Difference between revisions of "History 8 Near East Questions"
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Revision as of 19:05, 29 January 2013
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1. Describe the geography of Canaan and Ancient Israel including resources.
This region is very diverse in landforms and climates, with the highest point, Mt. Hermon, being more than 9,000 ft above sea level, and the lowest point, the Dead Sea, being 1,300 ft below sea level. Also, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the entire Earth's surface. The desert areas toward the east of Canaan on average only receive two inches of rainfall per year. The less arid areas to the west have a mild climate, much like Greece and Italy. These areas on average receive 12-40 inches of rainfall per year, and have some natural vegetation and crops, including barley and wheat. However, around 8,500 years ago, humans have been domesticating plants in this region. By 5,000 years ago, the demand for plants had gotten so large that deforestation was rapidly increasing. Also, excessive hunting has killed off most of the animal species in this region. Water is the most coveted resource in this region. Since, in most areas, the rainfall is sparse, irrigation is necessary to keep crops alive. The society that controls the water and knows how to manage it has often, throughout the history of this region, been the dominant one.
Sources: Manual pages 102-103
-Noah Garcia
2. What were the main trade items, both imports and exports?
3. What conclusions can be drawn about how these early societies lived from study of the town of Arad?
4. List and explain any inventions from the 3300 to 1950 BCE.
5. What caused the collapse of the early civilization and what did the people do? Open for Correction RB
As the Assyrians became more and more involved in the government of Canaan, it became more and more corrupt. Finally, around 1250 BC, they were invaded and the towns were destroyed and the people moved back to Babylon. As a reaction, the peoples started writing down their history. These stories were the first parts of the bible.
Sources: Video Notes 1/11/13, http://www.ancient.eu.com/canaan/
Harrison Ray
Around the time of 2300 BC, the towns in the majority of the southern Levant were severely reduced in size or completely abandoned. Evidence suggests that a worldwide climate change caused drier conditions throughout the reasons drove the Canaanites out. In addition to this climate change, a progressive decline of trade with Egypt occurred. The agricultural society of Early Bronze Age Canaan collapsed. Urban societies disappeared and people started to farm on a small-scale. Walled towns ceased to exist.
CF Manual page 103
Sources: [1]
Irene Vazquez
6. What significant changes occurred between 1950-1539 BCE in urban life and social organization?
There are a couple significant to urban life and social organization in 1952-1539 BCE. One of the big changes was that large palaces were built into large settlements and these large settlements control small villages surrounding the large settlement. Another big change was the rulers competing for warfare and weapons, trade, building projects and crafts. This period is full of wealth and self governed settlements. Rulers created their own temples, buildings, and palaces. A big change was in the streets instead of paving paths curving around and around. The streets were paved at a right angle. A big change that happened was in the weapon department. The weapons now were started to be in bronze. However these civilizations still relied on food supply and population but it is now not as big of deal. CF Manuel page 103 http://www.csulb.edu/~cwallis/100/worldreligions/history.html
Sarah Grace Ritter
7. Between 1539 and 1200 BCE, what changes in weaponry occurred?
New types of weapons in the Middle Bronze Age were the duckbill axe, narrow, chisel-shaped axe, and a leaf shaped dagger made with a wooden handle and a stone pommel. Metal and tools were created by the Artisans. Despite the name of the time period, copper and not bronze was the metal used in the Early Bronze Age. Weapons are not made of Bronze.The swords from the Bronze Age represent some of the finest work of the bronze smiths 3000 years ago, and in books, archaeologists encompass it with a few simple words ‘they made moulds of clay and cast swords’.As the early Bronze Age metal worker developed his skill in casting daggers using both clay and stone moulds, he managed to push the blades longer. From the middle Bronze Age these blades, some of them over 24 inches in length, are known as rapiers: the blades tend to be very narrow and the handles are still riveted on. in the past it was assumed these long narrow stabbing blades were." CF Manual Pages 103-104 http://www.bronze-age-craft.com/swordcasting.htm Jasmine Williams
8. What role did the Egyptians play in the history of Canaan at this time?
In 1200 BCE, the Late Bronze Age, the Egyptians were strong members of the Canaan community, and were the rulers of the city as well at the time. They, along with the Hyksos, were an Asian group that came from North Palestine to invade Canaan. Egyptian families played a major role in controlling Egyptian overlordship. The rulers of the Egyptian city were forced to pay major tax dues to supply the their army with goods and other needs. The farmers and the artisans made up the lower class of the Canaanite society.
Source #1: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/91488/Canaan
Source #2: CF Manual pg 104
Grace Wilson
9. What kind of social and political changes were happening in Canaan?
By 2300 BCE, almost all of the towns in southern Levant were either abandoned or reduced in size. This was probably caused by the global climate changes that caused drier conditions. Both the climate change and the decline in the trade with Egypt led to dramatic social and political changes. The agricultural economy of the Early Bronze Age collapsed and the people turned to small scale farming and nomadism. Some urban communities disappeared. For 350 years, the walls that used to help with the flow of the Canaan cities did not play a role in Canaanite life. However, in 1950 BCE, the urban life of Canaan was rehabilitated. Palaces that controlled nearby villages were built for the first time. These palaces competed with one another for power through warfare, trade, building projects, and fine crafts. This social and political change led to the Middle Bronze Age, a period of great wealth and self-governed city-states. Aristocratic rulers treated their cities to large scale public buildings, temples, and palaces. These new and more advanced buildings greatly compared to the old Canaanite buildings. The old buildings were almost all made of the same material and had the same design. There were almost no palaces in the old Canaanite cities. During the Late Bronze Age, Canaan joined the international community. The mayors of Canaan served the Egyptian Pharaoh and traded by sea with Minoan Crete, Mycenaean Greece, and Cyrpus. The defeat of Canaan over Pharaoh Thutmoses III led to land-owning and merchant families controlling the Canaanite cities. The rulers relied on Egyptian overlordship and were required to pay heavy tribute and taxes. The rulers were also required to supply food for the Egyptian army. During the Late Bronze Age, Canaan lacked fortification. In Canaanite society, the lower class consisted of artisans and farmers. There also existed a nomadic population known as the Shasa. The Shasa lived in the countryside, mountain regions, and desert fringe. The Apriu, groups of bandits and refugees, were also considered members of the lower class. Because of the global change that occurred years and years ago, Canann changed both socially and politically and continued to change for many more years.
CF Manual Pages 103-104
For more information about Canaan life: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/91488/Canaan
Grace Amandes
11. What archaeological evidence do we have for the Hebrew people about 1200 BCE? There is little archaeological evidence for the hebrew people around 1200 BCE, however, there is still some evidence. This evidence includes and egyptian steele inscribed with a triumphal hymn of the Israelites victory over Pharaoh Merneptah. This inscription mentions a people named Israel, who placed themselves in the highlands of Canaan by 1208 BCE. In addition, there is evidence of many small villages appearing around the same time the Israelites settled into Canaan (CF Manual 105). Furthermore, when the king of Egypt, The Son of Ramses the first, undertook a military campaign in Asia around 1220 BCE, they inscribed in granite the people they had overtaken, which included the Israelites. This is the archaeological evidence we have for the hebrew people around 1200 BCE (CF Manual 107).
-CF Manual pages 105, 107 Grayson Christ
12. Where was the land of the Hebrews located and what is significant about that location?
The land of the Hebrews, located between Mesopotamia and Egypt, was significant because it was the land bridge that carried all the commercial goods between these two areas. This land was under harsh conditions and was composed of four longitudinal strips, making it difficult to create a unified state out of the entire area. Their land was home to Mount Hermon, 200 feet above sea level, and the Dead Sea, 700 feet below sea level. Their land was rich and fertile because of the plentiful resources the Nile carried to them. Most importantly, this land is the piece of land that God promised to his chosen people, the Hebrews, and thus it was their land.
External Source: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/hebland.html
-CF Manual page 105 and 106
Camille Dawson
13. Describe the geography of the Mediterranean Coastal region.
The Mediterranean Coastal region is located on the coast of the middle east on the countries, now known as, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine. The Mediterranean Costal region is a warm and humid area. This region tends to have 12 to 40 inches of rain per year. Wheat, barley, olives, and pistachios are native to this area. Other forms of vegetation in this area are oak trees and pine trees. There are about 100 species of mammals along with 500 species of birds. There are many species of birds because the Mediterranean coastal region is located on a late migrational route. Due to human intervention many of the animals are extinct such as the lion, bear, and antelope.
CF Manual pages 102
http://worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/pa1207
Gregory Estrera
14. Describe the geography of the Central Hill region.
The Central Hill region, located between the Mediterranean Coastal region and the Jordan River Valley, was an arid, rocky area comprised of hills and mountains. For the most part, this area contained hills and mountains with small valleys in between. Because of the limited area of fertile land and the weather conditions, it was hard to grow crops in this region. The southern area encompassed the Judean Hills on which Jerusalem was built. It was very difficult to live in this area; however, the Hebrews inhabited this place despite its harsh climate.
CF Manual pg. 106
http://library.thinkquest.org/26823/georegions.htm
Hank Lasley
15. Describe the geography of the Jordan River Valley.
The Jordan River Valley is one of the most legendary places on the planet. Jordan, meaning "the descender", was given its name due to the dramatic elevation change. It was given this name because Jordan begins at Mount Hermon, which is two hundred feet above sea level, then plummets to the Sea of Galilee, which is seven hundred feet below sea level. About two hundred miles from the Galilee Sea, the Jordan River Valleys continues on to the Dead Sea. At about 1,300 feet below sea level, this is the lowest place on Earth. Its only source of water is the Jordan River, resulting in it being 8.6 times saltier than oceans. The valley, around the Sea of Galilee, contains grain, fruit and fishing in either the river or the Sea of Galilee. In addition, the Jordan River Valley is a migratory path for more than five hundred million birds.
Works Cited:
Online Article: Allbritton, Christopher. "Dead Sea, Jordan River Valley Face Ecological Disaster." San Francisco Chronicle. Hearst Communications, 2013. Web. 13 Jan. 2013. <http://www.sfgate.com/green/article/Dead-Sea-Jordan-River-valley-face-ecological-2510478.php>.
Manuel pg. 106: "Levant." Manuel for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilization. Comp. Clay Elliot and Rosie Beniretto. Vol. 2. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 102-24. Print.
-Katie Malcolm
16. Describe the geography of the Trans-Jordan area.
17. Describe the early culture of the Hebrews (pre-Patriarchal period) The early Hebrews were nomads, wandering from place to place. They organized themselves with classic tribal logic and their society was based on kingship and kingship hierarchy. Their relationship with God was based on kingship relationship, meaning that anyone who was not a descendant of Abraham was not included in the special relationship God. For more detailed information, visit http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/12_thought.html.
CF Manual page 107 Louisa Morgan
18. How did government change during the Patriarchal period? During the Patriarchal period, The Hebrews believed that Abraham was the prophet sent from the regional god, Yahweh, to be their shepherd and to migrate with him. While the Hebrew tribes were migrating to the west with Abraham, the region they started in was in chaos. Abraham led the hebrew tribes to Egypt, in hope of creating a new life. The end of the Patriarchal period concluded in several of the Hebrew tribes had connections with similar ancestors. the government changed because many tribes of Hebrews came together and lived simmultaimusly.
LM Pages: 107-108 http://www.wmcarey.edu/browning/Classes/ANE/5-PatriarchalAge.pdf Julia Parsley
19. How did the religion change during the Patriarchal period?
The Age of the Patriarchs is the history of the pre-Egyptian Hebrews. Prior to the Patriarchal period, early Hebrews were nomads and society was organized around kinship. Anyone who wasn't a descendant of Abraham was not part of the special relationship with G-d. G-d promised to protect the Hebrews, and in return the servants (Hebrews) owed obedience. Also civilization was not considered a good thing, and desiring a king was a disobedience to G-d. The Patriarchal period begins with Abraham and his descendants being picked by Yahweh to be his chosen people. Abraham and his descendants then migrated west, out of the region in turmoil. Yahweh, who had sent them, then told Abraham that this new land belonged to him now. Abraham was chosen because he sacrificed his son, showing true obedience and devotion to Yahweh. These tribal groups branched off from Palestine, some evening moving to Egypt for a better life. Towards the end of the period a group of tribal groups, identified themselves of having the same ancestors. They then called themselves the Hebrews (most-likely meaning foreigner). In addition, the book of Genesis describes a possible indication of animistic forces and polytheism, yet they are quite debatable.
Sources: CF Manual Pg. 107-108 http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/hebpat.html
-Daniel Perrier
20. What differences in ways of living developed during the Patriarchal period?
The Patriarchal period is a time that encompasses the histories of pre-Egyptian Hebrews. During the Patriarchal, which means "father-ruler," period, the early Hebrew way of life changed when they went back to their tribe-like lifestyle. Bands of early Hebrews became very nomadic and drifted around the Near East. They had nothing to do with other tribes or the Yahweh cult involving Moses. By the end of the Patriarchal period, however, the very individual groups transformed into multiple tribes that acknowledged having common origins and identity. They were some of the first Hebrews, and their name is thought to be from the Egyptian word for foreigner, "apiru."
This website has additional information about this topic. Start reading from "3. Conditions in Palestine" to "4. Extensive Travel." http://www.truthnet.org/Biblicalarcheology/2/Patriarchalperiod.htm
Source:
"Age of Patriarchs." Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. By Rosie Beniretto and Clay Elliott. Vol. 2. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 107-108. Print.
-Maddie Shen
21. Using Turner's theory, explain the economy of the Phoenicians.
Turner's theory states that geography determines the character of a people and gives them certain advantages/disadvantages. Because Phoenicia had a lack of fertile land, they could not farm their own food. Unable to migrate east because of the Lebanon Mountains, the Phoenicians relied on the sea and trade to live and thrive. The Phoenicians traded silver, iron, tin, lead, horses, ebony, ivory, linen, coral, honey, spices, oil, precious stones, and the Tyrian's famous purple dye in exchange for the food they were unable to grow. The Phoenicians also traded pines, firs, cypresses, and famous cedars of Lebanon from their abundant forests. Because of the locations of the great Phoenician port cities on the coast, trade was possible far and wide. Taking advantage of their connection to the Mediterranean Sea, the Phoenician traders explored west, looking for new items of trade and founding cities along the way. Overall, the economy and trade of the Phoenicians would not have been as successful if it hadn't been for the geography present.
"Historiography: Turner" Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. By Rosie Beniretto and Clay Elliot. Vol. 1. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 10. Print.
"Economy and Environment." Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. By Rosie Beniretto and Clay Elliot. Vol. 2. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 111. Print.
"Turner." Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. By Rosie Beniretto and Clay Elliot. Vol. 2. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 113. Print.
Picture: http://factsanddetails.com/world.php?itemid=1985&subcatid=371
-Bailey Slawin
22. What was Tyrian dye and why was it important?
Tyrian dye is a purple dye acquired from the bodies of a certain mollusk that lives in the eastern Mediterranean. The Phoenicians around 1600 BCE first used the dye. The color purple became brighter with the weathering and sunlight adding value to the dye. The dye had restricted use when countries and city- states had laws to only allow certain people to wear the purple dye. The purple dye showed wealth and power. Kings and people of supreme power wore the color to show off their power, it is considered to be the color of royalty. The dye in the clothing was also used for important religious ceremonies. The purple dye was also the most expensive dye color.
Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. By Rosie Beniretto and Clay Elliott. Vol. 2. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 107-108. Print.
http://suite101.com/article/the-phoenicians-and-ancient-tyre-a102677
-Peter Stone
23. What was the significance of the development of the alphabet?
24. How is Turner's theory of both geography and the Frontier demonstrated in the Phoenician culture?
Turner's theory of geography and the Frontier states that the geographical location of a civilization plays an enormous part in determining the overral success of the civilization. Phoenicia was located in present-day Lebanon. Their terrain was very mountainous and rocky. Even though these Lebanon Mountains gave the Phoenicians access to materials such as silver, iron, lead, and tin, they made large-scale farming almost impossible. Since the number one item on the list for the success of civilizations is "FOOD", the Phoenicians had to go and get it elsewhere. They were unable to go eastward because the Lebanon Mountains posed an impassible frontier, so they turned the other way and set out to trade, obtain new resources, and found new cities (with better, fertile land) across the vast Mediterranean Sea. They also used these cities (Utica and Carthage) as their trading posts and advanced their system of trade even more.
Bibliography:
"Economy and Environment." Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. By Rosie Beniretto and Clay Elliot. Vol. 2. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 111. Print.
"Turner." Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. By Rosie Beniretto and Clay Elliot. Vol. 2. Houston: St. John's School, 2012. 113. Print.
