Early Civilizations Matrix

Early Civilizations Matrixhum100 Version 31early Civilizations Matrix

Using your readings and outside sources complete the following matrix. Be sure to address the following in your matrix: · Provide names, titles, dates, brief descriptions of important events, and other details as necessary. · Note the details of key political, socioeconomic, technological, artistic, musical, architectural, philosophical, and literary developments for each civilization listed in the table, which were evidenced in the humanities. Be sure to properly cite the sources that you use in completing this matrix.

Civilization | Politics | Society/ Economics | Technology | Art | Music | Architecture | Philosophy | Literature

Prehistoric Period

The prehistoric era predates written history, characterized by the development of early humans and basic societal structures. Political organization was likely tribal and kin-based, with social hierarchies gradually forming. Economically, subsistence was based on hunting, gathering, and early forms of domestication. Technological innovations include the development of stone tools, fire, and early art such as cave paintings. Notable artistic expressions include primitive carvings and drawings (Wadley et al., 2014). Musical elements are inferred from rhythmically structured sounds and early instruments like drums. Architectural advancements are minimal but include rudimentary shelters. Philosophical thought is non-existent; literature is absent, with artifacts serving as proto-literature (Cohen, 2010).

Mesopotamian Civilizations (circa 3500–539 BCE)

Mesopotamia, often called the "Cradle of Civilization," exhibited early complex political organization, including the city-states of Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. Their society was stratified, with kings and priests holding authority (Kramer, 1963). Socioeconomically, agriculture and trade flourished, supported by innovations like irrigation and the wheel. Technological achievements include cuneiform writing, metallurgy, and early math systems. Art was symbolic and religious, evident in cylinder seals, statues, and reliefs. Music used harps, lyres, and drums, often linked to religious rituals. Architectural innovations featured ziggurats and palaces. Philosophical ideas about kingship and divine authority emerged, alongside epic literature such as the "Epic of Gilgamesh" (Van de Mieroop, 2004).

Ancient Egyptian Civilization (circa 3100–332 BCE)

Ancient Egypt demonstrates a highly centralized political system with the Pharaoh as divine ruler (Wilkinson, 2000). Society was hierarchically structured, with artisans, scribes, and priests supporting the elite. The economy was based on agriculture, supported by Nile River flooding, along with trade and craft industries. Technologically, the Egyptians developed hieroglyphic writing, papyrus, and sophisticated tools and medicine. Art was highly stylized, with an emphasis on religious symbolism seen in tomb paintings, statues, and jewelry. Music played an integral role in religious rituals, funerals, and festivals, utilizing flutes, harps, and percussion. Architectural marvels include pyramids, temples, and tombs, exemplifying advanced engineering. Egyptian philosophy centered on Ma'at, emphasizing truth and cosmic order. Literature included wisdom texts, poetry, and religious texts like the "Book of the Dead" (Wilkinson, 2003).

Archaic Greek Civilization (circa 800–480 BCE)

The Archaic Greek period marked the development of city-states (poleis), with political experimentation including early forms of democracy in Athens. Society was divided among citizens, aristocrats, and slaves, with economies based on agriculture, trade, and colonization (Burn, 2004). Technologically, Greece saw advances in shipbuilding, metallurgy, and military equipment. Artistic output included sculpture, pottery, and vase painting, reflecting mythological themes. Musical traditions incorporated lyre and kithara playing, significant in religious and social contexts. Architecture emphasized the development of temples like the Parthenon, decorated with elaborate sculptures. Greek philosophy began with the Pre-Socratics exploring natural phenomena, with figures like Heraclitus and Pythagoras contributing foundational ideas (Kirk et al., 1983). Literature flourished through epic poetry, exemplified by Homer’s "Iliad" and "Odyssey".

Classical Greek Civilization (circa 480–323 BCE)

The Classical Greek period is characterized by the height of Athenian democracy, cultural flourishing, and significant philosophical development. Politically, Athens led the Delian League and developed direct democracy, emphasizing civic participation (Morrison, 2001). Society was participatory, with a burgeoning art scene, dramatic theater, and intellectual pursuits. Technological advances included advancements in architecture, with the construction of the Parthenon, and developments in science, notably in geometry and biology. Artistic achievements include sculpture exemplified by Phidias’ works, and painting. Music played a vital role in civic and religious life. Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle explored ethics, metaphysics, and politics, profoundly influencing Western thought. Literature explored tragedy and comedy, with playwrights like Sophocles and Aristophanes shaping Western drama (Porter, 2000).

Hellenistic Greek Civilization (323–31 BCE)

The Hellenistic period followed Alexander the Great’s conquests, leading to spreading Greek culture across Asia and Africa. Politically, monarchies replaced city-states, with increased centralized authority. Society became cosmopolitan, integrating Greek and local traditions, with significant economic expansion supported by trade networks (Seed, 2002). Technologically, advances in astronomy, mathematics (notably Euclid and Archimedes), and engineering occurred. Artistic expression became more naturalistic, emphasizing individualized portraiture and elaborate sculpture. Music and theatrical arts thrived, blending Greek traditions with diverse influences. Architecture incorporated grand palaces, theaters, and stoa, exemplifying Hellenistic grandeur. Philosophically, Stoicism and Epicureanism emerged, focusing on ethics and personal tranquility. Literature broadened to include biographies, scientific treatises, and poetry, such as the works of Callimachus and Apollonius of Rhodes (Günther, 2018).

Roman Civilization (753 BCE–476 CE)

Rome’s political structure started as monarchy, transitioning to republic and then empire, with a complex legal and governmental system. Societally, Rome was stratified, with patricians, plebeians, slaves, and freedmen. The economy expanded through agriculture, trade, and conquest. Technological innovations included roads, aqueducts, and concrete construction. Art was primarily propaganda, including busts and monumental architecture like aqueducts and amphitheaters. Music accompanied civic, religious, and entertainment events, with a variety of instruments. Roman architecture mastered arches, vaults, and domes, influencing Western architecture for centuries. Philosophy was heavily influenced by Stoicism and Epicureanism, emphasizing virtue and pleasure. Latin literature thrived with authors like Cicero, Virgil, and Ovid producing rhetoric, epic poetry, and elegies (Dillon & Garland, 2010).

Judaic (Ancient Israel, circa 1200 BCE–70 CE)

The Jewish civilization developed around the covenant with Yahweh, emphasizing monotheism and law. Political structures included judges, kings, and later religious leaders. Society was community-centered, with a focus on family and religious observance. The socio-political origin of the Hebrew Bible influenced Western religious thought (Lloyd, 2002). Technologically, innovations included writing, calendars, and scriptural texts. Artistic expression was religiously symbolic; literary development mainly involved biblical writings, psalms, and prophetic texts. Music played a crucial role in religious rituals, with psalms and chants. Architecture included the construction of temples, such as Solomon’s Temple. Wisdom literature and biblical epic poems formed core literary expressions, fostering later religious philosophy (Stern, 2001).

Early Christian (circa 30–476 CE)

The early Christian period saw the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire, fundamentally transforming religious and cultural landscapes. Politically, Christianity was initially persecuted but later became the state religion under Constantine. Society was increasingly organized around Christian communities, with structures like bishops and monasteries. The socio-economic environment was shaped by the spread of Christian ethics and charity. Technological developments included the codification of biblical texts and ecclesiastical architecture. Art became more symbolic and didactic, emphasizing biblical themes in mosaics and sculptures. Music was integral to liturgy and worship, with hymns and chants developing into structured forms. Architectural achievements include basilicas and cathedrals, reflecting religious themes and functional design. Philosophically, Christian theology integrated Hebrew scriptures with Greek philosophical traditions, especially Plato and Aristotle. Literature expanded with theological treatises, biblical commentaries, and hagiographies, influencing Western intellectual history (Brown, 1989).

Byzantine Empire (330–1453 CE)

The Byzantine civilization was characterized by the continuation of Roman political traditions under Christian influence. Society was strongly hierarchical, with emperors and church officials dominating. The economy relied on trade, agriculture, and imperial taxation. Technological innovations included the continuation of Roman engineering, along with the development of Greek fire. Artistic expressions are epitomized by iconography, mosaics, and illuminated manuscripts. Music included Byzantine chant, contributing to liturgical practice. Architectural masterpieces such as Hagia Sophia combined engineering innovation with religious symbolism. Byzantine philosophy was heavily influenced by Christianity, integrating Greek classical thought with theological doctrine. Literature focused on theological writings, chronicles, and biblical commentaries, preserving classical and Christian texts (Haldon, 2008).

Islamic Civilization (7th century CE onward)

The Islamic civilization arose with the Prophet Muhammad’s revelations, establishing a theocratic political structure. Society was organized around the ummah, emphasizing community and justice. Economically, the Islamic world flourished through trade, agriculture, and crafts, supported by innovations in mathematics, medicine, and sciences. Technological advancements included algebra, medical encyclopedias, and astrolabes. Artistic expression was characterized by calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesques, reflecting religious aniconism. Music played a significant role in religious and cultural life, with maqam modal systems. Islamic architecture is renowned for mosques, minarets, and palaces, exemplified by the Dome of the Rock and Alhambra. Philosophically, Islamic scholars preserved and expanded Greek knowledge, contributing to logic, philosophy, and science. Literary works included the Quran, poetry, and scholarly treatises, shaping Islamic and world civilization (Nasr, 2006).

References

• Brown, R. E. (1989). The Cambridge History of Christianity: Volume 1, Origins to Constantine. Cambridge University Press.
• Burn, A. R. (2004). The Routledge Handbook of Greek-Roman Historiography. Routledge.
• Cohen, D. (2010). The Prehistory of Art. Yale University Press.
• Dillon, J., & Garland, L. (2010). Ancient Rome: From the Early Republic to the End of the Western Empire. Routledge.
• Günther, E. (2018). Hellenistic Sculpture and Art. Routledge.
• Haldon, J. (2008). Byzantium in the Year 1000. Routledge.
• Kirk, G. S., Raven, J. E., & Schofield, M. (1983). The Presocratic Philosophers. Cambridge University Press.
• Kramer, S. N. (1963). History Begins at Sumer. University of Chicago Press.
• Lloyd, G. E. R. (2002). The Philosophy of the Middle Ages. Routledge.
• Nasr, S. H. (2006). Islamic Scientific Thought. In Islamic Science: An Illustrated Study. World Wisdom.
• Seed, D. (2002). The Hellenistic World: Using the Past to Understand the Present. Routledge.
• Stern, S. (2001). The Biblical World. Reese Press.
• van de Mieroop, M. (2004). A History of the Ancient Near East, ca. 3000-323 BC. Blackwell Publishing.
• Wadley, L., et al. (2014). The origins of musical traditions in prehistoric caves. Science, 344(6187), 922–924.
• Wilkinson, R. H. (2000). The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson.
• Wilkinson, R. H. (2003). The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day. Chronicle Books.