This statue shows Raherka, an “inspector of the scribes” of Egypt, with his wife, Mersankh, around 2350 B.C.E. The couple wears their hair in similar traditional styles and is dressed modestly in tunics. Mersankh stands slightly behind her husband on his left and holds onto his left arm with her left hand. The hair of the figures is colored black, and the skin and clothing shows remnants of ochre and yellow colors. What made the person represented in this statue significant in his time?

First Civilizations: Cities, States, and the Development of Unequal Societies Mr. Prindiville

Core and foundational civilizations developed in a variety of geographical and environmental settings where agriculture flourished. Olmecs Mesopotamia Shang Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa Egypt Chavín/ Norte Chico

Six major civilizations (plus many smaller ones) Scattered around the world Develop after 3500 BCE Civilization is a global phenomenon

States were powerful new systems of rule that mobilized surplus labor and resources over large areas. Early states were often led by a ruler whose source of power was believed to be divine or had divine support and/or who was supported by the military.

As states grew and competed for land and resources, the more favorably situated — including the Hittites, who had access to iron — had greater access to resources, produced more surplus food, and experienced growing populations.

These states were able to undertake territorial expansion and conquer surrounding states.

Pastoralists were often the developers and disseminators of new weapons and modes of transportation that transformed warfare in agrarian civilizations. Hittite Weapons

The Chariots of Ur

Culture played a significant role in unifying states through laws, language, literature, religion, myths, and monumental art.

Early civilizations developed monumental architecture and urban planning. Huantar de Chavin Left: drainage Above: corridor

A large public well and public bathing platforms were found in Harappa. They had a sophisticated system of plumbing and sewage Early civilizations developed monumental architecture and urban planning.

Harrapa Gateway, Artists Conception -Grid layout Early civilizations developed monumental architecture and urban planning.

Ziggurat Early civilizations developed monumental architecture and urban planning.

Elites, both political and religious, promoted arts and artisanship. The sandeel monolithic has a length of 5 meters and represents a Chavín deity Gold Chavin

Systems of record keeping arose independently in all early civilizations and were later spread about. Cuneiform = Sumerian system of writing The symbols represented complex ideas

Scribes were trained to read & write documents and stories Epic of Gilgamesh = oldest story in the world Systems of record keeping arose independently in all early civilizations and were later spread about.

States developed legal codes, including the Code of Hammurabi, that reflected existing hierarchies and facilitated the rule of governments over people. Babylon (Mesopotamia) was Ruled by Hammurabi Strict Code of Laws = Hammurabi’s greatest achievement Rules and consequences that addressed daily life Law code covered entire region of Mesopotamia “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” type of laws Government assumed the responsibility of protecting its citizens People now had laws to protect their rights & didn’t need to resort to violence