In the past, rivers and river valleys were a fundamental aspect of survival, this is the main reason in which many civilization initiated near rivers. The result of this, was witnessed by an increase in human population in locations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India. With the growing number of people, the necessity to maintain sustainable food supply was very important. This eventually led people to protect their resources and thus build walls to govern and defend their own cities. This has led to what we now call a government.
With this new form of urban civilization, people depended on religion to explain reasons behind existence. Religion also helped in conducting moral codes so everyone would follow the same rituals in order to please the god, gods, or goddesses.
Another element of civilization which is social structure was based and controlled by those who had high economic power and high and important religious figures(ex: priests). Those figures would control and dominate every aspect of society.
As for the last two elements of civilization which are Writing and art ,they were encouraged greatly through that period. The demand of the upper class society to have luxurious goods, enabled many to engage in artistic occupations . This allowed many civilians to find job opportunities other than farming and working in fields. Writing was also very important as people used it to keep accurate records of their daily routines. Those writings has also benefited us greatly , as it has given us so much insight about past civilizations.
Questions:
- Why was there an increase in population in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India?
- Why did old civilizations build walls around their cities?
- Who controlled the high status in society?
References:
Spielvogel, J.J. (2003). World history. Ohio: Glencoe McGraw Hill
Mesepotamia [Photograph]. Retrived July 8, 2011, from: http://musica-cra.wikispaces.com/MESOPOTAMIA
1- The increase in population in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India is due to the presence of the basic and fundemental aspects for survival such as being placed beside rivers can offer people water. Another example is the presence of valleys and the ability to plant and bring out food.
ReplyDelete3-High status in society is controlled by those who have high economic level,high and important religious status
ReplyDeleteThey built walls to keep people from coming in and also for decorative purposes. The walls were filled with pictures of fights with the enemies.
ReplyDelete