Unit 1 Slides C printer-friendly

Page 1

Course Overview

• HIST 2311: Western Civilization I

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Tips for Success in HIST 2311

• Take Notes: Essential for retaining information.

• Slide Outlines: Understand that these are NOT sufficient as notes.

• Key Terms: Focus on recording and studying these.

• Study Routine: Emphasize consistent studying.

• Resources: Use D2L for key terms, slides, and the OER textbook.

• Ask Questions: Important for clarification and understanding.

• Office Hours: Utilize to get help on difficult topics.

• S.I. Sessions & Tutoring: Take advantage of supplemental instruction and one-on-one tutoring.

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Chronological Vocabulary

• B.C.E / C.E.: Equivalent to B.C. / A.D.

• BCE Descending: Time decreases, e.g. 753 BCE to 509 BCE.

• Centuries: Understand terms like "7th C" for the seventh century.

  • 2nd Century CE: 100-199 CE

  • 2nd Century BCE: 199-100 BCE

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Abbreviations in Historical Study

• c. (or ca.): around/about.

• r.: reigned.

• d.: died.

• i.e.: that is.

• e.g.: for example.

• esp.: especially.

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Before the "West"

• Focus: The Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.

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24-Hour Earth Timeline

• 3 Days: Time since the Big Bang.

• 24 Hours: Age of the Earth.

• 20 Hours: Appearance of life.

• 3 Hours: Development of multicellular life.

• 21 Minutes: Dinosaurs extinction occurred.

• 6 Seconds: Appearance of Homo sapiens.

• 1/10th Second: Beginning of civilization.

• 1/100th Second: Columbus's arrival.

• Diagram: Further details are present in linked media.

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Early Homo Sapiens and Genetic Admixture

• E. Africa (c.300 k.y.a.): Origin of Homo sapiens.

• Neanderthals & Denisovans: Existed until c.40 k.y.a. with instances of interbreeding.

• H. Floresiensis: Existed until c.10,000 BCE.

• Lifestyle: Characterized by persistence-hunting.

• Toba Event (c.70 k.y.a.): Significant population reduction (3-10k individuals).

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Upper Paleolithic Developments (50,000–10,000 BCE)

• Cultural Variance: Archery and domesticated dogs appeared c.30,000 BCE.

• Early Domestication: Horses and cats domesticated by c.3500 BCE.

• Artistic Expression: Surges in art and sculpture around c.38,000 BCE; musical instruments trace back to c.25,000 BCE.

• Cave Art: Notable petroglyphs and Venus figurines produced.

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Mesolithic Period (10,000-8000 BCE)

• Post-Ice Age: Rise in population due to favorable conditions.

• Community Structure: Hunter-gatherers lived in small, semi-nomadic groups with communal living.

• Social Structure: Possible sexual division of labor, gathering as primary role.

• Matriarchy?: Discussion on gender roles during the Mesolithic era.

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Natufian Culture (12,500-9,500 BCE)

• Village Development: Emergence of pre-agricultural villages with approximately 60 inhabitants.

• Burial Practices: Use of floor burials and establishment of skull shrines.

• Environmental Impact: Younger Dryas led to village abandonment.

• Agricultural Experimentation: The beginnings of crop cultivation are suggested.

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The Neolithic Revolution: Agriculture - Our Worst Mistake?

• Agricultural Transition: Examining the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agriculture and its consequences.

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Neolithic Tools and Developments (8000-4500 BCE)

• Tools: Introduction of sickles, plows, and mortars as agricultural tools.

• Domestication Milestones: Early instances of plant and animal domestication.

• Geographic Focus: Agriculture originated in the "Fertile Crescent" with regions flourishing by 3000 BCE.

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Domestication of Plants

• Cultivation Techniques: Emphasis on selective re-planting and better seed production.

• Example: Tough rachis shows a significant increase in its prevalence from rarity at 8500 BCE to virtually 100% by 7500 BCE.

• Regional Variations: Demonstrates the diverse practices across different areas.

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Domestication of Animals

• Dogs' Origins: From wolves around c.30,000 BCE in Siberia.

• Earlier Evidence in c.7000 BCE: Domestication of sheep and goats occurred in Iran.

• Region-Specific Trends: Domestication varied by region—different animals were selected in SW Asia, China, India, and the Americas.

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Agricultural Advancements

• Agricultural Benefits: Introduction of domestic animals led to better food stability and resources (e.g., plough and fertilizer).

• Agricultural Techniques: Adoption of crop rotation, fallowing, and irrigation techniques that doubled yields.

• Economic Stability: Reliance on river systems for agriculture marked progress in agricultural societies.

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Population Growth in Neolithic Communities

• Impact of Stable Food Supply: Shift from limited birth rates to larger family sizes (7-8 children).

• Health Outcome: Acknowledgment that half of infants died early due to conditions prevalent in the era.

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Poor Health Trends

• Health Complications: Malnutrition led to average height reduction, increased tooth decay, and susceptibility to disease.

• Settled Living: Static populations increased exposure to illnesses transmitted in dense communities.

• Territorial Conflicts: Enhanced population density could lead to increased warfare and territorial disputes.

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Social Inequality Arising from Agricultural Societies

• Specialization and Hierarchies: Emergence of social classes, priests, warriors, and merchants.

• Land Ownership: Land ownership led to the development of social classes and slavery dynamics.

• Captives' Fate: Exploration of how captives and dispossessed individuals were integrated into societal structures.

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Gender Inequality in Early Societies

• Family Dynamics: Examination of age gaps and family size impacting household labor division, emphasizing devalued labor roles.

• Physical Ailments: The labor-intensive nature of tasks like grinding and weaving led to varying health issues.

• Patrilineal System: Cultural and religious justifications for maintaining sexual inequality are noted.

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Growth of Neolithic Villages

• Population Expansion: Population growth observed with estimates of 300-500 in early settlements compared to smaller Mesolithic populations.

• Craftsmanship Thrive: Surplus resources led to the emergence of craftsmen and the creation of trade networks.

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Jericho and its Significance

• Established Timeline: Settlement dates back to 8000 BCE; expanded Natufian culture around 10,000 BCE.

• Community Size: Development of communities with populations 1-2k by 7000 BCE.

• Architecture: Discussion of protective structures and burial practices.

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Çatal Hüyük Overview

• Settlement Period: From 7500–5600 BCE, with a population ranging 4-7k.

• Unique Architecture: Roof entrances and absence of streets, indicating a different approach to urban development.

• Artisan Production: Craft industries included obsidian, pottery, and bead-making.

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Religion in Neolithic Societies

• Cultural Practices: Examination of grave goods, Venus figurines, and early religious beliefs such as animism and shamanism.

• Agriculture Influence: Transition to agriculture linked to the creation of organized religious practices and temples.

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Göbekli Tepe: Significance

• Monumental Findings: Oldest known monument (approximately 9000 BCE), discovered in 1994.

• Cultural Organization: Indicators of resource allocation and societal structure despite lack of residential signs.

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Introduction to Bronze-Age Mesopotamia (ca. 5500-1200 BCE)

• Key Civilizations: Overview of prominent cultures such as Sumer and Ubaid.

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Sumerian Society and Development

• Chronology: Seriation of Sumer from pre-Sumerian to empires.

• City States: Up to 20 city-states emerged, some with populations reaching 50k.

• Cultural Milestones: Introduction of writing (cuneiform) and technological advancements like the wheel.

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Religion in Mesopotamia

• Mythological Beliefs: Anthropomorphic gods depicted as unpredictable and violent.

• Human Purpose: View that humans were created to serve gods, often reflected in temple practices (e.g., ziggurats).

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Power and Governance in Mesopotamia

• Monarchic Structures: Analysis of royal dynasties and their dominance.

• Cultural Influence: Discussion on the significance of the "Code of Hammurabi" and the role of women.

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Social Structure in Mesopotamia

• Class Divisions: Examination of land ownership among kings, nobles, and commoners.

• Role of Women: Overview of women in society, their legal rights, and literacy.

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Arrival of Indo-Europeans (ca. 2000 BCE)

• Cultural Expansion: The infiltration of Indo-European peoples and the military adaptations (light chariots).

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Hittite Kingdom Overview (1650-1190 BCE)

• Chronology: Structure of Hittite power and conflicts with neighboring regions.

• Significant Events: Sacking of Babylon and military strategies.

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Overview of Bronze-Age Egypt

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Early Egypt Development

• Geographical Advantages: Stability from Nile's flooding led to agricultural and political development.

• Early Writing: Emergence of hieroglyphics, potentially influenced by nearby civilizations.

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Egyptian Dynastic Chronology

• Timeline: Overview of major periods from Early Dynastic to New Kingdom (30 dynasties total).

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Pharaohs and Central Power

• Rulership: Role of the pharaoh as god-king and their influence on society.

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Administrative Structure of Ancient Egypt

• Hieroglyphics Use: Roles of scribes and bureaucratic management of territories.

• Taxation System: Structure and management under the ruling class.

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Religious Beliefs and Burial Practices

• Afterlife Concepts: Importance of mummification and burial items for the afterlife.

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Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

• Construction: Insights into pyramid-building, including labor and the societal impact.

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Dynamics of the Old Kingdom

• Weakness in Later Dynasties: Analysis of internal strife and the transition to the First Intermediate Period.

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Middle Kingdom Developments

• Political Dynamics: Examination of the Hyksos and their impact on Egyptian politics.

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Second Intermediate Period Insights

• Foreign Rule: Hyksos technology influence as an agent of change in Egypt.

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New Kingdom Milestones

• Empire Expansion: Conquests and military strategies under notable pharaohs.

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Amarna Reform under Akhenaten

• Religious Changes: Shift towards henotheism and its implications for Egyptian society.

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Introduction to Aegean Civilizations

• Comparison: Overview of Minoan and Mycenaean cultures with geographical and chronological context.

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Early Minoan Civilization Details

• Timeline: Settlement and cultural development on Crete.

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Minoan Palace Complexes

• Notable Features: Architectural innovations and community arrangements.

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Minoan Culture and Society

• Cultural Themes: Exploration of artistic and societal impressions, including questions of hierarchy and governance.

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Greek Pre-History

• Societal Transitions: The arrival of Indo-Europeans and their effects on earlier Cycladic cultures.

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Mycenaean Greece Overview

• Cultural Integration: The melding of influences from Minoan civilization and the establishment of Linear B.

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Mycenaean Expansion and Militarism

• Society’s Focus: Warlike societies and military artifacts discovered.

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Trojan War and Literature

• Historical Context: Discussion of Homer’s IlIiad and its historical ties to Mycenaean civilization.

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Mycenaean Collapse

• Pivotal Events: Overview of the decline of Mycenaean society and factors leading to the period termed Greek Dark Ages.

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Archaeological Findings Post-Collapse

• Cultural Connections: Ties between Mycenaeans and Philistines, supported by findings.

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Impact of the Bronze Age Collapse

• Regional Consequences: Examination of the broader impacts on various civilizations concurrent with Mycenaean decline.

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The Role of Sea Peoples

• Cultural Interactions: Detailed descriptions of these groups and their effect on Mediterranean civilizations.

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Possible Explanations for Collapse

• Theoretical Frameworks: Suggestions of climatic and economic factors leading to societal breakdowns.

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Consequences of the Greek Dark Ages

• Characteristics of the Era: Overview of societal changes, including loss of literacy and cultural identity.

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Overview of the Iron Age Near East (1050-486 BCE)

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Hebrew Origins and Traditions

• Historical Context: Exploration of the Hebrew identity as related in scriptural accounts.

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The Torah and Its Compilation

• Documentary Hypothesis: Discussions around the development of the religious text.

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Timeline of Biblical Composition

• Chronological Overview: Presentation of the timeline for the Old and New Testaments.

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Hebrew Religion Insights

• Cultural Practices: Examination of religious beliefs, including the Covenant and priestly traditions.

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Early Israelite Kingdom Dynamics

• Key Figures: Discussion on Saul, David, and Solomon and their contributions to early state formation.

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Division of the Kingdoms: Israel and Judah

• Political Changes: Analysis of historical events that led to the division and subsequent conquests.

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Assyrian Empire Overview (850-605 BCE)

• Military Strength: Examination of Assyrian strategies and their effects on neighboring territories.

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Early Persian Society and Religion

• Zoroastrian Influence: The rise of Zoroastrianism and its impact on later religious thought.

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Rise of the Achaemenid Empire

• Conquests: Overview of Cyrus's and Cambyses's conquests that included multiple regions.

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Darius I and Expansion

• Pressure for Expansion: Discussion on the motivations and challenges Darius faced during expansion efforts.

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Persian Rule and Governance

• Administration: The organization and distribution of power in the Persian Empire, including satrapies and royal communication systems.