Jessica's reading assignment thread

[JessicaMoore]

J

[JessicaMoore]

What are the conflicting interpretations of justice found in the play?
 Antigone and Creon have two opposing views of justice in the play. While Antigone believes both her brothers should have a proper burial (pg60), Creon believes not burying the brother who betrayed his country properly serves justice.
This fall under the previous point.  After Antigone blatantly disobeyed the laws of the land, Creon knows he must uphold the law and kill her. "I'm not about to prove myself a liar, not to my people, no, I'm going to kill her!" pg 94.  To Creon, following through with his law would be justice, but Haemon believes that Creon should listen to others and not just himself, and that this would be justice for all of his people. " The same when a man is sailing: haul your sheets too taut, never given an inch, you'll capsize, and go the rest of the voyage keel up." pg 96. Haemon feels that if his father refuses to listen to anyone in a matter such as this, he may never listen to any advice and may prevent them from ever having true justice in his kingdom.

[JessicaMoore]

What is the relation between family and state? How can the liberties and authority of each (note, I said each!) conflict with the other?
    Both family and state could be considered forms of community. The relation between each depends on each party being willing to work together for the betterment of everyone. While the state has more that it rules over, it also has more obligations to fulfill and responsibilities. The family has similar obligations only on a smaller scale, but both groups must be willing to work together or chaos ensues.
  In this story, the liberty for Antigone to bury the brother conflicted with the state in that while Antigone loved him and cared for him, he betrayed the state. While she had the liberty to disobey the law, by disobeying the law, the state then got the liberty to punish her for her actions. The liberty she took with her family eventually killed her, and not unjustly. Liberty between the family and the state sometimes conflict with each other, as is the case in this story.
The authority between both the family and state conflict when one attempts to take the place of the other. He made this personal family matter public, and used his state authority in this private matter. This completely changed the course of the story. This caused Antigone to go against authority, breaking the unity that should be in place between family and state.

[JessicaMoore]

What is the role of the state in society and how does devotion to the gods at times conflict with the survival of the state?

State governs and protects a society, at least that's its intended role. It protects it in times of war and should use as much discretion and counsel as necessary at all times but especially in times of distress. The gods in this story cause much grief for the king, "You have no business with the dead, nor do the gods above- this is the violence you have forced upon the heavens. The dark destroyers now lie in wait for you, the Furies sent by the gods to strike you down with the pains that you perfected." pg 115. Due to Antigone's death, the gods seek revenge on the king, who believes he must hold true to his laws, no exceptions. Antigone's obedience to the gods (pg 82) leads her to disobey the king and cause this entire tragedy to unfold, all due her obeying the gods. "Nor did I think your edict had such force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakable traditions." pg 82.This might cause us to believe that others felt the same way about the authority of the gods versus the state's authority. Their obedience to the gods may, more often than not, may override the laws of the state, as is the case in this story. But even when he recants and says Antigone may go free, the gods still reign anguish on him many times over, crippling the head of state.

[JessicaMoore]

Code of Hammurabi

  In this work, Hammurabi, the king of Babylon around 1772 B.C., set up strict laws for his citizens to live by. After he established all of the punishment for evil doings, he wished to bless those who would rule as he and cursed those who wouldn't.
 The text fulfills the purpose of providing law and order during Hammurabi's reign. Without consequences, people could do whatever they please. He also seemed to ensure that everyone knew how great he was, how god-like he was, thus one could say he established this law code to instill fear, and awe in his citizens, for them to always obey him no matter what and to essentially worship him. With that said, I believe it falls under several genres of text including  mythology,Considering how much he refers to the gods and himself as a god, although it also is a classic as well as an autobiography of sorts?
  This text tells us several things about the past. Firstly, it shows how without basic guidelines for those who ruled, they could establish any kind of law they pleased, regardless if the punishment even remotely fit the crime. There seemed to be no accountability for rulers. Also, some of the punishments related to the gods- i.e.throw them in the river-, whereas now, laws base their principles on logic and evidence, not on the whims of a self-righteous king. This text also shows the massive gap, socially, between the king and his citizens. He wants to be treated as a god, not a fallible being, whereas now media and such want the people to believe that the President or head of their country is one of them, hard-working, and caring. It also shows how the ruler viewed its citizens. In this text he almost doesn't  even notice them, but rather creates the law and says, "Look at me and what I have done, the righteous king created an unprecedented law code." While this may sound harsh, it shows how in the past, leaders did not try nearly as hard to win the affection of its citizens. Strong will and a god-like mentality, not kind-heartedness, governed nations.

[JessicaMoore]

The Hebrews: Creation

This text, completed around 539 B.C., describes what God spoke into existence on each day of Creation, using straightforward language, and shows how with deception, Satan introduced sin into the world. There are many ways people believe the world began, some chaotic, with gods seeking revenge and terrible beasts, and some more controlled, such as this account in Genesis. This account speaks of one divine speaking creation into existence, not the work of the gods which other accounts depicted. As Joseph Lam states in the Biologos article, "In short, Genesis 1," written by Moses, "was the Israelite answer to competing worldview claims of its time." It gave an account the depicted God the sole creator of the universe and gave a great contrast to other accounts in that day. The genre of this text could be considered narrative non-fiction and shows us that even when accounts of creation first came out, there was conflict even then about how we all came to be. It shows how different humans were then versus now. For instance, in this account, it says that God gave man dominion over all the earth-the fowl of the air, cattle of the field, and the fish in the sea. I can't imagine taking care of a house like Downton Abbey, let alone having dominion and control over the earth. In this account it seems that God knew man was thoroughly capable of caring for all of the earth. It seems, in many respects, a lot has changed from back then to now.

[sigdor3]

What are the conflicting interpretations of justice found in the play?
 Antigone and Creon have two opposing views of justice in the play. While Antigone believes both her brothers should have a proper burial (pg60), Creon believes not burying the brother who betrayed his country properly serves justice.
This fall under the previous point.  After Antigone blatantly disobeyed the laws of the land, Creon knows he must uphold the law and kill her. "I'm not about to prove myself a liar, not to my people, no, I'm going to kill her!" pg 94.  To Creon, following through with his law would be justice, but Haemon believes that Creon should listen to others and not just himself, and that this would be justice for all of his people. " The same when a man is sailing: haul your sheets too taut, never given an inch, you'll capsize, and go the rest of the voyage keel up." pg 96. Haemon feels that if his father refuses to listen to anyone in a matter such as this, he may never listen to any advice and may prevent them from ever having true justice in his kingdom.

Creon puts himself in a political-theological pickle here. His initial command goes against the law of the gods in the name of defending the city (a just objective). It's difficult for him to admit a wrong so early on in his rule may create political instability (a reasonable and just concern) and the end of his rule (selfish reason).

[JessicaMoore]

The Hebrews: Covenant and Law

  In this text, God gives commands to multiple people: Abraham, Moses, and then the children of Israel.Each receiving specific instructions to follow and promises of good living if they follow these commands.
  Moses not only received instruction in the Exodus passage, but also narrates this passage of laws around 6th century B.C., recounting God's commands for the purpose of having written laws not just for the Israelites, but for us to see the laws and the results of them abiding by or disobeying them. Even later in the Bible it says, "if you love me, then keep my commandments."It's purpose passes through time and applies to Christians even now. If we love Him, then we shouldn't steal, we shouldn't covet, or kill. The Israelites knew who they should obey-God- and thus God gave Moses commands for them to live by and He promised to keep them and protect them if they obeyed the commands.
This passage shows a striking difference to the story of Antigone. While the gods in that story had a completely different agenda than the king and ruling his kingdom, in this passage the earthly ruler, Moses, intercedes for the Israelites and receives commands from God for the people, they are more unified. While the story of Antigone shows much strife and disobedience because people must decide between obeying the king or the gods, the Israelites do not have this predicament. Unity between authority allows for more unity within a nation.

[JessicaMoore]

In the biologos article, the author makes several comparisons between different creation accounts. While the Israelite account speaks of a Divine Creator, others seem more disorganized, vague, and capricious. He argues that while other accounts give creation no meaning, with Genesis' account, we have a purpose, being in the image of God on earth. The Genesis' account makes everyone important and special, "IN the ancient Near East if anyone was called the image of God it would have been the king, but male and female-that is everyone- to be in the image of God, was a radical departure from conventional ways of thinking." With this concept in mind, we see that not just the elite and rulers are unique and special, but every person has a purpose. Genesis' author recognizes the importance about touching base on topics such as the "face of the waters", other accounts beliefs about the world around them. While other accounts viewed water as a hostile power to conquer, here God already had complete control over it. And where they speak of the great sea creatures, Genesis says it is just one of many, not to be feared or to be defeated. This article shows how the Israelites took into account other views of creation and incorporated them in a professional manner. The author also shows how taking note about the other accounts shows the significance of this one. We could certainly incorporate this into our study of history. Take in several views of a historical event and we better understand its significance in its time but also in its place in history.

[sigdor3]

Good stuff. Keep it up.

[JessicaMoore]

The History, a historical narrative by Herodotus around 500-400 B.C., told of the story of the Peloponnesian War from the perspective of a Greek. This passage mainly tells of a conversation between "prominent Persians" about which form of government should they take on: aristocracy, democracy, or keep a monarchy. This text shows us something unique about this text, for it shows us how discussion and civility work in ancient context. These people sit down as a group and discuss a way of governing the country in the future. Different sides are presented and they all come to a decision. It shows the logic of these prestigious men. They had sense to come up with other methods of governing, they use the word oligarch, democracy, and monarchy, and thus know enough of how they work and why each may or may not work. These men have integrity , sensibility, and are conscious of other's opinions, good character traits for men in leadership positions, which shows us that even back then they understood what it took to be a good leader. Even with this, however, instead of adopting new ideas of government, they voted to maintain a monarchy form, a desire to keep to past principles and not risk new ones. Even in Chinese history, this concept illustrates itself. While before Xunzi dramatically changed how they fought battles, religious rituals determined when they would fight and where not based on military strategy. While the Chinese did adopt some new principles in warfare, they continued to cling to some rituals. The Chinese wished to hold to old beliefs rather than adopt "radical new ones", just as the Greeks show hesitation about new form of government. Just as Mr. Peterson explained, people distrusted trying new ideas in areas because it meant sitting around and waiting to see if it worked, time they didn't always have. Perhaps that is why both the Greeks and the Chinese resisted new ways.

[JessicaMoore]

Pericles' Funeral Oration
In this story, Thucydides speaks to those who gathered for the funeral of those who fell in a recent battle in the Peloponnesian War. In his speech, he not only uses tact when addressing the family, but he also appeals to those who were not close to the dead and he gives them cause for their death and gives the living reason to celebrate their work and their lives.
This passage shows that those in authority at the time this was written cared about the soldiers, and not simply in a generic way, but he wanted to genuinely praise them for their works and bravery. He tells them that he wants to avoid clichés in his speech because these acts of courage call for anything but insensitivity and general praises. He ensures that the crowd understands the reason they gave their lives: for a great nation. By building up the name of the cause, it gives the audience a better understanding of why the gave the ultimate sacrifice and not have them feel like it was all for not. The way he delivered the speech serves several purposes: it joins social classes together for a common cause-something that may not otherwise have happened- and it gave their military good propaganda, a savvy political move, and it gave the grieving solace. They can move forward as a people is the past is dealt with properly, and it not, rebellions arise and such. They knew that they needed to grieve, and because of a such a great loss, people naturally tend to blame someone or something. This speaker wanted to ensure that they didn't blame themselves for how they brought them up or blame their country. He wanted them to know how important each soldier was, but also wanted to show that this war was a worthy cause, nothing senseless. This passage shows a leader who is carefully in tune with the people as a whole, not just certain social classes.

[JessicaMoore]

Political changes in China during the classical period of History.

Due to many uncertainties in China, the philosophers such as Confucius, Laozi, and the Legalists, aided in the shaping of China and changed its way of ruling and thinking forever. These philosopher's beliefs primarily shaped China's ethical system, teaching them what each person's place was in life, and who should rule and how. Though each taught great wisdom that changed their nation, then as people do now, argue how to interpret these beliefs. Regardless, during China's classical period, these beliefs brought far more stability than if they went without them. Philosophers taught that literary knowledge could be just as valuable as physical fitness. Their beliefs slowly transferred the war-raged Zhou era into a more promising nation.
Due to the Qin state experimenting with bronze and ironworking, and freeing peasants to local lords, the Qin people waged war against other areas of China and succeeded in defeating them in the 5th century B.C.. Freeing the peasants, a social and political change, allowed the Qin region to expand, something that couldn't have happened without this change. And by them winning wars waged with others, they increased in military power, increasing their political power. Shang-yang, founder of the Legalist school of political philosophy, altered following ruler's method for governing. He believed that rulers should have absolute authority and that the people were there to serve him. This form of authority prevailed over many forms of government until the decline of the Qin State. This political influenced many other ways of Chinese life. It shaped how the peasants were treated- social classes. It influenced people's people- freedom of speech or of religion. Confucian ideals generated a stable China, but Legalism took its ideas to the next level.
Shi Huangdi also shaped China's political realm as well as its military-sort of- defense. He, using the Legalist form of government, united China. He also began a building project that would later become the Great Wall. He excelled his predecessors in many ways. Uniting China was a feat accomplished by no one before him, but his absolute rule over China generated unrest in the oppressed. A thing to notice throughout the Classical Period in China is that due to strict social classes, the lowly in society fidgeted and bucked against the system, leaving them in continual state of unrest. Under this system, some of the most influential people in history emerged, leading and revolutionizing their world.

[JessicaMoore]

Economical-social-, religious, scientific, and artistic changes in China during the Classical period.

Two major developments in China during the Classic period that shaped its history was the Mandate of Heaven and the shi, men of service. Each influenced their world in different ways. The Mandate of Heaven not only gave the Zhou rulers more of a absolutist and authoritarian mentality, began a more religious approach to ruling- a call to the supernatural-, but it also gave the subjects of these rulers cause to overthrow them if they did not maintain the Mandate of Heaven, changing the influence subjects had in governing.
 The creation of the shi also tugged against the rule of feudalism. The rising of this group of men in service shifted governing power from a select few to an increasing number of men. It showed that people from various walks of life could be educated and serve the government in various capacities, some what relaxing the strict social class.
  The Mandate of Heaven and the creation of the shi gave more liberty for people to innovate fields such as art, science, and agriculture, which in turn influenced their economy and population growth. Inventions such as the shoulder collar and wheelbarrow eased the burden placed on the farmer, and better developed irrigation systems better ensured a larger crop yield. These inventions did not necessarily bleed into the poorest peasants and thus left them to barely provide enough food for their family. However, these inventions increased the population growth of urban areas, which led to more people being educated and becoming a shi or a scholar-gentry. The discovery of bronze greatly influenced Chinese art. While art became more advanced in later years, the production of bronze ceramic figurines and bowls set high standards for those following the Classical period.
  While much of the philosopher's teachings lined up with political ways versus having a religious nature, some did change the way people considered  themselves and the world around them. Laozi, a Chinese philosopher in the late Zhou era, believed in a term known as Dao: the cosmic an source of all creation. He believed that focusing merely on politics was superficial and that wise men should search for the hidden meanings of creation and human life, concepts that challenged their modern day thinking. Due to his teachings, people began to look past the physical and began to consider the spiritual. Due to his teachings, his disciples became more sensitive to art and creation. Rather than people merely looking where their next meal would come from, people began to look past that into the supernatural realm.
    Innovation in the productivity of food allowed people to look to other ventures that would better people's lives. This led to the creation of acupuncture, practical science, to the discovering of math behind acoustics, and to the creation of the calendar year. In years to come these areas would be far more developed.

[JessicaMoore]

Crito, written by Plato- Socrates' pupil- around 400 B.C., tells us of the action a friend takes to persuade his teacher to flea from their home country in order that he might live. Through a teacher's explanations does Socrates explain to Plato why he must indeed stay and take the unjust punishment brought down on him by his piers. This narrative of a philosophical conversation shows us several things about the past which illustrated the progressive nature of their culture in Greece. It firstly shows us an example of a strong friendship in the classical period. As C.S. Lewis says, "“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” This shows us how advanced their culture was that in their time these men could focus on philosophy, politics, and friendship, it shows how far civilization had come. This piece also shows us the advancement of their political and economic system was. Socrates was held on trial by a counsel, and was sentenced by some form of jury, showing us it's judicial system was rather advanced for its time. Socrates also speaks to Plato on the topic of justice and law, giving us reason to believe not only did their country have some form of each in place, but Socrates had enough knowledge and reason to discuss each topic. Also, they speak about some ship arriving for Socrates, indicating they had a rather developed merchant and trading system to allow for boats to come in and out of the their city. Plato wrote many conversations down that he had with other philosophers. In this instance, he was the pupil versus the teacher. It gives himself as well as us insight into their method of teaching and reasoning. And it gave us timeless questions to contemplate. What is justice? If push comes to shove should we obey our personal principles or spare our own lives?

[JessicaMoore]

Indian civilization study guide ch 6    
               
Firstly I'd like to apologize for infringing on any copyright Annabret has on her study guide form. I felt hers was far more organized than mine, though. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

WHICH: Aryan
GOVERNED BY: Brahman rulers
WHEN: 700-550 B.C.
WHERE: Indus region and Himalayan foothills to the Ganges River system.
GOVERNING SYSTEM: the Brahmans were educated men who advised the princes, but also performed more and more priestly duties, interceding between humans and the gods. With the majority of civilization illiterate, the Brahmans had more control over the masses as their wants and desires increased.
ECONOMY: They mostly had agriculture as their mainstay, growing rice, millet, and wheat. They also had artisans, merchants, and servants as means of making a meager living.
RELIGION: The Brahmans used this area of people's lives as yet another means to gain control over them. They performed rituals to gods, which later turned into to merely performing the rituals perfectly rather than appealing to the gods. Rituals dominated religion in this time, until the rise of Buddhism would question all of that.
SOCIAL CLASS: While the caste system hadn't fully developed yet, the groups had. The elite- kings, their families, Brahmans- formed, and peasants replaced nomadic hunters. Also, as we look through much of Indian history, women had very little say in matters. By the end of the Gupta empire, people viewed women as a liability. This element of inequality varies in degrees throughout their history, but for the most part women were rarely seen as equals.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: The priests composed the sacred texts, Vedas, and wrote them in Sanskrit, the standard and scholarly language in India. The Vedas changed religion in their time and created a need for Brahmans to read and decipher them. They also made notable in the areas of philosophy and art.
The end of one era and the beginning of another because: Brahman rulers became increasingly absolute, self-serving, and religiously bankrupt, resulting in thinkers questioning their methods and reinventing religion, the Brahmans main form of governing. With the introduction of Buddhism, for the time being, began losing control over the masses, until a later time.

WHICH: Maurya empire
RISE OF EMPIRE ATTRIBUTED TO: The invasion of Alexander the Great created military and political changes in India. The confusion created over who would rule the conquered land after his death, led to unstable times in India and caused people to naturally look for a capable leader.
WHEN: 322- 185 B.C.
WHERE: The majority of modern day India, save some of the southern tip.
GOVERNED BY: Chandragupta Maurya, Bindasura, Ashoka.
GOVERNING SYSTEM: Chandragupta changed India from a "folksy atmosphere to a new imperial style". He established himself as the absolute, main ruler of his empire. While Brahman influence continued to exist, they resented the fact that these rulers relied on them far less than before. For these men to have expanded their empire this much, a military-like governing was in place to ensure no resistance from those being conquered and to establish common systems of governing throughout the empire.
ECONOMY: trading, agriculture, essentially not a lot of innovation in the agriculture field (pardon the pun) during this time. However, the last to main ruler during this time became a firm Buddhist, which led him to ban animal slaughter and war, which could easily be what began the belief about the religious nature of animals.
RELIGION: Buddhism, Hinduism. Buddhism played a large role during this empire, which arose after people began to question Brahman power. This may also have aided the mass of peasants to accept their place in life and not envy the rich, seeing how Buddhism believes sorrow stems from focusing on earthly values.
SOCIAL CLASS: strict caste system. This system was essentially already in place before Chandragupta began to rule. The caste system as well and inequality became more and more distinct as time progressed.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: People continued to create art and discuss philosophy, a main feature in this era due to the creation and rise of Buddhism, which questioned many core beliefs.
THE END OF ONE ERA AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ONE BECAUSE: The last ruler of this empire held strong Buddhist' beliefs, leading to the building of religious temples rather than building stable governments. After his death, with no goal- to build another temple- they had no vision and thus this empire came to a close after Ashoka's death.

WHICH: Gupta empire
WHO: Rulers as well as Brahmans governed the people.
WHEN:319-540 A.D.
WHERE: much of modern day India, save a few pockets here and there.
ECONOMY: due to the ability to grow their own crops, some believe "the untouchable lied as well as ordinary people did anywhere else". This shows us that their agriculture economy progressed enough that while their caste system considered them "untouchable", they still could provide a living for themselves, and not starve.
RELIGION: Due to the decline of the Mauryan Empire, Buddhism declined as well. Hinduism- tradition and rituals- and the Brahmans regained prominence in India.
SOCIAL CLASS: With the reentrance of the Brahmans in society, the caste system became even more strict than ever before. And while women use to be able to become nuns and perform various religious functions, women were now thought as a liability to their family due to dowries and such.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: The Gupta empire is known for its literary achievements. Kalidasa was a famous poet in this time period. They made great achievements in the fields of mathematics, science, and medicine. Some of the more well accomplishments during this time was the creation of the "Arabic" numerical system for trade.
THE END OF ONE ERA AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ONE BECAUSE: The Gupta empire came to an end due to the repeated attacks from the Huns on them. Due to them having a relatively small military force, repeated attacks as well as the death of Skanda Gupta, this large empire eventually drew to a stop.

[JessicaMoore]

The Republic, written by Plato around 400 B.C., tells us the best way in which we should govern ourselves, that is, which political way- democracy or oligarchy- gives people the best outcome. Their conversation sways from how each way of governing their wants and desires influences them, to by always maintaining the desire to search for truth, and upon finding the truth, by whatever means you find it, it changes you. It causes you to view life in a very different "light"( Allegory pun intended). While each cause- growing up in a strict home or a relaxed home- has a different effect, we should always strive for the truth in life, and to find that, we must look upwards.
  This fictitious, philosophical work shows us several things about the past and gives us a glimpse into the similarity between their world and ours. So why did he write this? Well, he poses many excellent questions and has a discussion with a fellow philosopher in order to strive for the answer. It seems that in many areas of life-religion, politics, education- we strive for one thing:truth. In the allegory at the end of the work, it tells how these "prisoners" guess what the shadows are and such, but upon realizing what the truth behind the shadows really is- light causes the shadow- the prisoner has a hard time coping with that and struggles upon finding the truth about the shadows he saw all of his life. Sometimes it's the same way in life. We learn things and see the world a certain way and then we discover the truth and because of that truth, we sometimes struggle to cope with the reality of life and not the shadows we used to see. This also shows us that the search for the ultimate truth has been a timeless quest. People searched for it then as people do now.

[JessicaMoore]

Chapter 3-4 China study guide

WHICH: Shang (dynasty?)
WHERE: From the west side of the Yellow sea to about 600 miles inland.
WHEN: around 1500 B.C.
Capitol city: Anyang
GOVERNMENT: The Shang people were much like the Aryans in that both were nomads, but unlike the Aryans they were ruled by a strong king.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE: There were the elite families with their extended families who ruled, and then the peasants families with their nuclear families; they social structure experienced large gap between the two groups. And then there were the slaves that resided below the peasants, the worst class to be in.
RELIGION: The Shang monarch was seen as the intercessor between the supreme being and immortals, a belief common in ancient times. No doubt, the peasants made sacrifices to the kings and the kings, in turn, governed them with a strict hand.
ECONOMIC INNOVATION: By then, people began to work together on crops, creating teams and working with tools such as wooden hoes and spades.
Artistic achievements: The Shang era's best achievement in the area of art were the bronze-casted vessel they used to make offerings in religious ceremonies.
WHAT CAUSED THE NEXT DYNASTY TO USHER IN: The military leader, Wu, defeated the Shang empire and established the Zhou era.

WHICH: Zhou
WHERE: North China to as far as the Yangzi river to the south.
WHEN: around 12th century B.C.
GOVERNMENT: feudalism
SOCIAL STRUCTURE: While during the Shang rule it resembled more of a vassal system, during the Zhou era it became more like the feudal system. They had lords over areas and then those who governed for the lords and then the peasants who did the majority of the back-breaking work.
RELIGION:
ECONOMIC INNOVATION: better farm equipment and better irrigation systems led to better productivity in farming.
Political changes: the Shi, men of service, and the Mandate of Heaven began to pull on the feudal rule of the Zhou era.
WHAT CAUSED THE NEXT DYNASTY TO USHER IN: Due to the decline in control in the feudal chain, by the 8th century B.C. Zhou rule was on a steady decline. While after several attacks on the kingdom the Zhou era continued on, it had much less power and that shrank to little more than control over the capitol.

WHICH: Qin
WHERE: A larger perimeter than the Zhou rule but also more unified, not small pockets of others ruling areas.
WHEN: around 5th century B.C.
GOVERNMENT: absolute, Shi Huangdi wished to unify China and thus eliminated a large amount of the old feudal system.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE: the elite and then the peasants.
RELIGION: By this time many philosophers had come on the scene, changing the way people lived and thought.
ECONOMIC: Agriculture continued to be the mainstay.
POLITICAL BELIEFS: The ruler believed that the people existed for the king, and thus the king forced a lot of work on the peasant to please himself.
INNOVATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS: One of the rulers began the projects that would become the Great Wall.
WHAT CAUSED THE NEXT DYNASTY TO USHER IN: Because of Shi Huangdi's passion for building and not for his people, after his death, people quickly left the forced task of building structure, thus causing much of his work, his empire, to fall.

WHICH: Han
WHERE: Increased the size of Qin kingdom by two, ranging from the South China Sea to Gobi Desert.
WHEN: around 200 B.C.-200 A.D.
GOVERNMENT: Liu Bang strove for bureaucratic centralization
SOCIAL STRUCTURE: vassal system, but it moved from the previous social strata a new three- layered system: the literate shi, the ordinary but free subjects, and the underclass. Also genders remained unequal for quite a while longer. Women were always subordinate and had little opportunity to move away from the house for any occupation.
RELIGION: While neither were true religious systems, Confucianism and legalism governed the people and people reverenced it like religion.
MILITARY INNOVATION: Xunxi innovated warfare so that it moved from ritualistic warfare to using battle tactics and strategies on the battlegrounds.
INNOVATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS: they invented the shoulder collar for farming and the wheelbarrow which eased the load on the workers tremendously. THey also innovated irrigation systems, canal networks, and fortifications.
WHAT CAUSED THE NEXT DYNASTY TO USHER IN: Multiple factors led to the decline of this dynasty. Factions at the court couldn't agree, eunuchs gained more and more control as time passed, and invasions from nomads eventually led to the demise of the Han dynasty in 220 A.D.

[JessicaMoore]

The Politics, a work of political philosophy, was written by Aristotle around the mid 300s B.C. Aristotle tells us that the purpose of families is to unite into the ultimate association: the polis and to become completely self-sufficient. He goes on to tell us the inner workings of such a place and reveals to us which constitutions are just and which form of governing best serves the purpose of continuing the state and working best for its people. According to Aristotle, we are mere animals and by having the gift of language we are required to express what is painful and what is pleasing, what is just and what is unjust, thus the logical end of the family is for it to be combined with others for everyone's benefit, "since the whole is necessarily prior to the part." The nature of man in the polis is the best, since it is the final association of it, it is its final product. Thus, Aristotle believes that the polis brings about the self-sufficient part of man, and thus the final and best stage. Aristotle appeared to highly esteem the aristocractic form of the state, because while other forms of government-democracy and oligarchy- focused on wealth, an aristocracy was ruled by the ultimate best of its people and considered everyone's wants and beliefs not just the majority. Which leads us to ponder the question, what is justice? Aristotle believed that justice is the determination of what is just pg 113 (rather vague). But not just that but to uncover true justice, you must approach without passion but with logic. He showed how even something as close to absolute as justice varies by the form of constitution and government of a polis. Justice in a democracy is equality in everything, regardless if the people have the means to be equal in those areas. In other forms of government, "justice is relative to persons; and a just distribution I one I which the relative values of the things given correspond to those of the persons receiving." pg 127.

[JessicaMoore]

Ch 9 study guide
WHICH: Africa-
WHEN: 3000-1000 (when agriculture spread more throughout the continent)
PROMINENT PEOPLE GROUPS: Bantu- in Eastern Nigeria-, Pygmies- a nomadic people-, Axum kingdom- in Ethiopia.
POLITICAL: varied by group, although many had chiefs of their "clan" and elite warriors to represent them in battle.
ECONOMY: Agriculture was the mainstay for quite a long period, although trade did exist throughout Africa. However, the tsetse fly hindered much livestock cultivation.
RELIGION: Christianity became the predominant religion in Ethiopia, and Islam gained followers throughout the Sahara called the Almoravids.
INNOVATION: Much innovation would be in the area of Agriculture, better equipment, technics, irrigation systems.
INFLUENCED BY WHOM AND WHO THEY INFLUENCED: Civilizations in the Near East and Mediterranean world may have influenced Africa's development in Agriculture and other economical discoveries. Asian culture also influenced much of Africa's traveling method and livelihood: the camel, as well as cattle, goats, and domestic sheep. The Phoenicians introduced iron smelting to Africa.

Who: Indo-European nomadic tribes
WHICH: Celts and Germans
WHEN: around 2000 B.C.
POLITICAL: small regional kingdoms with very dominant warrior leaders. While they were not politically advanced, they did have good morals, and with those morals they governed their groups.
SOCIAL: In interesting difference between these nomads and other civilizations is how they viewed women. They thought they  had an element of holiness and possessed the gift of prophecy.
ECONOMY: herders and farmers
Religion: animistic, worshiping the spirits of nature.
INFLUENCED BY WHOM AND WHO THEY INFLUENCED: It seems that Romans technology influenced improvements in their society and it seems that Germanic influence within the Roman empire aided in the crumbling of the empire.

WHO: Indo-European nomadic tribes
WHICH: Slavs in Eastern Europe
WHEN: 3000 B.C.- end of classical era
POLITICAL: Though even less organized than the Germanic people, by 500 B.C. several kingdoms had been formed, notably Bulgaria.
ECONOMY: large amounts of trading, skilled ironwork, and manufacturing as well as agriculture composed their mainstay for its economy.
INFLUENCED BY WHOM AND WHO THEY INFLUENCED: Greek, Persians, Scythians and Sarmations made cultural and trading influences as well as artistic ones in this region. Also, the invasion of people such as the Huns dramatically prevented them from creating a civilization sooner than it did.

WHICH: Japan civilization
WHEN: earliest known settlements were around 5000 B.C.
POLITICAL: strict legal codes
ECONOMY: Japan's beauty and mild climate easily makes up for its lack of natural resources. Japan's Mainstay for food was rice.
Social: Like some nomadic tribes, the Japanese culture held more equal views for women. However, with the implementation of Chinese law codes which held very different views of women, a tug between their beliefs and CHina's began. China's influence definitely changed part of their culture
RELIGION: Japan readily adopted China's Buddhism beliefs.
INFLUENCED BY WHOM AND WHO THEY INFLUENCED: China heavily influenced Japan's development as a country in areas of education- the introduction of the Chinese script dramatically changed Japanese cultural development-, politics, and religion.

WHO: Societies of Polynesia
WHICH: Hawaii
WHEN: around 3rd century B.C.
POLITICAL: hierarchical, there were high chiefs, who claimed descent from the gods.
Social: its society consisted on commoners and nobles.
ECONOMY: "intensely agricultural" as aqua-cultural
RELIGION: much of their life was ritualized. THey worshipped many gods and had ritual feasts, even human and animal sacrifices were made to the gods.
Innovation: Their ability to travel so far by water and have such accuracy revolutionized water travel.
INFLUENCED BY WHOM AND WHO THEY INFLUENCED:

WHo: Societies of Polynesia
WHICH: New Zealand
WHEN: around 8th century B.C.
SOCIAL: Maori tribes were divided into groups called hapu, lead by a skillful warrior. Women had a lot of say in the family, but women still were subordinated to the men.
CULTURE: The Maori people were inclined to making war. A lot of time was devoted to planning attacks on neighboring tribes,thus a skilled warrior was always valued in this culture
RELIGION: The Maori people believed in spirits, gods ad goddesses, and in their culture they had those who intervened on humans behalf.
INNOVATION: It still seems amazing that these Polynesian people managed to arrive on those island with the innovative water travel that they possessed. Their insight led to discovering distant, uncharted lands

[JessicaMoore]

Zoroastrianism, its origins begin in Persia, dating back to around 550 B.C., resembles that of Christianity in that it is monotheistic in its worship versus worshipping many gods. Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism, wanted to move away from the precise sacrifice and ritualistic religion of early Hinduism and received divine revelations from Ahura Mazda, the supreme good Creator, and wrote them down in the Avesta, sacred writings. The only rituals Zoroastrianism emphasized was the cleansing of the hands, representing the purification of the soul from the evils of this world, and the continuous burning of fire in the meeting of worship to represent the soul being constantly on fire for good. Zoroaster's philosophy for life can be summarized by the words "Good thoughts, good words, good deeds". Rather than focusing on elaborate places of worship, and exact rituals, this religion urges the individual to cleanse its soul until the end of time, when there will be a total cleansing of the earth of evil. Zoroastrianism majorly influenced religions such as Judaism and Islam.

[JessicaMoore]

Chapter 8 Study guide
Who:Mesoamerica civilization
Which: Olmec, sometimes referred to as the mother of Mesoamerica
When:1200-500 B.C.
Where: Veracruz and Tabasco
Political System: hereditary elite ruling the common people
Religious System: the ceremonialism of this complex religion dominated their life.
Economic mainstay: agriculture, but they also accomplished great building projects, thus they probably had builders and artisans.
innovative achievements: great stone heads made from basalt rocks, the development of a vigesimal numerical system as well as a calendar, improvements in drainage systems, and temple complexes. They also made great carvings from jade.

[JessicaMoore]

Chapter 8 Study guide

Who: Mesoamerica civilization
Which:Teotihuacan- name of the city civilization
When:beginning A.D. - 650 A.D.
Where: near modern day Mexico City
Population: 200,000
political system: the priests and the nobles ruled, no doubt.
religious system: they worshipped gods of nature: god of rain or the goddess of corn, for example.
economic mainstay: agriculture
social system: distinct division between the priests, nobles, and the common people.
Who they influenced: its influence extended as far south as the Maya states in Guatamala and their artwork was discovered n many other areas. Depictions of men in military attire in other cities shows us their military influence in the surrounding areas.
innovative achievements: later civilizations referred to the Teotihuacan city as the golden age of cultural achievements.

[JessicaMoore]

Chapter 8 study guide

Who: Mesoamerica cultures
Which:Maya
When: 300-900 A.D.
Where: southern Mexico and central America
Population: as much as 5 million
economic mainstay: agriculture, but they also innovated the field (pardon the pun) with irrigation, swamp drainage, and artificially constructed ridged fields to aid in production.
political system: ruled by the elite class.
religious system:they, like many other Mesoamerica cultures, believed in many deities, but they also believed in dualism, the unity of everything, meaning they had both a god and goddess paired together for each concept.
innovative achievements: calendar system, advancement in concepts of mathematics, and an elaborate writing system, as well the building of large memorable buildings for religious or political purposes.

[JessicaMoore]

Chapter 8 study guide

Who: Mesoamerica cultures
Which: Hopewell culture
When: 200-500 A.D.
Where:valleys of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers
social system: not very complex, just enough to survive.
agricultural mainstay: the later descendants of the Hopewell culture- the Mississippian culture- rose possibly due to the introduction of maize, bean, and squash.
religious system: they did some cult practices
notable achievements: large dirt mounds used for various purposes.

Who: Anasazi
When: 200-1300 A.D.
Where: American Southwest
agricultural mainstay: maize and beans
notable architecture: these people built multi-storied stone homes in cliffs or in canyons to protect themselves from invaders. THey also produced excellent pottery.

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