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Classical Civilizations in World History
China (Qin and Han) India (Maurya and gupta) Greece Rome
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What is a Classic? Music Movies Clothing Sports Art Architecture
Theater Literature
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Classical Characteristics
1) Something in the past 2) Original – Unique - One of a Kind 3) Memorable 4) Influential 5) Easily Recognized
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Four Areas of the World Had Classical Civilizations
China India Greece Italy (ROME)
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All Classic Civilizations Have…
A “Golden Age” – Period of Peace and Prosperity (great accomplishments and wealth) Advances in culture – Art, Architecture, Literature Science, Technology, and Math An impact on others
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Classical Civilizations in China
Qin Dynasty Leader: Shi Huangdi Time Period: 221 BCE – 202 BCE Philosophy: Legalism Type of Government: TOTALITARIAN/Strong Central Government Eliminate Confucianism (No Education) Military and Agriculture are Most Important Accomplishments: Great Wall for Protection (Construction Begins) Major Public Works (Flood Control, Irrigation) Writing System Standardized Weights and Measures Decline/Fall: Overthrown by Han due to harsh policies
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Classical Civilizations in China
Han Dynasty Leader: Liu Bang/Han Wudi Time Period: 206 BCE – 220 CE Philosophy: Confucianism Type of Government: Confucian Bureaucracy Merit Based System Education and Family are Most Important Accomplishments: Civil Service Exam System Technological Innovation: Paper, Shipbuilding Decline/Fall: Weak Leadership Invasion High Taxes
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Classical Civilizations in India
Maurya Empire Chandragupta Maurya created 1st Indian Empire through CONQUEST. Chandragupta Maintains Order in India 1) Well maintained Bureaucracy 2) Royal Court – Justice System 3) Effective Tax System 4) Public Works: Roads and Buildings for Trade Asoka – “The Most Honored Emperor” Accomplishments: 1) Peace and Prosperity to Empire 2) United diverse Empire 3) Buddhist Principles – Law throughout empire Conversion to Buddhism: Missionaries spread beliefs Stupas (Buddhist Shrines) throughout empire
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Classical Civilizations in India
Gupta Empire 500 years after the Maurya Empire ended the Guptas began their empire; it is considered India’s GOLDEN AGE or Period of Peace and Prosperity. India’s GOLDEN AGE Math: Concept of zero, Decimal system Medicine: Surgery, Vaccines, Hospitals Architecture: Buddhist Stupas, Travel lodges Literature: Drama and Poetry Government: Elected leaders, Schools DECLINE OF THE GUPTA Civil War Weak leaders Foreign Invaders
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The Parthenon
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The Coloseum
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Common Features of Golden Age Civilizations
Period of Peace and Prosperity: Empires are free from invasion and are considered secure, which leads to more trade and greater wealth and happiness. Advancements in Art/Architecture: Greater specialization leads to advances in both areas. Examples: Coloseum (Rome), Parthenon (Greece) Stable Government: Governments meet the needs of their people and provide stability and order. Examples: Roman Republic, Chinese Bureaucracy. Economic Success: Massive surpluses, profitable trade and urbanization cause unprecedented economic growth. Emphasis on Learning/Education: Stability and order allows people to focus on education and learning by building schools, libraries and museums. Examples: Greek philosophy (Socrates), Hellenistic Libraries (Alexandria).
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Major Belief Systems in India and China
Confucianism (CHINA): Philosophy which promotes education, 5 basic relationships (social class structure) and responsible government. Legalism (CHINA): Philosophy that focuses on a STRONG CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (Totalitarian) and emphasizes Military and Agriculture. Buddhism (INDIA): Non-Violent religion in which followers seek to attain Nirvana and strive for inner peace by eliminating desires through the Eightfold Path. Hinduism (INDIA): Religion that creates a rigid social class structure (CASTE SYSTEM) and focuses on reincarnation, karma and dharma. Provides stability and order for India.
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Classical Civilization in Greece
GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES IMPACT Mountainous Topography (Rocky Land) Lack of Unity, Division into City-States Peninsula (Aegean, Mediterranean Sea) Profitable sea trade and travel Mediterranean Climate Long growing season for OLIVES and GRAPES (Wine)
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Greek Government City-State: A city that forms an independent state with the surrounding territory (Autonomous). Types of Government in Ancient Greece Monarchy – Government is controlled by one person Aristocracy – Power is controlled by a small, wealthy, privileged ruling class. Oligarchy – Government controlled by a small group (Sparta – 5 Ephors) Democracy – Power is in the hands of the people who participate directly in their own governance. (Athens-Direct Democracy)
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Athens and Sparta Athens Sparta Government: Direct Democracy
Values: Freedom Philosophy Education Citizenship Sparta Government: Oligarchy Values: Military Order Discipline Loyalty to Sparta
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Greek Philosophy The Age of Pericles
Socrates: “Father of Philosophy,” Socratic Method Plato: Wrote “The Republic,” Philosopher-King Aristotle: Plato’s Student, School of Athens, Human Reason The Age of Pericles Greece’s Golden Age Glorification of Athens Parthenon/Acropolis Strong Democracy Athenian Empire Philosophy/Drama Oedipus the King The Apology of Socrates Courts/Justice Homer – The Iliad and the Odyssey
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Alexander the Great In just 10 years Alexander conquered a huge empire that stretched 20,000 miles from Greece to India. He spread Greek culture and civilization throughout Eurasia. Peloponnesian War (431 BCE-404BCE): War between Athens and Sparta for power, weakens all Greeks and makes them vulnerable to attack. Extraordinary Military Leader – Conquers 90% of the known world (Egypt to India) Dies at 33 and his empire is divided into 3 “Hellenistic” Empires – Hellenistic Culture: Combines Greek, Egyptian, Indian and Persian cultures Achievements: Advanced Cities (Alexandria), Learning (Libraries and Museums), Math, Science, Astronomy, CULTURAL DIFFUSION
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Attractions/Learning Mathematics and Physics
Hellenistic Culture Cultural Diffusion: The Spread of ideas, goods, culture from one society to another. Alexander’s Empire combines the cultures of: Greece, Egypt, Persia and India. Attractions/Learning Museum Temple dedicated to the muses (Greek Goddesses) Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Research, Art Galleries Alexandrian Library ½ Million Papyrus Scrolls 1st research library in the world Astronomy Ptolemy Earth Centered Universe Eratosthenes Calculated circumference of the Earth. Mathematics and Physics Archimedes Pi Lever, Screw, Pulley Euclid Geometry
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The Roman empire
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Geography All Roads Lead to Rome Mediterranean Sea Fertile Soil
(Strategic location with key trade routes) Fertile Soil Warm Climate
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Roman Military Strengths
Roman Expansion Punic Wars (264 BCE-146 BCE) Battle with Carthage Roman expansion throught Mediterranean Sea. (Mare Nostrum) Roman Military Strengths Citizen Soldiers Road Network Military Values
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Hannibal
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The Early Republic Rome was founded as a REPUBLIC and was controlled by the PATRICIANS. Over time the Plebeians revolted and gained elected representatives and a Code of Law known as the 12 TABLES. Republic – A form of government in which power rests with citizens who vote to elect representatives. Patricians – Aristocratic landowners (most power) Plebeians – Commoners, farmers and merchants (most people) Citizens - all free born males are an active part of the empire 12 Tables – Roman laws provided order and stability for all
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Aim: Strong leaders create and empire
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Strong Leaders Create an Empire
Struggles For Power First Triumvirate (Rule of 3) – Julius Caesar, Pompey, Crassus Second Triumvirate – Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus Mark Antony v. Octavian – Battle of Actium Julius Caesar 44 BC – Dictator for life Helped poor, public works, extended citizenship to provinces Assassinated March 15th, 44 BC Augustus Caesar (Octavian) Imperator of Rome – Absolute Ruler Begins Pax Romana –ROMES GOLDEN AGE Best Emperor: Stabilized Government Public Works, Civil Service, Postal System
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Julius Caesar
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Battle of Actium
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Aim: What was the Pax Romana?
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Characteristics of the Pax Romana
The Pax Romana or “Roman Peace” is considered Rome’s Golden Age. This period of Peace and Prosperity is the height of the Roman Empire. Economic Prosperity Roman Roads (Trade and Military) Silk Road Trade Strengthens- Connects Rome to Asia Roman Culture Glorification of Rome (1 million people in the city) No Major Wars Stable Government 5 Good Emperors Women Gain Respect Still no political power
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Time to Split for Rome Emperor Diocletian Emperor Constantine
In 284 CE the Empire is divided into 2 parts Continued Diocletian's reforms. Empire was TOO LARGE to rule efficiently CHRISTIANITY-Tolerant, Christianity grows Improved economy, increased prestige of the Emperor Moves Capital to CONSTANTINOPLE: Eastern Rome becomes more powerful than Western Rome (Invasion)
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THE FALL OF ROME (PERMS)
Political Corruption Weak Leaders Division Inefficient Government Citizens lack interest in politics Economic Rapid Inflation Government Overspending (Bread and Circus, Mercenaries) High Taxes High Poverty Decline in trade
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Religious Military Social Old religious values die
Christian Values: Non-Violence, “turn the other cheek” Military Empire too large to defend Constant barbarian invasions (Western Rome) Mercenary soldiers are not as good as citizen soldiers Social Military values wear down CLASS TENSION: Patricians vs Plebeians People just want to be entertained (Bread and Circus)…No value in HARD WORK
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