MESOPOTAMIA The Fertile Crescent Fertile Crescent Between the
MESOPOTAMIA The Fertile Crescent
Fertile Crescent Between the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf
MESOPOTAMIA – THE FERTILE CRESCENT “ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS” What is a civilization, and how does one form?
MESOPOTAMIA What role did the physical environment play in the development of Sumerian civilization? • • Could support many people Agriculture (Farming villages grew) • Highly Organized How did Mesopotamia receive its name? Greeks Why? It was between two rivers The land “between the rivers”
MESOPOTAMIA What was the climate of Mesopotamia? Little Rain Depended on the Melting Snow (Seasonal) Was this significant in the Mesopotamian society? Yes Why? The Tigris and Euphrates would overflow leaving fertile silt It gave rich land for farming Yet: They could not predict the flooding
MESOPOTAMIA Since they could not predict the flooding, what did they do? Learned to control the flow of the rivers How? Irrigation and drainage ditches Thus: Farmers could grow crops regularly This abundance of food increased population and Civilization Emerged
MESOPOTAMIA City-States of Ancient Mesopotamia What is a city-state? a state with political and economic control over the surrounding countryside What was the buildings made out of? Mud (Bricks) Why? Little wood, but plenty of mud
MESOPOTAMIA City-States of Ancient Mesopotamia What contributions did the Mesopotamians make to building? The Arch The Dome Additionally, Sumerians invented: The Wagon Wheel and Bronze
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Religion and Rulers What religion was identified with the Mesopotamians? Polytheistic Believing in many gods
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Religion according to the Mesopotamians Identified nearly 3, 000 gods and goddesses Humans were supposed to obey/serve the gods. Humans were inferior to the gods
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Religion and Rulers What was the most prominent building in a Sumerian city? The Temple Dedicated to who? Chief god or goddess of the city
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES What do you recall? Where is the Fertile Crescent? Between the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf What contributed most to the rich soil of Mesopotamia? Silt
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES What do you recall? What type of religion was practiced in Mesopotamia? Polytheistic List contributions that the Sumerian culture made? Wagon Wheel – Arch - Bronze
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Religion and Rulers Where was the temple located? atop a massive stepped tower This was called a? Ziggurat Massive stepped tower on which was built a temple
CITY OF UR
ZIGGURAT OF UR
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Rulers Who were the rulers (religious)? Priest and Priestesses Did they have power? Yes A great deal of Power
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Religion and Rulers What type of government was in Sumer? Theocracy Government established by divine authority YET: Kings had great power – regardless of their origin
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Religion and Rulers What was the role (actions) of the king? Led armies – Supervised building of public works – organized works Who aided the king? The Army – The Priests/Priestesses – The Government
MESOPOTAMIAN CITYSTATES Overview Religion Sumerian religion was polytheistic (it involved a belief in many gods). Temples built atop large stepped towers called ziggurats were the most important buildings. Temple priests and priestesses held a great deal of power, and kings were believed to derive their power from deities, making the government a theocracy. Human beings in general were considered inferior and were obliged to serve and obey the gods.
MESOPOTAMIA Economy and Society What was the original (traditional) economy based on? Chiefly Farming What did the economy grow towards? Trade and Industry
MESOPOTAMIA Economy and Society This lead to what? Their metalwork ability They discovered what metal? Bronze (Tin added to Copper) What were the advantages to this discovery? Lower melting point Harder metal than copper/Less corrosive
MESOPOTAMIA Economy What increased trade? The invention of the wheel Why? Made transport of goods easier The moving of goods or people
MESOPOTAMIA Society Explain the Sumerian society? Three groups: Nobles Commoners Slaves
MESOPOTAMIA Society Nobles Royal and priestly officials and their families Commoners Palace workers – Farmers (90+ %) – Merchants – Fishers – Craftspeople Slaves Belonged to palace officials or rich landowners Used for building projects or as farm laborers
MESOPOTAMIA Overview – City-States, Religion and Classes City-states, mud-brick buildings surrounded by walls and defense towers, formed the basic units of Sumerian civilization. The Sumerians were polytheistic, believing in many gods. The theocratic government was believed to be: established by divine authority. The economy was based on: farming, trade, and industry. The social structure differentiated among: nobles, commoners, and slaves.
MESOPOTAMIA The Creativity of the Sumerians Writing and Literature Inventions A new idea, method or device One creation was? Cuneiform (“wedge-shaped”) system of writing, using a reed stylus (a tool for writing), to create wedge-shaped impressions on clay tablets
CUNEIFORM WRITING
MESOPOTAMIA The Creativity of the Sumerians Technology Additional Inventions Wagon Wheel Sundail Arch Bronze
MESOPOTAMIA The Creativity of the Sumerians Technology Math: Number system based on 60 Think about time? Geometry: Measure fields – erect buildings Astronomy: Charted Constellations
MESOPOTAMIA Overview Economy of Sumer Agriculture City-states traded surplus crops to surrounding areas Trade Exported wool, barley, dried fish, wheat, metal goods Imported copper, tin, timber Industry Woolen textiles – Pottery Metal goods of copper, gold, silver, and bronze
THE RISE OF EGYPT The Fertile Crescent
THE RISE OF EGYPT “ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS” How does geography affect the development of civilizations? In what ways do civilizations influence each other?
THE SPREAD OF CIVILIZATION THE RISE OF EGYPT Sesostris III, one of Egypt’s rulers during the Middle Kingdom, was known for his military conquests. This stone head is notable because it shows a pharaoh looking careworn and human rather than idealized and god-like. PHOTO: The Granger Collection, NYC, All rights reserved First developed in the river valleys of Mesopotamia, the key elements of civilization, including cities, governments, economies, organized religion, and writing systems, also emerged in other river valleys in Egypt, India, and China. With its fertile soil and natural barriers to invasion, Egypt developed a strong civilization, exhibited in its massive cultural achievements such as the pyramids. Its rulers, known as pharaohs, were worshiped as gods.
THE NILE Geographically and culturally, the Nile River was at the heart of ancient Egypt. The waters of the Nile enabled the Egyptians to farm, travel, and build a civilization. The river also had enormous symbolic meaning for the early Egyptians. The Nile Flows from South to North Yearly flooding allowed for rich silt to be deposited. Increasing the production of grains.
THE NILE Geographically and culturally, the Nile River was at the heart of ancient Egypt. The waters of the Nile enabled the Egyptians to farm, travel, and build a civilization. The river also had enormous symbolic meaning for the early Egyptians.
THE NILE Splits into two major branches Begins in Africa Northward for 4000 miles Longest River in the World Emptying into the Mediterranean Flooding occurred Egyptians referred to it as a “miracle” Creating rich soil Farmer grew surplus food, thus allowing Egypt to prosper Natural barriers provided protection from invasion and gave a sense of security.
Traveling downriver, or to the north, was relatively easy for the ancient Egyptians. The Nile’s current moved in that directions Traveling upriver, or to the south, was a more difficult task. Even powerful strokes with an oar could not carry a vessel very far against the current. Instead, the Egyptians built sails to take advantage of the power of the wind. This wall painting from an Egyptian tomb shows a boat with oarsmen and a square sail.
These lines are taken from an early Egyptian poem. A harper is the person who plays the harp; Inherkhaw was an Egyptian official. The poem was written around 1160 B. C.
THE RISE OF EGYPT “ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS” How does geography affect the development of civilizations? Egypt, like Mesopotamia, was one of the first river valley civilizations. Ancient Egyptian history included three long periods of stability and achievement interspersed with shorter periods of political disorder.
THE RISE OF EGYPT Geography and Religion The Egyptians had a feeling of security and changelessness by geography What did Religion do? Added an additional sense of security and timeliness What religion were they? Polytheistic Multiple gods – associated with heavenly bodies and natural forces
THE RISE OF EGYPT Religion Two groups: Sun gods – Re Land gods Egyptian Rulers: Took the title “Son of Re” Rulers were seen as an earthly form of “Re”
THE RISE OF EGYPT Overview Egyptian Religion • Egyptians considered religion to be essential to every part of their lives, and so there was no word for religion in the Egyptian language. • Egyptians were polytheistic. They believed in many gods. • Gods and goddesses were associated with heavenly bodies and natural forces. • Because of the importance of the sun and fertile lands along the Nile, sun and land gods and goddesses held special significance. • The Egyptian ruler took the title “Son of Re” and was considered an earthly form of Re, one of the sun god's names. • Pharaohs were mummified so that their bodies would be preserved for life in the next world.
THE RISE OF EGYPT Egyptian Kingdoms How is Egypt's history divided? Old Kingdom Middle Kingdom New Kingdom All periods of long-term stability Strong Leadership – Freedom from invasion
THE RISE OF EGYPT Egyptian Kingdoms Additionally: Strong Leadership – Freedom from invasion Great building projects Rich Cultural activity
Menes (MEE • NEEZ) was the king who brought Upper and Lower Egypt together into a single unified kingdom. Menes is also credited with building the city of Memphis and establishing it as the Egyptian capital. According to one early source, Menes reigned for 62 years, but his rule ended abruptly when he was killed by a hippopotamus. King Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt into a single kingdom and created the first royal dynasty— a family of rulers whose right to rule is passed on within the family. called “King of Upper and Lower Egypt. ” The crown was a double crown, indicating the unity of all Egypt. © Werner Forman Archive/Egyptian Museum, Cairo/The Image Works
THE RISE OF EGYPT The Old Kingdom When: 2700 B. C. to 2200 B. C. Age of prosperity and splendor Pharaoh – “Great House” or “Palace” Most common of the various titles for ancient Egyptian monarchs
THE RISE OF EGYPT The Old Kingdom Discuss Pharaohs: Had absolute power Complete, unlimited power to rule their people Did they have help? Yes Family to start with
THE RISE OF EGYPT The Old Kingdom So what developed next? Bureaucracy an administrative organization with nonelective officials and regular procedures
THE RISE OF EGYPT The Old Kingdom Achievements: Pyramids Larger complex buildings “city of the dead” Mummification
CANOPIC JARS Used to store the deceased’s stomach, lungs, liver, and intestines. Over time, the jars grew more ornate. By about 1750 B. C. , many had lids that were decorated with images of human heads These jars were made during the 6 th or 7 th century B. C. They are currently owned by a museum in Italy.
CANOPIC JARS Jackal Baboon Human Falcon During the Nineteenth Dynasty, lids of canopic jars typically depicted the four sons of the Egyptian god Horus. Each son had the head of a different creature:
Khufu was the second king of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty. He is best known today as the builder of the Great Pyramid. The tallest of the three Pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid is about 481 feet high (147 meters) and was most likely intended as Khufu's burial place. Khufu, who was married several times, also had three smaller pyramids built near the Great Pyramid; each was a burial place for one of his wives. Historians believe that Khufu served as pharaoh for 20 to 25 years. © Erich Lessing / Art Resource, NY
PYRAMIDS OF GIZA The Great Pyramids consists of 2. 3 million stones and weighs about 5. 75 million tons Last to be built called Menkaure Khufu (Great Pyramid) – first of the three – originally covered in white limestone, topped with a gold capstone Second pyramid was called Khafre (4 th king of the dynasty The three large pyramids in the picture (from left to right: Menkaure, Khafre, and Khufu) are called the Pyramids of Giza. Each pyramid was built to house the remains of a different Egyptian king. Originally built about 2500 B. C. during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, the pyramids have long been recognized as a marvel of architecture and construction. No one knows how many people were required to complete the Pyramids of Giza. Estimates range from 20, 000 to 100, 000
Khafre placed several dozen statues in and around the pyramid, some of them quite large. He is said to have been the model for the face of the Sphinx, the largest sculpture created during his reign. The Great Sphinx. This colossal statue is 240 feet long and 66 feet high. It has the body of a lion and a human head. Many Egyptians, however, believed that the mythical sphinx was an important guardian of sacred sites. Like other pharaohs of his time, Khafre identified himself as a son of Egypt's sun god, Re. He ruled for more than 20 years.
THE RISE OF EGYPT Review – The Old Kingdom Age of prosperity/unity lasting from about 2700 to 2200 B. C. Divine kingship was established. Pharaohs ruled with absolute power. A bureaucracy was developed. Eventually, Egypt was divided into provinces run by governors appointed by the pharaoh. Pyramids were built as tombs for the mummified bodies of the pharaohs.
THE RISE OF EGYPT Is there a smooth transition between kingdoms? No Disorder for about 150 years What’s next? The Middle Kingdom
THE RISE OF EGYPT The Middle Kingdom 2055 B. C. to 1650 B. C. – Golden Age of Stability Expansion Nubia to the South Traders to: Kush, Syria, Mesopotamia and Crete
THE RISE OF EGYPT The Middle Kingdom Additionally Pharaohs role: Shepard of his people Expected to build public works Provide for the Public welfare
THE RISE OF EGYPT Review – The Middle Kingdom Egypt expanded during the Middle Kingdom, from 2055 to 1650 B. C. Egypt conquered Nubia to the south and sent military personnel to protect its expanded territory. Traders traveled to Kush, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Crete.
THE RISE OF EGYPT Life in Ancient Egypt How was Egyptian Society organized? Like a pyramid Pharaoh – god-king at top
Upper Class Merchants carried on an active trade up and down the Nile and in local markets. Egyptian artisans - well-built, beautiful goods: wooden furniture; gold, silver, and copper tools and containers; paper and rope made of papyrus; and linen clothing. Largest Number of People
THE RISE OF EGYPT Life in Ancient Egypt Marriage Arranged Women Keep property and inheritance Most careers and public offices closed Some owned businesses
THE RISE OF EGYPT Life in Ancient Egypt Women and class: Peasants: long hours in the fields and homes Upper-class: Priestesses Four queens became pharaohs
THE RISE OF EGYPT Egyptian Accomplishments Egyptian accomplishments include hieroglyphics, which is a form of writing that uses pictures and symbols. Architectural accomplishments include the pyramids and sculptures that used mathematical formulas. Geometry, which was used to survey land flooding, and development of the 365 -day calendar are other examples of the mathematical contributions of the ancient Egyptians.
THE RISE OF EGYPT Egyptian Accomplishments Hieroglyphics: “priest-carvings” or “sacred writings. ” system of writing, which used pictures and more abstract forms, used by the ancient Egyptians and Maya It appears in writing on temple walls and in tombs.
THE RISE OF EGYPT Egyptian Accomplishments Hieratic Script: Simplified version of hieroglyphics Used in Egyptian businesses Transactions – Record Keeping Additionally: Served the general needs of daily life
THE RISE OF EGYPT Review – Egyptian Culture & Artistic Accomplishments The hieroglyphic writing system, in which pictures and abstract symbols were used to communicate meaning, was developed in about 3000 B. C. The hieratic script, a simplified form of hieroglyphics, was used in business and everyday communications. Architectural achievements included pyramids, temples, and other monuments. Sculpture followed particular formulas, as in the representation of the human body from multiple perspectives. Advances in mathematics aided in the construction of Egypt’s massive monuments. The Egyptians created an accurate 365 -day calendar.
EARLY EMPIRES IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST, C. 2300 B. C. – C. 300 B. C. Egypt and Kush
EGYPT AND KUSH Egypt: The New Kingdom Hyksos (HIHK – sash) What was their influence on Egypt? Chariots Horse-drawn Ruled for almost 100 years How to use bronze: farming tools - Weapons Military skills – Especially the use of chariots
EGYPT AND KUSH Influence of the Hyksos What additional influences came from the Hyksos? How to use bronze: farming tools - Weapons Military skills – Especially the use of chariots
EGYPT AND KUSH Where these influences helpful? Yes New Dynasty of pharaohs used the new knowledge to drive out the Hyksos Thus: Establishing a New Kingdom
EGYPT AND KUSH Height of the New Kingdom 1550 B. C. – 1070 B. C. What was the focus of Ahmose I? Militaristic path More professional army
EGYPT AND KUSH Height of the New Kingdom Created an empire And became the most powerful state in the ancient Near East Thus: Egypt pursued an active political and diplomatic role
EGYPT AND KUSH Height of the New Kingdom Achievements: Magnificent new buildings and temples Karnak and Luxor 70’ statue of Amenhotep III
EGYPT AND KUSH Height of the New Kingdom Unrest, who and why: Amenhotep IV Changed the religion
After Amenhotep IV became king of Egypt, he began a huge religious reform by replacing the traditional Egyptian gods with the sun god Aten. He changed his name to Akhenaten, or "Servant of Aten, " and closed religious temples of other gods. Akhenaten's religious reform is one of the earliest attempts to implement monotheism, the belief in one god. To carry out this change, Akhenaten removed all images and writings about other gods. In addition, he moved the capital of Egypt from Thebes to a place 200 miles (320 kilometers) north called Akhetaten. Artistic and literary changes accompanied this religious reform. However, Akhenaten focused so much on religion that he neglected other aspects of ruling Egypt. As a result, the Egyptian empire began to fall apart. After Akhenaten's death, the Egyptians moved the capital back to Thebes and restored the displaced gods.
In ancient Egypt, king Akhenaten (1353 B. C– 1336 B. C. ) supported a new style of art that broke away from the traditional art of the region. This new art is called the Amarna style. Amarna art was inspired by the new religion that Akhenaten introduced to Egypt, which made Aten, the sun god, more important that any other Egyptian deity. Image of a duck and papyrus, c. 1365– 1349 B. C. Amarna art often included depictions of nature, such as desert and riverfront landscapes. Many times, these scenes showed animals and birds of the Nile River valley.
Sculpture of Akhenaten, c. 1350 B. C. The Amarna period created many elegant painted sculptures. These works included figure statues and a bust of Nefertiti. Scene of Akhenaten and Nefertiti with their children, c. 1345 B. C. Before the Amarna period, the king was usually shown performing official functions. However, Amarna art often depicted the royal family in less formal ways. For example, in this work, Nefertiti’s daughter sits on her lap, and Akhenaten kisses another daughter. This sculpture is located in the Staatiche Museum in Berlin, Germany.
EGYPT AND KUSH Height of the New Kingdom Restoration, who and how: Boy-pharaoh Tutankhamen Restored the old gods What about women? Hatshepsut Assume throne – became pharaoh in her own right
Tutankhamen followed Akhenaten as the king of Egypt. Akhenaten had instituted a religious reform that replaced the traditional Egyptian gods with the sun god Aten. Tutankhamen was young when he became king and was strongly influenced by his advisors. Persuaded by these advisors, Tutankhamen reinstated the traditional Egyptian gods. This process involved restoring the images and temples of the old deities and repairing the shrines of Amon, which had been extensively damaged. However, he did not persecute any people who continued to worship Aten. Tutankhamen died suddenly, after a short reign. After studying his mummified remains, some researchers claim that he died of malaria. In any event, Tutankhamen was buried in a small tomb, which avoided the plunder of grave robbers. As a result, when his tomb was discovered in 1922, it contained many treasures.
EGYPT AND KUSH Height of the New Kingdom Hatshepsut as pharaoh: Sent out military expeditions Encouraged mining Trading expeditions up the Nile
EGYPT AND KUSH Height of the New Kingdom Hatshepsut as pharaoh (cont. ): Addressed as “His Majesty” Statues portray her clothed and bearded like a king “Now my heart turns to and fro, in thinking what will the people say, they who shall see my monument in after years, and shall speak of what I have done. ”
EGYPT AND KUSH So what happens next? The Egyptian Empire Ends Amenhotep’s religious revolution led to the loss of the empire Pharaohs ignored foreign affairs Thus leading to a 1000 years of turmoil in some shape or form Libyans, Nubian, Persians, Macedonians
EGYPT AND KUSH So what happens next? The Egyptian Empire Ends Ramses II – 1279 B. C. – 1213 B. C. Egypt back on the offensive New invasions by “Sea People” Thus: The New Empire collapsed in 1070 B. C.
RAMSES II (REIGNED 1279 B. C. – 1213 B. C. ) Ramses II had the second longest reign in Egyptian history. Before he became king, Ramses often accompanied his father, King Seti, on military campaigns. Indeed, by the age of 10, Ramses had been given the rank of captain in the army. However, this rank was likely just honorary. After his father's death, Ramses ascended to the throne. Early in his rule, he attempted to end the Hittite control of Syria. He fought a battle against the Hittites at Kadesh, which resulted in a draw. Ramses then made a peace treaty that divided Syria between the Hittite king and himself. After this, Ramses focused on constructing great statues and temples throughout Egypt. These works include the large hall at Karnak, the funerary temple at Luxor, and two temples carved out of a cliffside at Abu Simbel. © Neil Beer/Getty Images
ARTWORK DURING THE REIGN OF RAMSES II © akg-images / François Guénet
THE SEA PEOPLES © Erich Lessing / Art Resource, NY
EGYPT AND KUSH The Egyptian Empire Ends Thus, what? First century B. C. Cleopatra VII Tries to reestablish independence Rome – Defeat – Suicide Egypt is now a province of Rome
In 51 B. C. , Cleopatra VII came to the throne of Egypt and ruled jointly with her brother, Ptolemy XIII. However, Ptolemy soon had Cleopatra exiled. Then Julius Caesar entered Egypt and helped Cleopatra remove Ptolemy from the throne. When Julius Caesar returned to Rome, she followed him. However, after the Roman emperor was assassinated, Cleopatra returned to Egypt. In Tarsus, she met Mark Antony, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire. The two fell in love, and Antony followed Cleopatra back to Egypt. However, about a year later, Antony went to Rome and, for political reasons, married the sister of Octavian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire. Then Antony returned to Egypt and Cleopatra, and he divorced Octavian’s sister. Octavian was furious. He defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium in 31 B. C. After this, Antony received a false report that Cleopatra was dead, and he committed suicide. Later, Cleopatra killed herself.
EGYPT AND KUSH So, what about the other areas? Egypt and Nubia had great trade Nubia was subject to Egyptian control So, what happened after the collapse of the New Kingdom? The Kingdom of Kush
EGYPT AND KUSH The Kingdom of Kush When – Events 1000 B. C. Conquered Egypt in 750 B. C. Assyrians push the Kush back to their original lands in 663 B. C.
EGYPT AND KUSH The Kingdom of Kush Economy Farming Trade New land road (crossing the Nile) increased trade Iron Ore Weapons and Tools
EGYPT AND KUSH The Kingdom of Kush Economy (cont. ) Major Trading Empire (several 100 years) Exports: Ivory – Gold – Ebony – Slaves Payment (receipts): Luxury Goods – Jewelry – Silver Lamps Central/East Africa for Romans Arabia - India
ART FROM MEROË IN KUSH This incised gold plaque from Meroë shows a king honoring the falcon-headed Egyptian god Horus. /akg-images / Werner Forman
EGYPT AND KUSH The Kingdom of Kush Society and Timeline Little is know about the Kushite society Probably: Fairly large merchant class Pyramids for burial 250 B. C. to 150 A. D.
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