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3Elements of Civilization, Part I

Directions:

What follows is three sets of four images each.  Each set is designed to show a progression from an early human invention to a later one.  Use the internet to find information to answer the following questions for each set: Writing, Medicine and Agriculture.  Make an effort to understand how earlier, primitive discoveries led to more advanced discoveries and innovations. 

Writing

Hieroglyphics/Pictographs

What are hieroglyphics?  Which civilizations used them first, and why?

Alphabet

What advantages does an alphabet have over hieroglyphics?  Which civilizations developed alphabets, and why?

Literature

What is an epic?  What is the purpose of the epic?  Which civilizations starting recording epics, and why?

University

What is the purpose of a university?  Name two civilizations who pioneered universities, and explain why.

 Explain the progression from hieroglyphics to university.  Why is education often considered a pillar of civilization?

Medicine

Medicine

Describe some early medical practices.  Were they effective?  Why did most cultures try to practice medicine?

Pharmacology/Herblore

How has knowledge of the properties and effects of herbs and chemical compounds impacted the practice of medicine?  Can you name one culture that was a pioneer in the practice of pharmacology and herblore?

Anatomy/Surgery

Name one culture that pioneered surgery?  How can the study of human anatomy improve medical knowledge and practice?

Hospital

Who came up with the innovation of the hospital, and why?  Why is the hospital a revolutionary step in medicine?

Explain the progression from primitive medicine to the hospital.  Why have so many cultures pursued the practice of medicine?  Do most cultures share common values of caring for the sick?

Agriculture

River Valley

Why have so many civilizations started in river valleys?  What resources do river valleys possess?  Why are most cities located next to rivers?

Cultivation

What advantages does the practice of agriculture have over hunting?  What were some of the first civilizations to practice agriculture?

Animal Husbandry

How many species of domesticated animals exist on Earth?  What advantages does animal husbandry have over hunting?

Pottery

The invention of pottery was a big step in human history.  What civilizations first created pottery, and why? 

Explain the progression from agriculture to pottery.  The establishment of agriculture led to new possibilities for humanity.  What were those possibilities?

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4Elements of Civilization II

Law

Law Code

Why do societies make laws?  What is their purpose?  Name two civilizations that valued the rule of law.

Monarchy

What advantages does a monarchical government enjoy?  Why do people obey monarchs?  What, exactly, does a monarch DO?

Constitution

Why is a government based on a constitution fundamentally different from a monarchy?  What is a constitution?  Can you think of any examples of a Constitutional government other than the United States?

Republic

Who makes the laws in a republic?  Why do people obey those laws?  Is this much different from a monarchy?

 Explain the progression from law code to republic.  Why are governments formed?  How is the legitimacy of a monarch different from the legitimacy of a republic?

Fishing

 Fishing

What role does geography play in fishing?  What types of cultures are most likely to engage in fishing?  Which cultures are least likely to engage in fishing?  Name one ancient civilization where fishing was very important?

Sailing

Why do nations who engage in fishing usually develop skills at sailing?  What economic benefits result from sailing?

Navigation

Why is knowledge of astronomy crucial to developing navigation?  How did technological innovations like the magnetic compass and the astrolabe improve navigation?  Which nations were most responsible for developing navigation?

Seafaring

Which nations had the technology and were most willing to risk navigating huge oceans?  Why did they do this?

 Explain the progression from fishing to seafaring.  Which nations can truly be called seafaring nations?

Religion

Ceremonial Burial

Why has such care been taken in so many cultures to dispose of human remains with dignity, respect, and even ceremony?  Why go through so much trouble?

 Temple Priesthood

Why were early Egyptian temples attached to tombs?  Which civilizations formed religious cults – and why?

 Meditation

Which cultures first pioneered the art of meditation?  Why is meditation considered to be a beneficial spiritual practice?  Can you think of any other spiritual practices that are considered beneficial by various cultures?

Theology

What is the purpose of theology?  What do theologians do?

 Agree or disagree with the following statement:  “There really isn’t much difference between ceremonial burial and theology, since both essentially exist to explain death.”

Military

Hunting

What skills are needed to be a good hunter?  Have most cultures engaged in hunting purely for survival, or does hunting meet a more primal human need?

Archery

How does this skill “bridge” hunting with warfare?  What cultures were especially skilled at archery?

I nfantry

Are foot soldiers carrying hand-to-hand weapons more effective at warfare than archers?  In your view, what culture produced the most effective, disciplined foot soldiers?

Siege Warfare

Why did engineers develop weapons that enabled soldiers to subdue cities?

Should the progression of military technology be classified as “civilized,” or “uncivilized?”  Explain your answer.