In chapter eight, we looked at China and the world. We see that China experienced their "Golden Age," which is arguable just as important for China as the Renaissance was for Europe. During this age of arts and literature, China set standards in poetry, landscape painting and ceramics (367). Furthermore, an economic revolution made the Song Dynasty "By far, the richest, most skilled, and populous country on Earth." (369). One of the most obvious gains for China was in its population, which grew from about 50-60 million to 120 million by 1200 A.D. In order to supply this population and cities with food, there was an immense network of internal waterways, which stretched about some 30,000 miles. China also used what is referred to as the tribute system. This system was a set of practices that require non-Chinese authorities to acknowledge Chinese superiority and their own subordinate place in a Chinese-centered world. However, this system in practices was somewhat different. For example, we can see what happened with the people of Uigher. On occasions, the nomad people would attack China, and conquer bits and pieces of it. This system simply allowed China to imagine that they were still in control of the situation, despite paying heavily from the protection that nomads offered at times.
Next, we saw how China did with its neighbors. For example, we can see China and Korea's relations. Korea, for the most part, was able to maintain itself as sovereign. Furthermore, tribute systems to China further legitimized the Korean rulers, as they acknowledged the Chinese authority (378). Even thousands of Korean students were sent to China to study, where they primarily studied Confucianism, but also studied natural sciences and the arts. In an effort to maintain greater independence, Korea created their own phonetic alphabet which is known as hangul (379). We also saw the relations between China, and Vietnam and Japan. With Japan, a major, indeed obvious, difference is that it is physically separated from China by over 100 miles of ocean. This kept Japan from being successfully invaded or conquered by its giant neighbor, China. Because of this immediate absence of Chinese influence, the Japanese were able to cherry-pick what they wanted to borrow from China. Over time, the Japanese combined what they assimilated from China with elements of their own traditions, creating a distinctive Japanese civilization (382). Furthermore, just like in Korea and Vietnam, Japan also developed their own writing style; which also combined some Chinese characters (383). Unlike in Korea, the Japanese women were able to avoid the very oppressive Chinese features from Confucian culture. In terms of the rest of the world, the greatest Chinese features was in terms of their inventions. One such invention was gunpowder. Other inventions included paper making and printing. These inventions revolutionized the world, and are still very much a major part of life today.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Week Nine Blog
Despite Christianity having been started by Jesus, we see that this is about one of the few things that many Christian denominations can agree in. Today, there are thousands of Christian denominations, and this difference is due to how each branch interprets the Holy Bible. However, in the beginning, Catholicism reigned alone. The first split came with the Byzantine east, which split Christianity into the European west, and Orthodox with the east. Some of the differences included language and culture. For example, Catholicism still used Latin as the language of the church and as elite communication in the West (473). However, this was abandoned by the Byzantines and they adopted Greek as their languages and they sought to formulate the church in terms of Greek philosophical concepts. Theological differences further set the two apart. For example, despite agreeing on fundamental doctrines, the two did not agree on the nature of the Trinity, the source of the Holy Spirit and on Original Sin.
Looking at Western Europe, we can see how Catholicism thrived. Despite the fall of Rome, the Church was able to replace the Roman government, and served as a vacuum left by Rome (479). Through the Church's hierarchical organization of priests, Bishops, and cardinals and Popes, which was modeled after Rome's hierarchy, the Church took over as political and administrative functions. The Church also provided an exchange with the rulers. For example, rulers provided the church with protection for the papacy and a strong encouragement of faith. On the other hand, the Church provided religious legitimacy for the powerful and the prosperous (480). Furthermore, Western European expansion was taking place, as the eastern Byzantine world was contracting due to pressures from the West, as well as from the Arab/ Muslim invasion (485). In essence, the western part of Christendom was on the rise as the eastern half was in decline. The most dramatic show of expansion came in the form of the Crusades. However, despite successfully taking back the Holy Lands, the Crusades did not succeed in the long-run. Eventually, the lands were lost again.
Week Eight Blog
In chapter seven, one of the things discussed was the Silk Road. The Silk Road was a land-based trade route, which linked the pastoral and agricultural peoples as well as the large civilizations on the continent's outer rim. This network stretched all the way from China in the east, to the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the goods transported on the Silk Road were often carried in large canal caravans that transversed the harsh and dangerous steppes, deserts, and oases of Central Asia (319). From all off the luxury goods that were transported, silk was the one that came to symbolize this network of exchanges. From China, there was an export of bamboo, mirrors, silk, gunpowder, paper, ginger, lacquerware, and chrysanthemums. From the lands of Siberia and Central Asia there was an export of furs, walrus tusks, amber, livestock, horses, falcons, hides, copper vessels and saddles. From the Middle East, there they exported dates, nuts, almonds, dried fruits, dyes and swords. In terms of gender, this road was also the best option for women that wanted to work in any of these three roads. This was a lot safer for women, since they could easily die due to exposure in the Sand Roads, and could be taken advantage of in the Sea Roads, since that was mainly done by men. Also, in China for example, women also had a greater sense of equality there. There, they could trade just like men, and could even own their trading shops.
The second other one of the three major trading networks was the Sea Roads. Just like the Sea Road connected societies through land, so did the Sea Road by connecting people all across the Eastern hemisphere. For example, there were ports connected all the way from China, through India, the Arabian peninsula, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, South East Asia, and the South East Asian islands. Because ships could carry larger products and in greater quantities, this route allowed for the movement of greater goods. Some products that came from these areas included ivory, gold, iron goods and slaves from East Africa; grain, ivory, and precious stones from India; and ceramics, tea and porcelain from China (327). However, these roads had one very negative effect on the world. During the 14th century, the Black Death hit Europe, and spread to other parts. Although it was unknown at the time what caused it, we can now see what caused it, and how It was able to spread so rapidly. It was rats that carried the Bubonic Virus; specifically, it was the fleas. This fleas were attached to the rats, and spread throughout Europe. However, these trading roads exacerbated the spread. Rats could easily be transported on the ships, and these ships would then travel from port to port, unknowingly carrying more than their luxury goods- they were carrying the Bubonic virus as well.
The last of the three major trading routes was the Sand Roads. These roads connected North Africa and the Mediterranean world with the land and the people of the interior of West Africa. Among the things transported here were gold, salt, metals, textiles, dates, coffee and grains. The preferred method of transportation was through camels, since they were best for desert terrain, and this was where they would travel the most through. Through this network, the Sahara desert stopped being an obstacle that would keep people secluded, and became one go the roads for transportation of such goods.
Ch 6 Blog
Chapter six continued to talk about Africa and the Americas. One group that was looked at was the Meroë. The civilization was named the Nubian civilization, and it flourished along the Nile Valley South of Egypt. The Nubian civilization came to center in the southern city of Meroë. The kingdom of Meroë was governed by an all powerful and sacred monarch. This high position, on at least 10 occasions, was held by a women. These women enjoyed greater recognition than did their Egyptian counterparts. For example, the Meroë queens would be depicted as women in sculptures. However, the female Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut was portrayed in men's clothing. In another aspect, rulers would be buried along with a number of human sacrificial victims. Like most other civilization, the Meroë also fell apart. Deforestation was a part of this decline as the need for wood to make charcoal for smelting iron increased. Also, the Egyptian trading with the African interior switched from the Nile Valley route to the Red Sea. Additionally, the rise of Islam altered the trading routes in Africa, which Meroë depended on.
Moving to the Americas, we can look at the Maya. According to scholars, the Mayans had their beginnings as early as 2000 B.C. in what is now Yucatan, Mexico. Because the areas where they loved were filled with swamps, the Maya drained the swamps, as well as terraced hillsides, flattened ridgetops, and constructed an elaborate water management system (274). The larger political units of the Maya were densely populated urban centers, as well as ceremonial centers, which were ruled by kings; and on a few occasions- queens. one of the Mayan cities, Tikal, consisted of about 50,000 people, and had about another 50,000 in the surrounding countryside. However, despite some of these cities being imperialistic, none of them succeeded in creating a unified Mayan empire. Another one of these greatest Mesoamerican cities is Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan is located in what is now Mexico City, was is said to have been started in 150 B.C.. It is estimated that by 550 A.D. it had a population of about 100,000-200,000 people. By far, for its time, it was the largest urban complex in the Americas (275). From this city, it is said that at least two small sections were reserved for foreigners. This provides evidence that in Teotihuacan, there wre signs of trading over long distances.
Moving to the Americas, we can look at the Maya. According to scholars, the Mayans had their beginnings as early as 2000 B.C. in what is now Yucatan, Mexico. Because the areas where they loved were filled with swamps, the Maya drained the swamps, as well as terraced hillsides, flattened ridgetops, and constructed an elaborate water management system (274). The larger political units of the Maya were densely populated urban centers, as well as ceremonial centers, which were ruled by kings; and on a few occasions- queens. one of the Mayan cities, Tikal, consisted of about 50,000 people, and had about another 50,000 in the surrounding countryside. However, despite some of these cities being imperialistic, none of them succeeded in creating a unified Mayan empire. Another one of these greatest Mesoamerican cities is Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan is located in what is now Mexico City, was is said to have been started in 150 B.C.. It is estimated that by 550 A.D. it had a population of about 100,000-200,000 people. By far, for its time, it was the largest urban complex in the Americas (275). From this city, it is said that at least two small sections were reserved for foreigners. This provides evidence that in Teotihuacan, there wre signs of trading over long distances.
Ch 5 Blog
Chapter five was about the inequalities that existed in Eurasia and North Africa. In China, the wealthy families was where most officials came from. Landlords from large estates were able to avoid paying taxes, thus decreasing the state revenue and giving more tax burden on the peasant class. Eventually, such bad conditions for the lower classes caused a rebellion in China. Bands of peasants joined together as floods along the Yellow River and epidemics caused misery for the landless and those stricken by poverty. This movement grew to about 360,000 armed followers by 184 B.C. and found leaders from the Daoist ideology. This rebellion became known as the yellow Turban Rebellion. Despite this rebellion being squished by the military forces of the Han Dynasty, the rebellion still managed to devastate the economy, and also weakened the state and contributed to the overthrow of the dynasty that took place decades later (223-224).
India aslo had a strong sense of social class and inequality. in Indian society, it was deeply embedded that society was divided among four class ranks, known as Varnas. At the top of this class hierarchy was the Brahmins (priests) who conducted rituals and sacrifice to ensure to proper functioning of the world. At the very bottom were the sudras, but, even lower than these, were the group known was the "untouchables." The untouchables were both men and women who did the work that was considered to be most unclean and polluting, such as dealing with corpses, and dealing with the skins of dead animals.
Another group that was interesting to read about were the slaves that lived in Rome. According to conservative estimates, there were about 60,000 slaves in classical Athens alone, in other words, approximately 1/3 of the Athens population was slaves. By the tome of Christ, there were some 2-3 million slaves living in the Italian heartland (231). They represented about 33%-40% of the population there. One interesting aspect in Rome was that former slaves that had been freed could also own slaves. For example, one former slave, that was freed during the reign of Augustus, owned 4,116 slaves (231). Also, unlike slavery in America, Roman slavery was not bound to race. For example, Egyptians, Syrians, Jews, Greeks, Gauls, North Africans and many other groups of people were enslaved by the Romans.
India aslo had a strong sense of social class and inequality. in Indian society, it was deeply embedded that society was divided among four class ranks, known as Varnas. At the top of this class hierarchy was the Brahmins (priests) who conducted rituals and sacrifice to ensure to proper functioning of the world. At the very bottom were the sudras, but, even lower than these, were the group known was the "untouchables." The untouchables were both men and women who did the work that was considered to be most unclean and polluting, such as dealing with corpses, and dealing with the skins of dead animals.
Another group that was interesting to read about were the slaves that lived in Rome. According to conservative estimates, there were about 60,000 slaves in classical Athens alone, in other words, approximately 1/3 of the Athens population was slaves. By the tome of Christ, there were some 2-3 million slaves living in the Italian heartland (231). They represented about 33%-40% of the population there. One interesting aspect in Rome was that former slaves that had been freed could also own slaves. For example, one former slave, that was freed during the reign of Augustus, owned 4,116 slaves (231). Also, unlike slavery in America, Roman slavery was not bound to race. For example, Egyptians, Syrians, Jews, Greeks, Gauls, North Africans and many other groups of people were enslaved by the Romans.
Ch 3 Blog
In chapter three, we took a look at empires. An empire, according to the book, "...have generally encompassed a considerable variety of peoples and cultures within a single political system." (118). In other words, an empire is a single government that includes peoples of multiple ethnicities, believes or ideas. Despite there being periods of great violence and exploitation, empires also offered periods of peace. One of the earliest empires that we looked at was that of the Persians. Through conquests, the Persian Empire soon stretched from Egypt to India, encompassing in a single state about 35-50 million people, an immensely diverse realm containing dozens of peoples, states, languages and cultural traditions. In the Persian empire, the kings ruled as the absolute monarchs. Also, governors were set up, called satraps, in every one of the empires 23 provinces (121). Also, a system of spies known as "eyes and ears of the King" was established throughout the empire. In order to maintain peace in such a diverse empire, there was a general policy of respect for the empire's many non-Persian cultural traditions that existed within it.
Another empire that was looked at was the Greeks. The Greeks were distinctive from the Persians in multiple ways. One such difference was in population. For example, the total population in Greece was just between 2-3 million. Furthermore, Greeks developed more in a sense of city-states, as opposed to one single united entity as the Persian empire. One factor that contributed to this form of empire for the Greeds lay in their geography. The Greek civilization took place on a small peninsula, which was deeply divided by steep mountains and valleys. This geography made it easier for Greeks to remain separated from others. One of the greatest distinction of the greeks was their concept of "Citizenship;" that as citizens they should manage the affairs of the state, and the idea of equality of all citizens before the law (124).
Eventually, these two empires were to clash. This clash led to the Western view of Persia representing Asia and despotism, and the Greeks representing Europe and freedom. The Greeks the=n came together, united, to combat the foreign threat that was the Persian empire, and defeated the vastly larger armies of Persia.
We then looked at China as they were united under the Qin. Prior to this unification, China was divided by seven warring states. However, Shihuangdi, the ruler of Qin, defeated all other states, and created a unified China. Anyone that opposed the emperor or his policies was executed, and their books were also burned. On a more positive note, the emperor imposed a uniform system of weights, measures, and currency and standardized the length of axles for carts, and the written from of the Chinese language.
Another empire that was looked at was the Greeks. The Greeks were distinctive from the Persians in multiple ways. One such difference was in population. For example, the total population in Greece was just between 2-3 million. Furthermore, Greeks developed more in a sense of city-states, as opposed to one single united entity as the Persian empire. One factor that contributed to this form of empire for the Greeds lay in their geography. The Greek civilization took place on a small peninsula, which was deeply divided by steep mountains and valleys. This geography made it easier for Greeks to remain separated from others. One of the greatest distinction of the greeks was their concept of "Citizenship;" that as citizens they should manage the affairs of the state, and the idea of equality of all citizens before the law (124).
Eventually, these two empires were to clash. This clash led to the Western view of Persia representing Asia and despotism, and the Greeks representing Europe and freedom. The Greeks the=n came together, united, to combat the foreign threat that was the Persian empire, and defeated the vastly larger armies of Persia.
We then looked at China as they were united under the Qin. Prior to this unification, China was divided by seven warring states. However, Shihuangdi, the ruler of Qin, defeated all other states, and created a unified China. Anyone that opposed the emperor or his policies was executed, and their books were also burned. On a more positive note, the emperor imposed a uniform system of weights, measures, and currency and standardized the length of axles for carts, and the written from of the Chinese language.
Ch 2 Documents Blog
For this section, I will be looking at Law and Justice in ancient Mesopotamia through the Law Code of Hammurabi. Specifically, I will look at what women enjoyed and what restrictions they were subject to.
Right away, we can see that women do not have very much liberty in this society. For example, if a women that has dedicated her life to God enters a tavern for a drink, she is to be put to death (97). Secondly, if a women is caught having an affair, both her and the other man are to be out to death by being thrown into the water, however, she may be pardoned by her husband (97). however, if a man rapes a women, the man is to be put to death (97). Women are also protected when men divorce them. For example, if a man wants to divorce his wife that has given him children, she is to be paid her dowry, and she has a right to use the property of her husband (97). Lastly, if a women falls ill to a disease, the husband can take a second wife. However, he must still care for his first wife by keeping her in their home, and supporting her throughout her life (97). Clearly, we can see that this is not an ideal society for women. However, women are still given some sense of protection, despite the laws being favorable to men.
Right away, we can see that women do not have very much liberty in this society. For example, if a women that has dedicated her life to God enters a tavern for a drink, she is to be put to death (97). Secondly, if a women is caught having an affair, both her and the other man are to be out to death by being thrown into the water, however, she may be pardoned by her husband (97). however, if a man rapes a women, the man is to be put to death (97). Women are also protected when men divorce them. For example, if a man wants to divorce his wife that has given him children, she is to be paid her dowry, and she has a right to use the property of her husband (97). Lastly, if a women falls ill to a disease, the husband can take a second wife. However, he must still care for his first wife by keeping her in their home, and supporting her throughout her life (97). Clearly, we can see that this is not an ideal society for women. However, women are still given some sense of protection, despite the laws being favorable to men.
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