New Civilizations in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres

New Civilizations in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, 2200 -250 BCE Chapters 2 and 5

I. Introduction v These civilizations are more diverse ecologically than Ch. 1; relied more on long-distance trade networks v Early China (2000 BCE) around Yellow River v Nubia (southern Egypt/northern Sudan) v Western Hemisphere: Mesoamerica and South America (Andes mountains)

II. Early China, 2000221 BCE v A. Geography and Resources v Isolated by mountain ranges, desert, ocean v River systems (Yellow and Yangzi) used for travel/trade v Different climate zones in East Asia produced different living patterns. v Early history began on northern plains v Millet and wheat in the north, rice in the south

v B. The Shang Period, 1750 -1027 BCE v Chinese history generally begins with rise of Shang clans, earliest written records v Began in Yellow River Valley, extended north to Mongolia, south to Yangzi v Society dominated by warrior aristocracy v King and court ruled core area directly, relied on loyalty of distant regions

v Frequent war campaigns, especially against nomads, POWs as slaves v Royalty/nobility lived in walled cities, commoners in agricultural villages v Complex writing system (very few knew it) v King as intermediary between people and gods, tried to determine will of the gods (oracle bones) v Bronze materials for the elite v Far-reaching trade networks, possibly with Mesopotamia

v C. The Zhou Period, 1027 -221 BCE v Last Shang king defeated by Wu, ruler of Zhou v Longest lasting and most revered dynasty in Chinese history v King’s rule known as Mandate of Heaven, proof of divine favor was prosperity of kingdom v Separation of religion and government v Built a series of capital cities

v All government officials expected to be good role models v Decentralized rule v States fought each other, new cities built, iron replaced bronze, fighting on horseback v Eventual authoritarian rule: demand for public obedience v Legalism: human nature bad; need for a strong ruler, strict laws and harsh punishments

v D. Confucianism, Daoism, and Chinese Society v Aristocrats sought new role as Zhou rulers took their place. v Kongzi (551 -479 BCE), aka Confucius: doctrine of duty and public service first aimed at other aristocrats v Becomes central influence of Chinese thought v Parallel between family and state (ruler : father, etc. ) v Universal idea of benevolence toward all humanity, foundation of moral government v Govt. exists to serve people, role models; optimistic view of human nature (compared to what? )

v Daoism, originated by Laozi (6 th cent. BCE? ) v Avoid warfare by following Dao/path v Follow path of nature, world always changing, lacks absolute morality v Three-generation family important v Emergence of private property (only to men) v Largely patriarchal society, yin (female)/yang (male) supposed balance

III. Nubia, 3100 BCE-350 CE v A. followed the Nile south of Egypt v Connected trade between tropical Africa and Mediterranean v Rich with natural resources (gold) v B. Early Cultures and Egyptian Domination, 2300 -1100 BCE v River irrigation essential for agriculture v Egyptians took more control during Middle Kingdom v New kingdom to the south called Kush, good builders v Egypt took control of area by New Kingdom era

v C. The Kingdom of Meroë, 800 BCE-350 CE v New Nubian headquarters after Egypt declined v More sub-Saharan influence, matrilineal

IV. First Civilizations of the Americas: The Olmec and Chavín, 1200 -250 BCE v A. Humans migrated from Asia to Americas about 25, 000 years ago. v Virtually isolated from rest of world for 15, 000 years v Major urban centers existed by 1000 BCE. v B. The Mesoamerican Olmec, 1200 -400 BCE v Present-day Mexico and Central America v Diverse climate and geography v Large platforms or earth mounds used for political/religious ceremonies (sacrifices) v Cities organized by stars v Skilled artisans produced high-quality crafts. v Massive stone sculptures of heads v Some cultural influence over nearby areas

v C. Early South American Civilization: Chavín, 900 -250 BCE v Located in Andes mountains, had to adapt to challenging environment v Dominance as ceremonial and commercial center v Depended on agriculture and trade (probably as far as Mesoamerica) v Reciprocal labor obligations got things built v Llamas crucial v Possible pilgrimage site v Metallurgy: silver and gold ornaments

V. Conclusion v River-valley civilizations required centralized governments to dig and maintain irrigation channels. v Authoritarian govt. recurring feature of Chinese history beginning with Shang v Egypt coveted Nubian gold and other resources. v Trade networks brought together disparate regions in early Americas v Metal tools vital to successful elites in Eastern Hemisphere (bronze emerged at different times) v Elites have used religion to stay in power. v Perhaps environmental differences led to emergence of civilizations in Eastern Hemisphere before Western.