First Civilizations

The Emergence of Civilization:

• Small "breakthroughs" to a new way of life
• Larger communities formed - Some expanded their population while others collapsed

Introducing the First Civilization:

• "Cradle" - Located in present day Iraq
• Earliest written language

Norte Chico (63):

1. Monumental architecture was found
2. One of the smaller cities
3. "Rich fishing" such as anchovies and sardines

Indus Valley (66):

1. No palaces, temples, graving, kings, or warrior classes
2. Irrigation: Salt lowered crop yields
3. Wood was frequently used for fuel

China (67):

1. Oracle bones predicted the future
2. The "occasional goods" were found in China

The Question of Origins:

• If the water system was efficient and provided for everyone, it can continuously provide for the civilization which helps them grow
• Irrigation = Water System
• Irrigation allows the workers to know what water system they'll need + the amount of water that'll need to be provided

An Urban Revolution/Erosion of Equality (71):

• Different groups put into categories

1. Junior/Senior Scribes
2. Temple Scribes
3. Royal Scribes
4. Others

• No one grew their food because they were being supported by farmers

Hierarchies of Class/Gender (71-73):

• First civilization transferred from a wealthy status to normal
• The bottom of the hierarchies were slaves
• No "division" or segregation between sex
• Women played masculine roles - ruling, being a priest

Patriarchy in Practice (74-75):

• Laws between male and female were unequal
• Women were divided in two categories - Fifteenth and Eleventh Century
• "Those under the protection and control of one man, were required to be veiled when outside the home, whereas non respectable women, such as slaves and prostitutes, were forbidden to wear veils and were subject to severe punishment if they presumed to cover their hands." (75)