Contemporary World: Globalization, Summaries of Sociology

Download Contemporary World: Globalization and more Summaries Sociology in PDF only on Docsity! Ancient Civilizations Civilization •It is derived from the Latin word civis which means “citizen” or “townsman.” •It is considered an advanced level of culture. •It has the following attributes: 1) stability of governance 2) a structured system of religious beliefs and practices 3) a set of skills that allows a group of people to help one another 4) a structured social class system 5) a system of writing It was established during the Neolithic period. It is an independent settlement that included cities and fields. Each was ruled by a priest-king called patesi. Woods and rocks were scarce in Mesopotamia so the Sumerians used clay to build houses and temples. Sumerians later choose a ruler whom they called lugal (king). He became a political and religious ruler. Early History: City-States of Sumer Society and Economy The Ziggurat Temple was not only the center of Sumerian religious life, but also the center of learning. Priest and kings were on top of the hierarchy. Both rich and the poor enjoyed the fruits of their labor. The poor wore clothing of the same style while the rich wore much more luxurious and bright textile with many jewels and accessories. The exchange of goods was done through barter trade. The Rise of Empires in Mesopotamia  Sargon, the king of the city-state Kish, united the region into a kingdom called Sumer.  It became an empire when the Sumerians were ruled by the city- state of Akkad .  Much later, Akkad was conquered by Babylonia under the rule of Hammurabi.  Assyria conquered Mesopotamia in 670BCE.  Chaldea conquered it next under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar. Contributions of Mesopotamia System of Writing Mathematic s and Astronomy Trans- portation Religion Art and Literature Law Architec- ture They invented the Cuneiform Introduced Multiplica- tion,division, Geometry, Sexagesimal Calculation 1st to record astronomy Divided the calendar year into 12 months, 365 days. They created wheeled vehicles and also introduce sailing overseas. They practiced polytheism which is the belief of many gods They also practiced rituals that offered sacrifices and thanksgi- ving. They were skilled in making jewelry, house,orna ments, mu- sical instrument, literature. The Hammurabi Code is famous in the field of law. Their cities were domi- nated by structures called ziggurats. pharaoh government officials soldiers scribes merchants artisans farmers slaves Economy and Society They practiced barter trade. Only goods of equal value were exchanged. Social structures in ancient Egypt: Egypt’s Contributions to the Contemporary Society System of Writing Religion Medicine and Astronomy Architecture Art Egyptians used the writing called hieroglyphics They were given guidance by the Book of the Dead They followed the tradition of Mummification They were the first to have a medical book recorded They performed cranial surgery They devised their own twelve, 30-day calendar months Their new year started with the appearance of Sirius constellation Ancient Egyptian engi- neers and archi- tecs built many temples, palaces, and mausoleums for the pharaohs They carved sculptures and painted scenes on walls. They also made jewelry and amulets Indian Civilization • vn  It is found in South Asia  It developed in the Indus river  India is comprised of 3 regions: the Himalayas, the southern plains called the Indo-Gangetic Plains, and Deccan or southern plateau  This civilization covered a much larger territory than Egypt or Mesopotamia India’s Social Class System Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Pariahs (Untouchables) India has a distinct social class structure called the caste system. The term caste was derived from the word casta (clan). This term was used by the Portuguese to describe the different social groups they observed when they arrived in India during the 16th century. India’s Contributions India has greatly influenced world literature, art, religion, and society Earliest examples of Indian Literature are the Vedas , epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana, the Upanishads. Their system of writing is called sanskrit. Some of the world’s major religious-philosophical beliefs originated from India are: Hinduism Buddhism Jainism Sikhism Also called sanatana dharma Believed in karma, Cycle of birth and rebirth Came from the Aryans Based on teachings of Siddartha Gautama Divided into 2 sects: Hinayana, Mahayana Also believed in Karma, Goal is Nirvana Founded by Nataputa Mahavira/Vardhamana Jnatipura /(599-527BCE) called Jina, they called their follower-Ajainaor, Tirthankaras(teacher) Main Tea- chings are: Ahimsa, Anekantvadis, Aparigraha, Satya Established by Guru Nanak Granth Sahib is their holy book Believes in exis- tence of one God Teaches 5 wea- pons and orders the destruction of 5 thieves, believes in reincarnation and karma Chinese Civilization  It began in the Huang He river.  The youngest of the 4 civilizations.  China is the 3rd largest country around the world.  It experiences regional climates China’s Contributions The 4 great inventions of ancient China— the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing–were among the most important technologi- cal advances. The ancient China also pioneered the concept of ink (206BCE-CE220) and they were the first to invent a printer (CE618-906CE) and print a book (868CE). The ancient Chinese also invented counting and timekeeping devices which facilitated mathematical and astronomical observations. Some of these include the abacus and shadow clocks. Their important contributions to the world civilization include the civil service examination, acupuncture, and silk. They used Chinese characters in writing. Rivers played an important role in the growth of early civilizations. The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China are also called river valley civilizations because their civilizations developed in their fertile river valleys. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Mesopotamia, Nile river in Egypt, the Indus river in India and the Huang He River in China all gave life and means of sustenance to those who lived near them. These rivers also helped speed up and improve trade with people from foreign lands. Because of this , a river emerges as a power bestowed on the state. a # ii Sieg * = Asia —~ o Le ok & 4 es r Aral Sea i, J Moda _ x25 | i c Longsha Sea er Tigris Fg ~- oe L er we A & Yangtze Fi. | r\ @, —sINDUS a Yarappe 2 = - &. 4 = lay OF», / Bengal | -', 4