Introduction to Ancient Civilisations

A FEW MORE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…

A FEW MORE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…

•WHAT OTHER GREAT CIVILISATIONS EXISTED?

•WHY SHOULD WE STUDY CIVILISATIONS?

• IS CIVILISATION ALWAYS A GOOD THING?

WHAT OTHER GREAT CIVILISATIONS EXISTED?

• We do not have the time to explore other civilisations in detail

• However, you can explore them in your Portfolio entries

• There are many more fascinating civilisations which originated in varied places around the world, such as…

Mayan civilisation (c. 300 BC – 1200 AD)

• The Mayans created large cities in what is now Mexico• They were known for huge pyramids, violent warfare and

human sacrifice of prisoners!• You may have learned about their numbering system in

Primary 4• Their complex calendar was used to predict the End of the

World in 2012 (aren’t you glad it wasn’t?)

AZTEC Civilisation(c. 14th – 16th Century AD)

• The Aztecs were a culture who built a huge empire in Mexico• Their greatest city, Tenochtitlan, is still the site of Mexico’s

capital, Mexico City• Like the Mayans, the Aztec were known for large pyramids

and a complex religious culture. • They were known as fierce warriors and sacrificed thousands

of prisoners to satisfy their gods, so as to delay the destruction of the world

• Eventually they were conquered by Spanish invaders

Islamic civilisation (c. 7th Century aD - )

• In the 7th Century AD Islam spread from Arabia• Eventually a vast empire was created in Arabia and North

Africa, which lasted till the 13th Century AD• Islamic universities became the great centres of learning• Science, mathematics, medicine, literature, architecture

and art flourished during this period

Islamic civilisation (c. 7th Century aD - )

• For example, ALGEBRA is derived from an Arab word!• The world’s first Universities were founded within Islamic

civilisation in Morocco, Egypt and Iraq• The earliest of these, the University of Al-Karaouine in

Morocco, was founded by a wealthy woman in 859 AD – and it is STILL functioning today!

• By comparison, the University of Oxford was founded around 1096 AD and Cambridge in 1209 AD.

Khmer civilisation (c. 9th – 15th Century ad)• The Khmer people lived in present-day Cambodia• They adapted to a dense jungle environment where

rivers flooded annually• They cleared land for crops and used canals to control

and store flood water• Their most famous legacy is the stunning temple complex

of Angkor Wat

WHY should we study Civilisations?

• Languages• Mathematics and

Science• Technology• Political systems• Religions

• Laws• Architecture• Art and Culture• Food• Fashion

• EVERYTHING in our lives today finds its roots within one of the great civilisations of the past. For example:

WHY should we study Civilisations?• Many people today would identify themselves

as the product of at least one civilisation

• Even today, the great civilisations of the past continue to define us – they have made us who we are

Thinking time!

• Should we always assume that Civilisation was a good thing?

• Did Mankind always benefit from the advancement of political systems and technology?

Was Civilisation always a good thing?

• Absurd as it sounds, some have questioned whether the development of great Civilisations also brought more harm to humanity

• Civilisations gave man many benefits. But it also created hugely unequal societies, with powerful and rich elites dominating and enslaving others

• Advanced technology also gave man the means to wage immensely destructive wars, and pollute the environment

Was Civilisation always a good thing?

You will see examples of inequality and cruelty in your P5 curriculum

• In Sumeria, Egypt and China, many servants of the King had to be buried with him when he died

• In ancient Rome, slaves formed the lowest rung of society or became gladiators who killed to amuse crowds

• The Arab historian Ibn Khaldun wrote that:

“The goal of civilisation is settled life and the achievement of luxury.

But there is a limit which cannot be overstepped.

When prosperity and luxury comes to a people, they are followed by excessive

consumption and extravagance. … the human soul itself is undermined.”

The very first civilisation warned us!

• In a Sumerian myth, the god of Wisdom gave the goddess Inanna the “gifts of Civilisation”

• These gifts symbolised everything that Civilisation contained

• Inanna later gave these gifts to mankind, allowing him to become “civilised”

• However, the god of Wisdom warned her that this was a mixture of good and bad gifts – and she had to take EVERYTHING

The very first civilisation warned us!

These gifts included: • Political power – “The art of being mighty”• Writing – “The craft of the scribe”• Technology – “The craft of the copper-worker”• Happiness and wealth – “The soothing of the

heart”• Anger and discord – “Fear, dismay, strife”• Violence and destruction – “The plundering of

cities”

The very first civilisation warned us!

• Finally, the god of Wisdom warns Inanna that …

“ONCE YOU HAVE TAKEN THEM, THERE CAN BE NO DISPUTE,

AND YOU CANNOT GIVE THEM BACK”

Sumerian poem – a city shattered• The Sumerians were the first to enjoy living in cities, but also

experienced the horrors of mass destruction when cities were attacked. They wrote:

Ur is destroyed, bitter is its lament. The city’s blood now fills its holes

like hot bronze in a mould. Bodies dissolve like fat in the sun.

Our temple is destroyed, the gods have abandoned us,

like migrating birds. Smoke lies on our city like a shroud.

In other words…• Civilisation gave man increasing power

which he has used both for great good and harm to others

• Whatever the benefits and costs of civilisation, there is no going back – mankind must continue to use his powers responsibly!

Keep Thinking!

•You may continue to think about these issues over this year, as you learn more

•Your Portfolio Entries will give you the chance to reflect on issues like these