midterm part2

1 . “ Religion and Political Authority in Early Complex Societies” – Based on what you have learned about (1) Hammurabi’s Babylon, (2) China in the Shang dynasty, (3) China in the early Zhou Dynasty, and (4) ancient Maya (up to 800 CE), how differently did rulers in these four ancient complex societies make use of religion (broadly defined to include religious worldviews, beliefs in gods and spirits, and ritual practices) to legitimize or exercise their political authority ( 15 points), and what similarities did they share ( 5 points ?( Your answer should cite some concrete historical data from relevant assigned materials and class discussions for T 1/18, T 1/25, and R. 1/27) to illustrate your points . 1 ( Babylon(Hammurabi ( Webs page 129&135 1 . Enlil is in charge of choosing kings and decreeing the destinies of people and gods, as well as sharing responsibility for regulating floods 2 ( China in Shang Webs page 235 1 . Shang kings claim special access to divine power and presided over divination ceremonies personally 2 . Only the king could ask the favor of Di 3 . Ancestors reside in heaven and take an active interest in the affairs of their descendants 3 ( China in Zhou Webs page 243 1 . Mandate of heaven: the rulers own their position to the heaven and styled themselves as sons of heaven 2 . Supernatural power reside in a abstract entity: tian (heaven ( 3 . Human sacrifice became rare in Zhou 4 ( Maya Webs page 363&365 1 . Mayas builds pyramids, indicating that someone had the power to direct the labor of many others 2 . Kings and Queens performed religious rituals and lived at the ceremonial temples

2 . “ The Democracies of Ancient Athens and the Roman Republic”: Based on the relevant assigned course materials and class discussions, what were the political systems like in the Athenian city-state (during Pericles’ leadership) and the Roman Republic? If the participation of the common people in political decision-making is a measure of democracy, in what ways were these two states democratic, and in what ways were they not ? 1 ( Athenian city-state Webs page 204/ppt Systems : 1 . Assembly: 24,000-40,000 male citizens over 18. Supreme decision-making body with executive, legislative, judicial and auditing powers (meeting 40 times a year ( 2 . Council (500, selected by lot annually among volunteered male citizen over 30 ; 50 from each tribe; issue decrees and prepare agendas for assembly ( 3 . 10 generals Democratic: 4 . the majority principle 5 . the principle of equality before the law 6 . the principle of meritocracy 7 . he principle of personal liberty Not democratic: 1 . citizens didn’t include resident aliens and slaves 2 . only male citizens over 18 can be in the assembly of concil 2 ( Roman Republic Webs page 281/ppt Systems : 1 . Dual Consulship: with imperium (executive powers; military leadership during war); elected from Patricians (42 years of age or older); 1 year term; “Veto!”(symbols of power: Each of them escorted by 12 lictors carrying fasces ( 2 . Dictator (position created in 501 BCE): 6 month term

as flax and papyrus . 3 ( Mesoamerica (Olmec Culture, Teotihuacan, and/or Ancient Maya ( The region of the Yucatan Peninsula has no natural water, so the Maya had to use ingenuity to figure out how to sustain large populations in this environment. They became excellent managers of rainwater, using massive systems of cisterns called chultuns to collect and store rainwater. Even modern civilization use this . 4 ( ancient Greece, Rome, and/or Qin-Han China 还没想到 How have the cumulative or collective actions of a society, or the humankind as a whole, played a role in transforming the natural environment on earth: 1 ( the Paleolithic and/or Neolithic era / 2 ( Egyptian and/or Harappan complex societies / 3 ( Mesoamerica (Olmec Culture, Teotihuacan, and/or Ancient Maya ( / 4 ( ancient Greece, Rome, and/or Qin-Han China 还没想到 4. “Warfare in shaping human history”: Based on what you have learned about Alexander the Great’s empire, the Empire of Rome (under the Roman Republic), and Qin-Han China, please briefly articulate at least three ways in which warfare, in particular, the mobilization and execution of war and military conquest of “enemy” territories, served as a major catalyst for social/political/economic/technological/cultural change, for better or worse, for the people involved in these wars. ) Note: Please demonstrate your answers to this question by citing concrete historical examples derived from these three societies. Each of these societies must be represented at least once in your examples (. Class note/PPT Political Centralization and Empire Expansion: Alexander the Great's Conquests: Alexander's military campaigns, such as the con- quest of Persia and the creation of the Hellenistic Empire, resulted in the spread of Greek culture (Hellenization) and the fusion of Greek, Persian, and Egyptian influ- ences. This expansion led to a more centralized administration and governance across diverse regions.

Roman Expansion: The Roman Republic's conquests and transition into an empire were driven by the need to secure resources, both agricultural and human, for its growing population. The conquest of Carthage and the subjugation of Gaul are no- table examples. These territorial acquisitions led to the integration of diverse cultures and peoples into the Roman system of governance. Technological and Infrastructure Advancements: Great Wall of China: The construction of the Great Wall during the Qin and Han dy- nasties was a direct response to the threat of northern nomadic tribes, particularly the Xiongnu. This monumental defensive structure not only protected China but also fa- cilitated trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road, promoting technological ad- vancements and economic growth. Roman Engineering and Roads: Roman warfare necessitated advanced engineering, leading to the development of architectural marvels such as aqueducts, bridges, and roads. The Roman road system, in particular, connected the vast empire, aiding in the movement of troops and goods, as well as facilitating cultural exchange. Cultural Exchange and Integration: Chinese Imperial Bureaucracy: The legalist policies of the Qin Dynasty laid the foun- dation for a centralized imperial bureaucracy that persisted throughout the Han Dy- nasty. This system standardized governance and promoted the spread of Chinese cul- ture and writing systems. Romanization: As Rome expanded, it imposed its culture, language (Latin), and legal systems on conquered territories. The Romanization of these regions brought about cultural diffusion, while local traditions influenced Roman culture in return. In summary, warfare in these societies catalyzed political centralization, technological advancements, and cultural exchange. While it often led to conquest, domination, and suffering, it also facilitated the transfer of knowledge, technology, and culture across vast regions, contributing to the evolution of these civilizations for better or worse. Economic Expansion: Alexander the Great's Empire: Alexander's conquests brought vast wealth and re- sources into his empire. The acquisition of Persian territories, for example, provided access to valuable commodities like gold, silver, and precious gemstones, contributing to economic prosperity. The influx of these resources stimulated trade and economic growth within the Hellenistic Empire. Roman Empire: Rome's military campaigns, particularly in regions like North Africa, Spain, and Gaul, led to the acquisition of fertile lands and rich resources. The influx of grain, minerals, and other raw materials from these territories bolstered the Roman economy. Additionally, the spoils of war, including slaves, enriched the labor force and enhanced agricultural production, further boosting the economy. Qin-Han China: In ancient China, warfare was often linked to the control of arable land. Qin Shi Huang's consolidation of power and the subsequent Han Dynasty's ex-