Early Civilizations - Essay Example

Describe the basic elements of civilization and identify which element changed early human life and early human communities the most. Any given civilization is characterized by presence of a culture, form of government, its outward maneuvers towards other societies and civilizations. The manner in which the given civilization undertakes the mutual coexistence of others and accommodates them within themselves make up for the basic elements of a civilization. Quest for knowledge, expansion beyond the seas, and mutual co existence or desire for overcoming the rival civilizations at that time changed the human life and led to the modern day progress. Was Sumerian Civilization exclusively male dominated? Historians support both views. Cite evidence to support arguments for BOTH views. Which view do you think is more valid? Why? Sumarian civilization has been studied to show that it had traces of accommodation and influence of both the genders. Despite this there are number of views expressed based on which the difference is expressed. For example with reference to men’s influence and traces of presence can be traced from the Remnants of Lemuria. Kubaba’s mention goes into history and one of the effective and influential queen of Sumerian civilization. This leads to show that the civilization had equal space and accommodation for the women as well. The fact that men were relatively more dominant and ruled the civilization is more dominant. This can be supported based on the fact that more number of male rulers rose to the seat than female rulers. Discuss some of the possible reasons why Mesopotamia saw so many different civilizations from the Sumerians to the Persians, while civilization in the Nile Valley remained essentially unchanged for three millennium. Mesopotamia was rich with regard to the civilizations and their drives towards it. This was characterized by the fact that it offered the most fertile terrain, it further offered the Nile valley association, it allowed for a strong hold against the enemies, and since it had become a custom for those who overcame Mesopotamia were the most influential ones and were in the spot light, therefore it served as the seat of civilizations through the centuries. Discuss the organization of the Athenian democratic system. Was it a democracy? In what ways is Athenian democracy similar to American democracy? In what ways is it different? Athenian democratic system is often termed as one of the initial form of people centric government that the modern world has seen. It was a democracy based on the grounds that it proclaimed being the representative and form of government which served the common man’s interests. It can be compared to the American democracy based on the grounds that it offered number of features such as the voting mechanism, the taxation system and other basic human rights and civil rights protection. All this is promised in the American constitution. The difference it bore to American democracy was the concept of adult franchise which restricted the voting mechanism to only set of adult individuals only. The period of the classical age of Greece is known for its literary, artistic, and intellectual achievements. Describe the Greeks’ achievements in one of the following arenas: the writing of history, drama, the arts, and philosophy. What universal human concerns did these same achievements reflect? The Greek achievements were rich on multiple accounts. They introduced concept of astrology, the space concepts, their introduced rich pieces of literature. They had a profound impact on the human development in the form of literature, society and culture. Also, their knowledge and progress made was transformed to the other generations and other civilizations making the overall process of transformation effective. Does Alexander the Great Merit His Exalted Historical Reputation? Historians support both views. Cite evidence to support arguments for BOTH views. Which view do you think is more valid? Why?  Alexander the Great is a figure and personality epitomized and mentioned generation after generation as a symbol of pride, bravery, success, diligence and achievements in terms of the conquests, ruling over the people and establishing his influence over his subjects and defeating his rival. Based on the amount of achievements the individual has accomplished which often seem improbable make up for the Great Man (Freeman, 2011). The other dimension to Alexander’s personality that is often discussed is the potential brutal side the individual possessed. This comes along in the form of the manner in which he went about his rivals and destroyed them totally. It has been said that Roman culture was not very original, only a copy of the Greek. Prove or disprove this idea. The Romans are believed to have copied and followed major parts of the Greek culture. They are believed to have directly copied their architecture, their artifacts, their cultural traits and various other similar functions of quality that were at one time associated with the Roman Empire. The bronze medals for example are considered to have been copied from the Greek civilization pattern. Etruscans for example is termed as the replica and follow up of what was the originally Greek civilization. "The fall of the Roman Republic was due to systemic institutional weaknesses rather than the personal ambitions generals and politicians." Agree or disagree and explain. The Roman Republic saw a gradual decline. It was not a fortnight affair, rather a step wise decline. This decline came about in the form of loss of all the traits, qualities and functions based on which they had once conquered and dominated the world. They had grown to fame and strength through the military strength, the artistry they possessed. All this was lost with passage of time, as the skills, command, and professionalism evaporated from their ranks leading to the gradual decline and decay of the once greatest civilization. It has been said of the Romans that two of their major contributions to Western civilization were in the areas of law and engineering. What exactly did the Romans achieve in each area? The Roman law which they introduced is largely applicable in a direct and indirect manner. So much so, the laws introduced are even applicable to the practical and international intercourse of the nations. Other laws pertain to the municipal laws and other legal aspects. The broad line dynamic nature and accommodative of the various civilizations and developments made the civilization law mechanism more effective. In the case of engineering, their contributions alone to the field of fine arts and other designs and scripture speak of the overall creativity and contribution provided by them. The giant buildings in the form of Coliseum along with the Olympus are few of the hallmarks and signature designs that were developed under the Roman Empire. Explain the factors involved in the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. It has been said that Christian experience as outlaws and hunted fugitives was crucial to the successful development of the Christian church. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? What were Justinians major goals and how did he try to achieve them? How successful was he in actually achieving those goals? Justinian was famous and important in the context of the entire civilization for number of factors. Owing to the overall achievements and contributions rendered by him, he was often dubbed as the last and the most influential of the Roman rulers. He had number of features and contributions to his name. The most prominent and contributing one was in the form of editing and presenting the Roman law in a more comprehensive manner that we see today. Part B   1. Describe feudalism. It has been said that feudalism was the perfect political system for the Middle Ages. Explain. The feudal system is a concept based on the superiority of the lord or the affiliation and allegiance to the clan and family members. Under this form of ruling the loyalties are rendered to the people of same society and same tribe. This system was pre dominantly in practice in the Middle Ages. It was effective based on the account of fact that the lord had considerable amount of power in those times. He had the power over the steam engine and had wealth and influence winning the loyalties and ensuring unity within the ranks. Compare Islamic civilization to the civilization of Western Europe in the ninth and tenth centuries. Why was it superior? How did they mutually affect one another? The Islamic civilization that prospered towards 9th and 10th century was marked by tolerance, enlightenment, quest for knowledge, travelling expeditions, scientific quests, research and development, medical research and inventions and many more concepts that are used in the modern times. It was superior on the account of fact that it brought about natural touch with it. The second fact was the believe in science and rationality against the myth that had long prevailed. It complimented European civilization through the common message of development and human welfare.  What were some of the reasons for the revival of trade and the growth of cities in the Middle Ages? The middle Ages saw the introduction of the steam engine and introduction of the wheel for transportation means. This in turn led to more active interaction and mobilization among the masses who were previously deprived of active contact. Another reason for improvement in the trade mechanism was the fact that people had started a drift towards cities centers and the process of urbanization was on the rise. Improved health care facilities and other functions in the form of hospitals availability also led to the expansion in trade and overall progress. 2.  Does the modern university have its roots in the Islamic world? Historians support both views. What are some of the arguments that both support and refute this idea? In your opinion, which argument is more credible? Explain. The modern universities clearly have their roots in the teachings and the civilization of Islam of the middle ages. This can be supported by the fact that large number of individuals who contributed to the early days of science were from the Muslim society. The names of these individuals and influential include Jabbar Ibn-Hayan, Ibn-Al-Haitan, Avi Cena, and many more notables who contributed in the different fields of medicine, eye care, astrology and many more associated field. The second concept that prevails regarding this is the fact and believe that it was the scientific quests for themselves in the post 17th century which led to the modern day progress. The introduction of the tube light along with the steam engine made it all possible. 3. Were the Crusades primarily motivated by religious factors? Historians support both views. What are some of the arguments that both support and refute this idea? In your opinion, which argument is more credible? Explain. There are two interpretations to the Crusades. The first supports the claim that they were religious outfits and opposing the established. The second is of the view that the locals only aimed at protecting against the kind of offensive that are largely on display. The second narrative goes about saying that Crusaders no religious nor historic affiliation, 4.  To what extent were climate and disease key factors in producing economic and social changes? The climate in the different parts of the world decided and determined the overall growth of the nations and civilizations through the overall course of history. The nations with temperate climate were able to make more progress, while those stuck in the non temperate climates were restricted in their mobility. Similarly the spread of disease led to the people migrating at a higher rate and looking for areas that were free of any kind of epidemic. 5.  Discuss Italian Renaissance humanism. What does the word humanism mean? Who were the humanists? What were their goals? Did they achieve them? The Renaissance saw number of progress and changed ideas. One of them that broadly defined the West at that time was humanism. Humanism in general pertains to the welfare of others and protecting them in whatever way possible. Thomas Hobbs, Jean John Rossque and Voltaire were few of the major renaissance leaders at that time. August Comte, Herbert Spencer are few of the humanists from that era along with many sociologists. 6.  Compare and contrast the chief ideas of Calvinism, Anabaptism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism. What did they have in common? How were they different? Under the concept of Calvinism, The operation is in full fledge. Anabaptism, as the name implies to the teachings and believes of the Holy Christ on Monday. Luteranism is phenomena in which attach sub equal… 7. What factors contributed to the successes of the West in the age of discovery or encounter? There were number of factors that enabled the growth and success of West. The first and foremost was the abolishing of the tyrannical rules. The second was restricting the usage and interpretation of the clergy to a limited scale. Thirdly, the introduction of steam engine along with various other components within the society allowed for a more dynamic outlook and more opportunities of development and progress as a whole. 8.  Were the voyages of Christopher Columbus a positive force in world history? Historians support both views. What are some of the arguments that both support and refute this idea? In your opinion, which argument is more credible? Explain. The voyages of Christopher Columbus can be easily termed as the exploration and discovery of the other half of the world. It was important because it gave rise to the concepts like the North and South Americas. It further gave rise to the concept of broader expansions. He was the only main leader at that time towards the 15th century to have undertaken the journey. The second one was Zheng He of China. The fact that Columbus did not negate the idea of massive expansion and reaching out to other parts speak of the overall success he achieved. References: Freeman, P. (2011). Alexander the Great. Simon and Schuster Read More