The Rise of a New Religion and New Empires OBJECTIVE: Trace the development and assess the achievements of early river civilizations, including but not limited to those around the Huang‑He, Nile, Indus, and Tigris­-Euphrates rivers. The Rise of a New Religion and New Empires

Phoenicians Semitic people; eastern Mediterranean coast Sea traders; established port cities; Carthage Phoenician alphabet – 22 letters to represent sounds

“Children of Israel” Semitic-speaking people Monotheism – belief in one all-powerful God, Yahweh; Judaism Abraham – left Ur, 1900 B.C., made covenant with Yahweh- the promised land Moses – 1200s, led people in exodus – “departure” Passover – festival celebrating Israelite Exodus from Egypt Renewed covenant with God – Ten Commandments

Abraham’s Journey

Moses

“Children of Israel” David fought Goliath on Saul’s behalf & took throne Divided kingdom – Israel & Judah Assyrians – 722 B.C., scattered 10 northern tribes (“lost tribes’) Chaldeans – 586 B.C., carried off two southern tribes – Babylonian Exile Torah – 400 B.C., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Diaspora – “scattered,” Jewish people living outside homeland

David vs. Goliath

Ancient Israel

Torah

Hittites – 1st Indo-Europeans to make use of iron; used chariots

Assyrians – Semitic people; 700 B.C. Exploited use of iron Most lethal fighting force in the Middle East Units of soldiers, charioteers, & cavalry Used terror as an instrument of warfare Ashurbanipal – king; one of world’s first libraries at Nineveh

Assyrian Empire

Chaldeans – captured Nineveh 612 B.C. King Nebuchadnezzar – greatest ruler, 605 – 562 B.C. Rebuilt Babylon – hanging gardens, one of Seven Wonders

Chaldean Empire, 560 B.C.

Persians – Indo-Europeans; settled in present-day Iran Cyrus II – conquered Chaldeans, 539 B.C.; allowed Jews to return Darius I – best organizer, 522 – 486 B.C. Satraps – provincial governors Expanded network of roads – Royal Road