Abstract This analytical research paper examines the rise of four "hydraulic societies",so called due to their dependency on water, of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and India that existed in the time period 3500 BC to 1000 BC. Furthermore, the paper highlights the history as well as the decline of the aforementioned civilizations popularly referred to as hydraulic societies.
From the Paper "Many academics and various experts in the related field are of the view that the needs for irrigation of crops gave birth to some of the earliest civilizations of Asia. However, an American historian of the 1950's by the name of Karl Wittfogel vehemently argued about the reasons for the emergence of these early civilizations that he called "hydraulic societies" (Pearce) in order to illustrate "the many complex hierarchical societies that developed across Asia" (Pearce). This American historian was of the view that the four hydraulic societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and India, which lived along riversides, came into existence "specifically in order to organize the large labor forces necessary to create and maintain the water-supply systems for irrigated agriculture" (Pearce). Thus, where crops and land irrigation was the sole reason believed by the scholarly figures, there was a confrontation on the exact cause of emergence of the hydraulic civilizations that whether it was due to the labor-intensive tasks or due to the need to grow crops through the irrigation means or the need to organize people as well as the resources (Pearce)."
Abstract Just as historians wonder why a society comes to dominate a particular region of the world, they also wonder why that same society declines in its influence and power. The paper shows that over the course of the historical period from 3500 to 1000 BCE, the kingdoms of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China, all of which had exerted the most notable influence upon the Middle Eastern and Asian continents that these nations dominated, began to experience a period of decline. The paper shows that although the agricultural and political policies and influences of these societies continued to be felt by further historical generations, the societies themselves fell into disrepair.
From the Paper "The level of absolute power wielded by such monarchs resulted in a society that was entirely dependent upon inequality for its justification, a system that still remains to a certain extent in notions of "caste" in India. (McKay et. al 62-67) This authority, to administrate its power, relied upon systems of administration and class stratification that were as complex as they eventually proved to be fragile. At first, this was beneficial to the populace to some extent. Many archaeologists have theorized that these states emerged as powerful as they did, as early as they did in the course of human history, because they could organize the existing food supplies increased through hierarchical agricultural networks of human beings. The physical structure of ancient Egypt's system of irrigation remains impressive today, although it was based upon enslaved labor. (McKay et. al 34)"
Abstract This paper discusses how the use of archaeological and historical data as a tool of the state has a long and illustrious history and how in many cases it seems possible that the archaeological record exists partly in an attempt to influence the nationalism of the future. It examines the different ways in which archeology interacts with national/political perception such as a tool of the state either in substantiating claims to land or power, or in promoting a specific style of government or nationalism in general. It analyzes how archeology is dependent upon and biased by its surroundings in many ways and how at the same time, modern culture depends upon archeology to be its memory of the past and to provide it with the assumptions and biases it needs to function.
From the Paper "Because of the power of the past to reinvent the future, some states may resort to forcing the past into the molds they desire. Consider, for a minute, our previous two imaginary nations. What if it turned out that Nation A had in fact completely and intentionally misinterpreted the ruins in those hills, and had in fact planted occasional pieces of data? What if the ruins actually existed to a third, expired race of people? Nation A's use of these ruins to create the foundation for war, despite all contrary evidence, would make them a prime example of the second sort of relationship that may exist between archeology and the nation/society. Sometimes, archeology is just a puppet of the state. For example, there is a great deal of evidence that archeological departments in Nazi Germany creatively "made up" a great deal of evidence supporting the supremacy of the Aryan race. By giving themselves (illusory) archeological evidence of the past greatness of their militant people, they invoked a new martial spirit among their modern community. Yet the Nazis have not been alone in such revisionism."
Abstract The pyramids are the very symbol of Egypt and represent a rich and exciting history of this once great nation. This paper details each pyramid constructed in Egypt from the first one built, to the last one of the 4th Dynasty. The paper includes the history of the creation of pyramids and some information about mummification, as well as the philosophies behind them.
From the Paper "Often times, a pharaoh had what was called a ?southern burial.? The southern burial had two purposes. First, the body would be buried in a pyramid in the north. It was believed that the soul or "ka" would then travel south to Abydos where the unused tomb, or cenotaph was (Brier 99). This was figurative of the reunion of Upper and Lower Egypt, which was highly celebrated by Egyptians. In addition, it served as a decoy for the real burial chamber to throw off tomb robbers".
Abstract An analysis of Egyptian culture and how it relates to war, religion and government, as well as the notion of astronomy and numbers in the acceleration of this great culture's rise in history. By verifying these elements, we can see how they grew in power.
Abstract Michael Grant's "Cleopatra" is an interesting read both in terms of subject matter and style. Cleopatra was a powerful woman who, while reigning in Alexandria, Egypt, had affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Traditional history has tended to superficially dismiss her as a powerful seductress. While Grant's book is written in an academic style, it helps debunk the common misperception regarding Cleopatra and demonstrates that she was a skilled administrator who attempted to salvage Egypt from Roman domination.
Abstract This essay discusses the life of people in ancient Egypt. It describes how they lived and what family life was like. More than anything, we see how Egypt was a profoundly religious society.
Abstract This paper analyzes the reasons, causes and effects of the growth of the Mongolian Empire in the 13th century. It is descriptive in character and analyzes the subject in depth.
Abstract This paper examines Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian writing systems. Egypt developed a hieroglyphic system while Mesopotamia developed the earlier, and ultimately more widespread, cuneiform. The distinctive and significant differences between the two systems are contrasted.
Abstract This paper examines Mesopotamian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphs. The two earliest known types of writing are compared and contrasted in terms of origin and development, and usage.
Abstract This paper will discuss a piece of Greek ceramic pottery from the Art Institute of Chicago. By analyzing its origins, the style, materials, patron, function and the social context it had within the time period, we can see the history unfold about the Greek vase in its entirety. In revealing the nature of the object to be studied, there can be a well-rounded observation of the artifact and will tell us much about the life of the Greeks from this period.
Abstract This six-page undergraduate paper is an analysis of the mummification process in ancient Egypt. The thesis is that comprehension of mummification is essential to our understanding of Ancient Egypt as a whole, since The afterlife of the dead was a prominent part of the findings of the Ancient Egyptian culture.
Abstract This three-page undergraduate research paper discusses whether the Baroque age was a reaction to the Renaissance or an outgrowth of it. The scientific revolution, the Reformation, changes in art, architecture and literature and the overall differences are all examined.
Abstract While Egypt's ancient history passes through many unique periods, it is perhaps the Old, Middle, and Late Kingdoms that garner the greatest attention as they demonstrate the greatest changes in growth and development and a transition in art, culture, and religion. The Old Kingdom marked the period in which the majority of Egypt's pyramids were constructed, the development of a complex military state, and the beginnings of outside trade. The Middle Kingdom, marked as much for political stability as for massive infrastructure construction, a great and lasting peace, and the blossoming of art and architecture, was also a time of great expansion and political growth. The Late Kingdom was a time of securing borders, establishing complex internal political systems, greater complexities in art and architecture, and further changes in religious practices and thought. It is the purpose of this paper to examine art, religion, and funerary practices in each of these ages and to show how each cultural element was shaped by the particular forces of its respective age.
