teachings of Jesus. It presented itself as a religion of hope hence gained more popularity compared to the other religions. Contrary to the perception by most of the Roman religions and philosophies that their main objective was to have a better life in the other world, Christianity stood for a better life on earth too. The Christian gatherings created a community that was to care for their earthly needs as they look at the plights of other members of the society irrespective of whether they professed Christianity or not. Common rites, as well as a common way of life, were the principle of Christianity. Social security was at the core of the church while most of the other religions neglected this and focused on the other world. Read More