1. Civilization in Southwest Asia World History I

2. The role of Nomads Civilization thrived in central Asia around 4,000 years ago. – On the fringes of these civilizations lived pastoral nomads. – Pastoral Nomads are people who domesticate animals for food and clothing. They regularly migrate to provide their animals a steady supply of food. – People living in settled communities viewed the pastoral nomads as hostile and barbaric. The two groups would interact in order to trade.

3. The Phoenicians The Phoenicians lived in Palestine along the Mediterranean Sea. – Their prosperity was based on trade. – Main exports: purple dye, glass, timber Through ship building the Phoenicians created a trade empire throughout the Mediterranean.ship building – They set up numerous colonies in this region. The Phoenicians are best known for their alphabet. – The Greek alphabet is derived from the Phoenician alphabet. – Our current alphabet is linked back to the Phoenicians.

5. The Israelites South of the Phoenicians lived the Israelites. – Under King Solomon, Israel reached its greatest power. He expanded to control all of Palestine, strengthened the government, and encouraged trade. – After Solomon’s death, Israel split into two kingdoms, the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah.two kingdoms The Assyrians overran the Kingdom of Israel and sent its people to different areas, resulting in them losing their identity. The Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Chaldeans. They destroyed Jerusalem. – When the Persians conquered the Chaldeans, they allowed the people of Judah to return and rebuild Jerusalem.

6. The Jews Despite being conquered several times, the people of Judah survived. – They became known as the Jews, a stateless religion based on the belief that God was not fixed to one land. – The Jews were monotheistic; they believed in one God. The Jews would not accept the gods of their conquerors and refused to be part of another community. – The Jews refused loyalty to other political leaders, creating a separation between them and their non- Jewish neighbors.