Choose one geographical area in which civilization first developed (Mesopotamia and Egypt). Why do you think that a complex society emerged in that particular geographic area?
The Origin of Civilization ( History 101
In Unit 1, we will explore the origins of civilization and thus the birth of history. Since the early evolution of our species, nearly two hundred thousand years ago, humans lived a nomadic existence as hunter-gatherers, fashioning tools from stones. Around thirty thousand years ago humans began to leave impressive artistic remains, such as cave paintings and small sculptures. Human existence changed fundamentally about ten thousand years ago, with the invention of agriculture, the domestication of plants and animals that facilitated permanent settlements. This time in human history, known as the Neolithic (New Stone Age) witnessed the emergence of civilizations - complex societies that possess a governmental structure, urban centers, social stratification, and in many cases a system of writing. The invention of writing around 3100 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia is the beginning of history - the period of human civilization that possesses written records.
As we compare the conditions necessary for the development and existence of ancient civilizations, it will be important to consider the definition of “civilization” and how its meaning varies over time and across geographical landscapes. Early civilizations emerged along major river valleys by the fifth millennium BCE: between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Mesopotamia, the Nile in Egypt, the Indus River in Pakistan and India, and the Yellow River in China. In this unit, we will explore the chief features of two of these civilizations - Egypt and Mesopotamia - their unique aspects as well as their commonalities.
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
1. Discuss early human progression from prehistory through to the development of ancient civilizations.
2. Compare the social, political, military, and religious dimensions of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The image to the left is linked to an interactive map where you can see the approximate geographical location and learn more information about the civilizations discussed in this unit. If you are accessing this course from the Blackboard mobile application, you will need to visit the link or open the Interactive Map pdf listed below.
• Unit 1 Interactive Map
• Unit 1 Interactive Map Text Transcript
Be sure to review the course information page where you will find the syllabus and other important course details.
Introductions Discussion
In this discussion forum, introduce yourself to the rest of the class. You might include what your major is here at Post University, what you hope to learn in this course, and what your interests are outside of school.
Post your initial response by Wednesday at 11:59pm EST.
Topic 1
Unit Topic 1 - Egypt
Around the year 3100 BCE, writing developed in Egypt, called hieroglyphs, enabling us to know a significant amount of information about their political, social, and military organization. Egyptian history is divided into dynasties that are themselves grouped according to kingdoms: the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. While these periods are times of cultural continuity, the pyramid-building focus of the Old Kingdom can be contrasted with the imperial ambitions of the New Kingdom.
Wallech, S., Daryaee, T., Hendricks, C., Negus, A. L., Wan, P. P., & Bakken, G. M. (2013). World history volume I: A concise thematic analysis (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Chapter 3: Pre-Islamic Africa- Egyptian, Nilotic, and Sub-Saharan Africa, pp. 52-66
Definition of a civilization and the various features associated with early civilizations.
Brown, C. S. (n.d.). What is a civilization anyway? World History Connected.
Discussion of the legal and social status of women in ancient Egypt.
The status of women in Egyptian society. (n.d.). Cornell University Library.
Overview of ancient Egyptian history and political structure.
Watch Video
Ancient Egypt: Crash Course World History #4
User: CrashCourse - Added: 2/16/12
YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3Wvw6BivVI
