Classical Civilizations Change Over Time

Stearns, Peter N. et al. World Civilizations: The Global Experience, AP Edition. New York: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc., Longman, 2003.

A golden age is a period of cultural accomplishments brought on by economic prosperity and relative peace. The Roman empire experienced a golden age after the fall of the Roman Republic, arguably one of the greatest golden ages in history. The Pax Romana began in 27 B.C. and it reigned for 200 years before falling. The Pax Romana was a time of great prosperity with many accomplishments. The Pax Romana was not only significant because of the amount of wealth and power it wielded at the time, but it also contributed an enormous amount to society today. These contributions can be seen in many things like literature, currency, religion, medicine, etc. These accomplishments is what made them thrive during their golden age and help us thrive today. Their advanced society is one of the many things that shapes us today .Some of their greatest accomplishments were the architecture and their strong military and government. There were some important accomplishments in architecture and political and military structure that greatly influenced us today. The most important and influential of these achievements was the peace and stability they achieved.

Over the course of human history, humans and our ancestors have made tremendous strides. From Homo habilis making the first stone tools to the Egyptians building The Pyramids of Giza, human history is nothing short of intriguing. If it wouldn’t have been for each stride made by our ancestors we probably wouldn’t live in the world that we live in today. When the Neolithic Era began in 9600 BCE, human civilizations gradually started to spring up all over the world. Humans set up civilizations from Mesopotamia in the Middle East, to China in East Asia, and all the way to Caral-Supe in South America. Although these ancient civilizations were separated by thousands of miles, they all share common patterns and

1. Trade networks in the post-Classical era has seen a range variety of the established and new networks of people’s exchanges crossing several regions. Extraordinary amount of wealth and growth emerged through cultural exchanges. Advanced transportation, the many different governing policies and business practices led to the widespread connection of networks which also contributed to the cultural, biological and technological spread throughout societies.

Have you ever wondered the difference in ancient civilizations? I am going to tell you about the differences in these civilizations; Rome, China, and Persia. Two of these places are still here, but the other was taken over and is no longer in existence. Though these places are old, they have played a big part in the growth of humanity. They have played a major part in our culture, religion, and everyday activities. Many of the things that we do today are based upon what they did way back in these times. Without Rome, China, and Persia: Do you think we would be the same as we are today? They are all different, but they have one thing in common, they helped evolve the human species.

The differences between Classical Athens and Han China were major and distinctive. The background information, government, values of the individual, and art of each society show how differently each empire developed.

What made Asia one of the most influential, intercontinental, and powerful nations during the ancient world? Was it the spread of new religion? The bustling trade? Or was it the knowledge and communication spread throughout the continent? In the book When Asia was the World, Stewart Gordon analyses journals, primary text, and personal accounts of life in Asia during this time. We see the view of the world through merchants, traders, scholars, philosophers, travelers, and generals, from 500 – 1500 CE. Although this book seems like it is emphasizing the importance of travel in the ancient world, it is actually about how trade spread valuable goods, services, and knowledge that made Asia the center of civilization.

An interesting question to ask oneself about ancient civilizations is “How did the various governments keep their respective populations under control?” By taking a look at some of the literature and forms of art, one can get an idea of the crafty techniques used by leaders to control the populace. The concept of social control has been around as long as civilizations have been. This can be seen in the Roman stoic ideals portrayed in the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, the Four Noble Truth’s teachings in India, and the emphasis on harmony in China with the Chinese Bronze Bell. It’s interesting to see the ways works of art and even religious texts were used to control the common people.

During the years of 3500 BC to 2500 BC, the geography of a land often impacted a civilizations development in great measures. Depending on the resources available or the detriments present due to certain topographical characteristics like rivers or deserts, a civilization could flourish or collapse. By studying the geographic features of growing societies like the Nile, Euphrates, and Tigris Rivers as well as the Mediterranean Sea of Egypt and Mesopotamia, the link between developing cultures and geography will be examined through sources, including Egypt: Ancient Culture, Modern Land edited by Jaromir Malek and Babylon: Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization by Paul Kriwaczek. To determine the extent

Many ancient civilizations have changed the way we live today. Sumerians invented the first language, Hammurabi invented the first set of laws, Egyptians created pyramids, and so many other ways that ancient people made the building blocks of the way our society lives today. It amazes me how God gave us brains to figure out ways to make life so much easier!

The ancient Greeks and Romans were perhaps two of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. These two civilizations thrived in their ancient environments which eventually led to a vast amount of prosperity within these two cultures. It is because of this prosperity that these ancient cultures were able to make a variety of advancements in literature, architecture, art and a variety of other fields. These two civilizations also produced some of the ancient world’s greatest writers, leaders, and philosophers. The cultures of ancient Greece and Rome made a number of contributions to western civilization in the form of advancements in literature, architecture, art, government, and philosophy.

The world of Late Antiquity is written by Peter Brown, a Professor of History at Princeton University. This book is an entertaining introductory text to the Late Antique period, AD 150 to 750. Brown delivers an entertaining account and perspective of how and why the Late Antique world came to differ from “Classical civilization.” Instead of focusing on the cause and effect of the civilization’s downfall, Brown emphasizes the changes that occurred and men’s reaction to them. His thesis centers around social and cultural changes and specifically states:

When a civilization goes through a golden age, they are remembered for their marvelous achievements and extravagance. A golden age occurs when a society goes through a time of peace and harmony. Along with this, the society experiences economic prosperity, political stability, and a series of cultural achievements. The Byzantine Empire, which lasted from 330 A.D. to the mid 1400s, is an excellent example of a golden age. The Byzantine Empire became wealthy by being an economic center of the world, connecting Asia and Europe. Under Emperor Justinian, the capital of Constantinople became a center of wealth, which helped usher in a golden age. The Byzantine Empire was a golden age because it had many architectural achievements as well as political achievements that have had lasting impacts on today’s societies.

Question: Try to imagine what it was like to live during that time and in that place. What was it that caused the transition from Neolithic life to 'civilization?' What were some of the major features of those civilizations that you found interesting?

The ancient Greeks and Romans were two of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. The two civilizations thrived in their ancient environments which eventually led to a large amount of wealth within these two cultures. It is because of this that these ancient cultures were able to make a variety of advancements in literature, architecture, art and many other fields. These two civilizations also produced some of the ancient world’s greatest leaders and philosophers. The cultures of ancient Greece and Rome made many contributions to western civilization in the form of advancements in literature, architecture, art, government, and philosophy.