Instructions: One Important Process In Human History

Instructions One important process in human history was the transition

One important process in human history was the transition from “hunter-gatherer” societies to settled “complex” civilizations. For this Milestone, you will identify the features of complex societies, analyze real historical examples, and discover how culture can shape civilizations. Delivery: This assignment consists of a six-paragraph essay and at least three images (which you will paste into your word document). You must use formal written communication, including organized paragraphs, full sentences, and correct grammar. You must also use parenthetical citations each time you take a fact from a source.

Step 1: Select ONE region to research from the list below: East Asian Civilizations, Early American Civilizations, Islamic Civilizations.

Step 2: Using Acro as your main source, write your essay as follows, incorporating information from your resources to support and strengthen your points throughout. Each paragraph should be 5-7 sentences:

• Intro Paragraph – introduce the reader to the region you chose and explain what features your body paragraphs will cover.
• Four Body Paragraphs:
  • Identify at least one of the major religions in the area. Introduce the origins of the religion and how it expanded throughout the region. Investigate and describe the religion’s key teachings/beliefs, and any other interesting facts you discovered in your reading.
  • Identify one feature of complex civilizations (other than religion) that is evident in the region you chose - explain what the feature is, provide an example of the feature in the region, and evaluate why it is important to the region.
  • Select another feature of complex civilizations (other than religion) from the list you covered in class. Explain what the feature is, where it is evident in the region, and why it is important to the region.
• Conclusion Paragraph – summarize the main strengths and weaknesses of the societies in the region you read about. Were these societies advanced enough to overpower others?

Step 3: Identify and insert at least three images showing “culture” in the region you chose. You may locate images anywhere online, but you must include a citation and typed caption for each picture. The caption should explain what the image is and what it tells us about your region’s culture. Remember, you should be showing culture from the historical era you read about (for example, if you read about the Americas, you would look at Incan/Mayan/Aztec or other native cultures, not American culture in the present day).

Paper For Above instruction

The transition from hunting and gathering societies to complex civilizations marked a pivotal turning point in human history. Among the regions that experienced this profound transformation, the Early American Civilizations, such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, stand out for their remarkable cultural, political, and religious developments. This essay will explore the major features that define these civilizations, focusing on religion and other societal features, analyzing their origins, beliefs, and significance within the cultural landscape of pre-Columbian America.

Introduction to Early American Civilizations

Early American civilizations originated around 2000 BCE and reached their heights between 300 and 1500 CE. These societies were characterized by sophisticated political structures, monumental architecture, complex social hierarchies, and rich cultural practices. Their religions played a vital role in shaping societal norms and governance. This essay will examine the religious foundations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas, alongside other civilizational features such as social stratification and technological advancements, to understand their societal strengths and vulnerabilities.

Major Religion: Maya Religions

The Maya civilization practiced a polytheistic religion centered around gods controlling natural elements and celestial bodies. Their religious practices included elaborate rituals, calendar systems, and human sacrifices. The origins of Maya religion can be traced to earlier Olmec traditions, with hieroglyphic writings and temple complexes like El Castillo at Chichen Itza exemplifying their spiritual life. The Maya believed in a universe governed by divine forces, and their religious ceremonies sought to maintain cosmic order. These beliefs were embedded in their writing, architecture, and daily life, reinforcing social cohesion and political authority (Freidel et al., 2013).

Feature of Complex Civilizations: Social Hierarchy

One major feature of complex civilizations evident in the Aztec society is the structured social hierarchy. The Aztec society was divided into distinct classes, with the emperor at the top, followed by nobility, scribes, warriors, artisans, and farmers. This stratification maintained social order, facilitated specialization of labor, and reinforced political control. The importance of social hierarchy was twofold: it ensured stability within the empire and helped legitimize the authority of rulers through divine right and religious rituals. Such structures allowed these civilizations to mobilize resources efficiently and defend their interests against rivals (Smith, 2018).

Feature of Complex Civilizations: Technological Achievements

The Incas demonstrated advanced engineering skills, especially in agriculture and infrastructure. They constructed terraced fields on mountain slopes, which maximized arable land and minimized erosion. The extensive network of roads and bridges, like the Inca Road system, facilitated communication and troop movement across the empire’s vast territories. These technological feats were crucial for administrative control, resource distribution, and cultural integration in the Andes. Their innovations exemplify how technological advancement contributed to the resilience and expansion of the Inca Empire (Mann, 2005).

Conclusion

The societies of early American civilizations showcased remarkable cultural and societal strengths, including sophisticated religious practices, complex social structures, and impressive technological achievements. However, these societies also faced vulnerabilities, such as internal stratification and external invasions, which eventually led to their decline. Nonetheless, their achievements indicate that they were indeed highly advanced, capable of defending their territories and influencing subsequent cultures, thereby cementing their legacy as enduring civilizations in human history.

References

• Freidel, D., Schele, L., & Parker, J. (2013). Maya Cosmos: Three Thousand Years on the Shaman's Path. M.E. Sharpe.
• Smith, M. E. (2018). The Aztecs. Blackwell Publishing.
• Mann, C. C. (2005). 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. Vintage Books.
• DeLancey, R., & Morley, J. (2014). The Ancient Maya. Stanford University Press.
• Sharer, R. J., & Traxler, L. P. (2006). The Ancient Maya. Stanford University Press.
• Reed, N. (2018). Inca Engineering and Architecture. University of California Press.
• Coe, M. D., & Koontz, R. (2013). Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. Thames & Hudson.
• Bravo, M., & Ravines, M. (2017). Inca Political and Social Organization. Cambridge University Press.
• Chase, A. (2019). Ancient Mesoamerica. Cambridge University Press.
• Fagan, B. (2016). Ancient North America: The Archaeology of a Changing Landscape. Routledge.