Peoples in the Eastern Mediterranean

Eastern Mediterranean Civilizations

Overview of Political Power

  • Post-1200 B.C. Landscape

    • No dominant power in western Asia emerged after 1200 B.C.

    • Phoenicians became the leading trading kingdom in the eastern Mediterranean.

    • Israelites: did not establish an empire, but contributed significantly to world religion through Judaism, influencing Christianity and Islam.

Role of Nomadic Peoples

Characteristics of Nomadic Life

  • Survival Techniques: Depended on hunting, gathering, herding, and farming.

  • Pastoral Nomads: Key group; sometimes overran settled communities to form empires.

    • Domesticated animals for food and clothing.

    • Followed migratory routes for their livestock.

Contributions to Civilization

  • Carried products between civilizations, aiding in the exchange of technologies (e.g., bronze and iron).

  • Overpopulation/Drought Impacts: Could lead to attacks on settled communities for resources.

Indo-Europeans

  • Significance: One of the most notable nomadic groups.

  • Language: Derived from a single parent tongue; languages include Greek, Latin, Persian, and others.

  • Origins: Likely from the steppe region by the Black Sea or Southwest Asia, migrating around 2000 B.C. into Europe and western Asia.

  • Formed the Hittite Kingdom in Asia Minor around 1750 B.C.

Hittite Empire

  • Established between 1600 B.C. and 1200 B.C.; threatened Egyptian power.

  • Pioneered the use of iron weapons which were stronger and more accessible due to abundant iron ore.

Sea Peoples and the Rise of Small Kingdoms

  • Around 1200 B.C.: The Sea Peoples invaded and destroyed the Hittite Empire.

  • Resulted in a power vacuum in western Asia, allowing city-states like the Phoenicians to rise.

The Phoenicians

Geographic and Political Context

  • Resided along a 120-mile stretch of land on the eastern Mediterranean coast.

  • Political independence post-Hittite and Egyptian power collapse bolstered trade expansion.

Economic Contributions

  • Major cities included Byblos, Tyre, and Sidon; engaged in trade of goods like purple dye, glass, and cedar.

  • Developed advanced shipbuilding techniques and became prominent international traders; created trade routes extending to the Atlantic Ocean, including settlements in Britain and along the African coast.

  • Carthage: Their most famous colony, significant for trade and cultural exchange.

Trade Innovations

  • Created the round boat, well suited for trade expeditions.

  • The Phoenician trading system laid the foundations for the Mediterranean trade network.

Cultural Legacy

  • Developed a simplified alphabet; influential for future writing systems including the Greek and Roman alphabets.

The Israelites

Historical Context

  • Southern neighbors to the Phoenicians; their religion, Judaism, became significant despite their minor political influence.

  • Tradition claims descent from the patriarch Abraham; migrated from Mesopotamia to Canaan.

Key Historical Events

  • Migrated to Egypt due to drought; enslaved until the exodus led by Moses.

  • Established a united kingdom of Israel between 1200 B.C. and 1000 B.C.

    • King David: Expanded territory, made Jerusalem the capital.

    • King Solomon: Known for building the temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing the height of Israel's power.

Divided Kingdom

  • Post-Solomon tensions led to two kingdoms: Israel (north) and Judah (south).

  • The Assyrians destroyed Israel c. 721 B.C.; many Israelites became the “ten lost tribes.”

  • The Chaldeans conquered Judah, destroying Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and starting the Babylonian exile.

Jewish Identity and Beliefs

  • Monotheism: Belief in one God who is just and compassionate.

  • The concepts of covenants introduced with Moses during the exodus.

  • The Torah illustrated essential laws, including the Ten Commandments.

    • Prophets introduced social justice principles and warned against moral failings.

    • Jewish traditions emphasized individual responsibilities and community welfare.

Maintaining Identity

  • Resistance against adopting neighboring gods aided in the preservation of Jewish identity.

  • After Babylonian exile, people of Judah re-established their community and contributed to the formation of Jewish identity.

The Minoans

Overview

  • The Minoan civilization existed on Crete from 2700 B.C. to 1450 B.C.

  • They were distinct from the Greeks but significantly influenced later Greek culture.

Archaeological Discoveries

  • Discovered by Arthur Evans; he linked it to King Minos after excavating the palace at Knossos.

  • Minoans engaged in trade with Egypt and mainland Greece, exporting goods like pottery and jewelry.

Cultural Significance

  • The elaborate layouts of Minoan palaces included sophisticated drainage systems and artistic decorations, reflecting their advanced culture.

  • The civilization mysteriously collapsed around 1450 B.C., possibly due to natural disasters or invasions.