Category: Ancient Civilizations

In this essay, I’ll be talking about the meaning of warfare in ancient China and the way it led to the creation and innovation of weaponry and technology in every single dynasty, chronologically.

Warfare in Ancient China meant gaining ascendency over other dynasties to extend border sizes, therefore the state can expand and protect its frontiers. Ancient China are often countermined into five dynasties: The Xia, The Shang, The Zhou, The Qin and therefore the Han.

The Xia Dynasty

The Xia dynasty (2100-1600BC), the very first established dynasty system in China, had been established through battles between two tribes that had long existed – the Xia tribe and Chiyou’s tribe. Markings on ancient walls tells us that the Xia used bronze weapons. These weapons included the bow and arrow, swords, spears, dagger-axes, halberds, and crossbows. But the foremost popular technology during this era was the utilization of jade, bronze vessels, and bronze casting. The Xia dynasty wasn’t very populated and that they were eventually overthrown by the Shang.

The Shang Dynasty

The Shang dynasty (1600-1046BC) started using bronze very often and that they started liking bronze weaponry. Eventually, they made stronger weapons with bronze. The Shang also created chariots to help the soldiers in achieving a touch higher ground in battle. The dynasty was made stratified which led to the corruption of the leaders, resulting in the eventual downfall of the dynasty after they disregarded the likelihood of incoming attack from the Zhou.

The Zhou Dynasty

The Zhou dynasty (1046-256BC) was the longest ruling dynasty. The Zhou dynasty used bronze at the beginning of the dynasty as they saw it as a really strong material in war but they knew that they needed more powerful weaponry. They ultimately adopted the concept of using iron weapons as bronze was later proving ineffective for them in war. Before the beginning of the making of iron weapons, the Zhou were already using swords, halberds, crossbows, spears and also shields. The Zhou were able to reach temperatures up to 1537 degrees centigrade, simply enough to melt iron and make stronger and more durable weapons. The Zhou also developed an ideology of philosophy and debated everything from the character of men to the proper ruler. They ruled China for 790 years, before eventually being defeated by the Qin, who failed to just like the idea of the Fengjian system, where the house would strengthen their jurisdiction by sending their relations to other states and making them the governors of the regions.

The Qin Dynasty

The Qin dynasty (221-206BC) ruled for a short-term. The Qin weren’t cognizant of the iron weapons of the Zhou, so that they were still using quite lot of bronze weapons and a few that were manufactured from an alloy consisting of copper and other elements. The Qin introduced legalism, which led to the burning of the books made within the Zhou dynasty, recording the talk. This was done to expunge all history of individual states therefore the nation could have one identity and one antiquity. it had been then the emperor asked one amongst his specialists to form an elixir of immortality for him. The elixir of immortality contained mercury sulfide which led to the demise of the emperor. After the death of the emperor, the Hans saw it as a clear opportunity to require over China and that they defeated the very vulnerable Qin.

The Han Dynasty

The Han dynasty (206BC-220AD) saw the beginning of using alloys like steel in weaponry. That helped within the making of tougher armor and swords. Though they still used iron weapons, it had been quite minimal. As a lookout for potential opposition threats, the Hans also invented hot air balloons which were wont to spy on enemy troops and record any possible threats to the Hans. Seeing because the previous dynasties often failed in navigation, the Hans created the primary compass. The Hans also had armor manufactured from rawhide. They were prepared for war at any time. Paper was also a crucial invention of The Hans because it became some way to pass messages around.

Conclusion

The technological advancements and new weaponry which the dynasties introduced is the reason for the expansion of Ancient China. It’s what kept Ancient China ideal. Their constant improvements. Learning from their past in warfare and using that knowledge to adapt to help in building an improved, stronger, safer future.

The Great Wall of China is an eponymous collection of fortification that are over 2,700 years old. Unfortunately, only one third of the original landmark lingers. In 1987, the UNSCEO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Around 220 BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who yearned to keep the northern nomadic barbarians at bay, conceived the Wall. At the time, China was unified, so Qin, blessed with an abundance of space, demanded that a wall of 5,400 kilometers be assembled. It was convenient how previous Emperors built many miniature defense systems, meaning there was less exertion demanded. Thus, the most ambitious building enterprise of humankind commenced. Legend speculates that 400,000 workers, consisting of convicts, soldiers, and commoners, died in the construction, their corpses embed within the infrastructure.

These workers employed mainly earth, wood, stones, sand, and bricks to build, obtaining the resources from local suppliers. Specific edifice methods depended on the construction period as well as the materials available. For example, mountain stones were utilized in mountain ranges and in desserts, builders preferred to layer branches of reeds and red willows with sand. On average, each section was six to seven meters tall and four to five meters wide on the top surface. The latter permitted ten soldiers and horses at a time to survey lower ground and defend their nation.

During certain intervals, workers fabricated barrel drains, which extended a meter out from the Wall. They aimed to prohibit rain erosion.

Each dynasty added different sections to the Wall until 1878. Most of today’s remains were constructed between 1368 and 1644 in the Ming dynasty. Eventually, the project was 21,196.18 kilometers long and represented China’s strength. Ironically, it never protected the country from invaders.

The Nomadic Mongols were these invaders. Herders by profession, their harsh environment provided the bare minimum to survive. The northerners envied the Chinese, with their fine silk and crops. Despite their low numbers, the Nomads posed as a serious military threat. Equipped with ponies and powerful bows and arrows, they orchestrated effective raids on neighboring borders, regardless of the Wall’s presence. Nevertheless, trade was just as prominent as conflict for which the Wall was a commerce. The Nomads requested metal and textiles in exchange for small horses. However, there was an imbalance in these trade relations: the Chinese could manage without horses, but the Mongols could not forgo food or clothing.

At present, at least fifty million heads flock to the Great Wall of China every year. Time, weather, and the contumelious manner of tourists have dampened the structure greatly, with less than 10% of the Wall now well preserved. To elaborate, tourism often puts pressure on natural resources through over-consumption, often in places where resources are already scarce and erosion weakens materials over time. Yet, the Wall’s popularity has not dimmed and sightseers often report tsunamis of crowds during tours.

Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty who brought peace during the warfare between the Warring States of China, uniting China for the first time. The Qin Dynasty endorsed a system of Legalism which was basically a belief that all human beings are inherently selfish, and people are required to follow the stringent laws and be punished accordingly. The Qin Dynasty was indeed the shortest in all of dynasties in China, lasting only about fifteen years, but it was one of the most momentous events in the Chinese history. Although Qin Shi Huang established firm policies along with ruthless punishments that instilled many in fear, his contributions to enhancing infrastructure, reinforcing military force and protection, and bettering the economy immensely improved China. In short, his achievements overrode his crimes.

Prior to the Qin Dynasty, China was separated into regions under each sovereign states as shown in the map of the Warring States of China in c. 260 BCE. But as Qin Shi Huang unified China, the standardization of materials vastly improved and prospered the economy of the empire. In an article from Timesonline, it is said that Qin Shi Huang had “standardized Chinese script (writing), weights and measures, and even the length of cart axels so that every cart could run smoothly in ruts”. Additionally, currency was also unified as shown in an image of a bronze Ban Liang coin. Hence, trade became more easily accessible and there were no more loss of value or time consumption through conversions of currency. Not only that, traders and nomads were able to travel through China with the vehicles of the same track. These standardized systems allowed efficient trades and the Chinese economy to thrive with wealth.

Qin Shi Huang built network of roads and canals that improved the overall infrastructure of China. After the unification of China, Emperor Qin Shi Huang assigned Shi Lu to build a canal as shown in a photo of Lingqu Canal taken in 2009. The canal was initially built for grain transport but it has also “directly secured the South China with military significance”. Furthermore, the canal has been in service for over 2000 years “as the major transport route between Lingan and Central China”. An orderly transportation was paramount to the ancient Chinese empire because of the large scale of land. These quotes suggest that such conducive canal has been utilized for a long period of time by the subsequent generations/dynasties.

Regardless of Qin Shi Huang’s developments, he executed numerous scholars and burned books – as depicted in a painting by Hung Wu – that opposed his Legalist system; he was merciless in every way. According to a historical account of the emperor’s opposition by Sima Qian, it is stated: “Anyone who is not a court scholar dares to keep the ancient songs, historical records or writings of the hundred schools, these should be confiscated and burned. Those who in conversation dare to quote the old songs and records should be publicly executed; those who use old precedents to oppose the new order should have their families wiped out”. Thus, people were controlled under the absolute power of Qin Shi Huang and people were killed solely because they were willing to have their own say. Qin Shi Huang was definitely not a beloved ruler as Xu Jia, courtier of the state of Wei comments that “Qin (is) greedy, violent, keen for profit and untrustworthy. It knows nothing about the traditional etiquette, proper relations, and virtuous conduct”.

Qin Shi Huang began the construction of the Great Wall of China which provided an excellent protection for the empire against the incessant invasions. The Great Wall of China, almost 4,000 miles long, was originally designed to protect China from the Mongols and the northern barbarians. However, during the construction, “seven hundred thousand forced laborers were used in building the wall, and thousands of them were crushed beneath the massive gray rocks”. Although countless laborers were sacrificed just to be buried underground, the empire and even the future Chinese dynasties were protected along with “the first standing army, possibly consisting of millions” guarding the wall from northern invaders.

While it is true that Qin Shi Huang was not the greatest ruler that China could’ve had, his reforms hugely impacted China people know of today. Without the protection from the Great Wall of China, the empire would have experienced tremendous difficulties defending the nation. Qin Shi Huang provided facilities and systems that made ancient Chinese peoples’ lives much simpler.

Introduction

The Mauryan Empire in India and the Han Dynasty in China were two influential empires that flourished during ancient times. Although geographically distant, these empires shared similarities in their centralized administration and significant cultural and technological achievements. This essay aims to compare and contrast the Mauryan Empire and the Han Dynasty, focusing on their political structures, cultural developments, and legacies.

Body

Political Structures

The Mauryan Empire, under the rule of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (322 BCE – 298 BCE) and his successor Emperor Ashoka (268 BCE – 232 BCE), adopted a highly centralized political system. The empire was divided into administrative districts governed by appointed officials. Ashoka’s reign is particularly noteworthy for its effective bureaucratic governance and the spread of Buddhism. In contrast, the Han Dynasty, led by Emperor Liu Bang (202 BCE – 195 BCE) and subsequent rulers, also embraced a centralized administration but implemented a system of imperial examinations to select officials based on merit. The Han Dynasty further established a strong military and expanded its territorial reach through conquest.

Cultural Developments

Both the Mauryan Empire and the Han Dynasty witnessed remarkable cultural achievements. In the Mauryan Empire, Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism played a significant role in the promotion and spread of the religion across the empire. Ashoka’s rock and pillar edicts, which inscribed his principles of moral governance and Buddhist teachings, stand as enduring symbols of his reign. The Han Dynasty, on the other hand, experienced advancements in various fields, including literature, art, science, and technology. The invention of paper, advancements in medicine, and the development of Confucianism as a guiding philosophy greatly influenced the cultural landscape of the Han Dynasty.

Economic Systems

The Mauryan Empire relied heavily on agriculture as its economic backbone. The empire implemented policies to improve agricultural productivity, including the construction of irrigation systems and the promotion of trade routes. The Han Dynasty, too, emphasized agricultural production but also introduced new economic practices, such as the establishment of government monopolies on salt and iron. The Silk Road, an extensive trade network connecting China with the West, flourished during the Han Dynasty, facilitating cultural exchange and economic growth.

Legacies

The Mauryan Empire and the Han Dynasty left lasting legacies that shaped the history of their respective regions. The Mauryan Empire’s emphasis on religious tolerance and moral governance, as exemplified by Emperor Ashoka, influenced subsequent Indian empires and the development of Buddhism in the region. In China, the Han Dynasty’s political and administrative systems set the stage for future dynasties, while its cultural advancements laid the foundation for classical Chinese literature, art, and philosophy.

Conclusion

Although separated by vast distances, the Mauryan Empire and the Han Dynasty shared similarities in their centralized political structures, cultural achievements, and long-lasting legacies. Both empires made significant contributions to the development of their respective regions, influencing future governance systems, cultural practices, and religious beliefs. Understanding the similarities and differences between these two empires provides valuable insights into the rich history and cultural diversity of ancient civilizations.

Originally, Greece was not a country united under one ruler instead it was made up of several hundred poleis or city-states. Each polis was independent and had its political system. Athenian democracy developed around the 6th century in Athens one of the Greek city-states (Wikipedia, n.d). Around 800-500 BCE power and wealth in Athens were concentrated amongst the aristocratic class until the middle class demanded for political and economic rights (Brand, n.d.). In this system, all male Athenian citizens could vote and were able to reject or accept the laws proposed by the Boule council or the legislative council, which was responsible for the legislative agenda (Brand, n.d.).

The Greek democracy came to an end because of a series of events that began with the Persian Empire taking over the cities of Ionia which led the Greek poleis to put their differences aside and unite to face a common external enemy, the Persian Empire (Brand, n.d.). The Athenian force was able to overcome the Persian force at the Battle of Marathon. In 481 the Second Persian War started and once again the Greek poleis united and were able to defeat the army of the Persian emperor Xerxes in the Battle of Pratea in June 479 BCE. Afterward, Athens and some of the Greek city-states of the Aegean island and the Ionian coast wanted to continue the war and they formed a pact called the Delian League on the island of Delos (Brand, n.d.). The Allies had to contribute ships and money to continue the conflict with Persia. Athens was the leader of the Delian League and as the years went by it started to treat its allies as subjects. This became clear in 471 BCE when Naxos, a city-state, tried to withdraw from the league; Athens saw it as a rebellion and crushed the Naxon military (Brand, n.d.). Then Athens expected the “allies” to contribute only in silver and finally, Athens moved the treasury from the island of Delos to the temple of Athena in Athens (Brand, n.d.). The contribution of the Delian League founded the golden age of Athens and the magnificent temple of Athena called the Parthenon was built thanks to the silver of the league (Brand, n.d.). Athens started to talk about the Athenian empire and the former allies had become subjects of Athens. Athens’s actions caused resentment in the Greek world and Sparta was openly hostile to Athens which led to the Peloponnesian War. The war lasted for almost thirty years (Brand, n.d.). When the war was over Athens was devastated and defeated it had lost its empire. Thucydides, an Athenian aristocrat, explained that Athens was guilty of arrogance and pride which led to her fall. He furthermore explained that democracy lead to this result. Thucydides blamed the stupid masses that destroyed Athens through its democratic system (Brand, n.d.).

Democracy lasted for less than 200 years in Athens and it fully ended when all of Greece was dominated by King Alexander the Great of Macedonia in 336 BCE (Brand, n.d.).

Reference:

1. Brand, P. J. (n.d.). Athens & Sparta: Democracy vs. dictatorship. Retrieved from: pdf
2. Wikipedia. N.d. Athenian democracy. Retrieved from: https:en.m.wikipedia.orgwikiAthenian_democracy?fbclid=IwAR2BKabj6QBYB6LM6vQ5su9oJySOa-ajXsQ-cC1hzO6etH7TRLdsxjuC9V0#:~:text=After%20his%20death%2C%20Athenian%20democracy,end%20of%20the%20Peloponnesian%20War.&text=Democracy%20was%20suppressed%20by%20the,a%20real%20democracy%20is%20debatable

Introduction:

The Hellenic and Hellenistic periods were two significant eras in ancient Greek history that left a lasting impact on Western civilization. The Hellenic period, characterized by the dominance of city-states and the ideals of classical Greece, was followed by the Hellenistic period, marked by the conquests of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek influence across a vast territory. This critical essay aims to analyze and compare the differences between Hellenic and Hellenistic culture, focusing on their societal structures, artistic expressions, and philosophical outlooks.

Body:

Societal Structures:

Hellenic culture was centered around the concept of the city-state (polis), with independent city-states such as Athens and Sparta governing themselves. Each polis had its own unique political system, laws, and social hierarchies. Citizenship and participation in the political process were limited to a select group of male citizens, excluding women, foreigners, and slaves. The emphasis in Hellenic society was on civic duty, military prowess, and the pursuit of excellence in various fields, including politics, arts, and athletics.

In contrast, Hellenistic culture emerged after the conquests of Alexander the Great, which resulted in the establishment of vast kingdoms and the blending of Greek and Eastern influences. The Hellenistic kingdoms were characterized by centralized monarchies, with ruling dynasties controlling large territories. These kingdoms were more cosmopolitan, diverse, and multicultural compared to the city-states of the Hellenic period. Social mobility increased, and individuals from various backgrounds had opportunities to participate in commerce, administration, and cultural exchange.

Artistic Expressions:

Hellenic art focused on the idealization of the human form and the pursuit of harmony and balance. Sculptures and architecture of this period portrayed gods, heroes, and human figures in their perfect forms. The emphasis was on the representation of physical beauty and the celebration of the achievements of the individual. Hellenic art showcased a high level of technical skill and sought to capture the essence of the human experience.

In the Hellenistic period, art took on a more diverse and dramatic character. Sculptures became more realistic, depicting a range of emotions and capturing the details of everyday life. The art of this period often depicted ordinary people, including women, children, and the elderly, highlighting their humanity and individuality. Hellenistic artists also explored new artistic forms, such as mosaic art and the use of different materials, including bronze and terracotta.

Philosophical Outlooks:

Hellenic philosophy, exemplified by the works of philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, focused on abstract concepts such as virtue, truth, and the nature of reality. It placed a strong emphasis on rationality and the pursuit of knowledge through logical reasoning. Hellenic philosophers sought to understand the world and human existence through philosophical discourse and contemplation.

Hellenistic philosophy, influenced by the blending of Greek and Eastern cultures, took on a more practical and personal approach. Philosophers like Epicurus and the Stoics focused on achieving personal happiness, tranquility, and virtue in an unpredictable and often chaotic world. Hellenistic philosophy addressed issues of individual well-being, ethics, and the attainment of inner peace through practices such as self-control and detachment from worldly desires.

Conclusion:

The differences between Hellenic and Hellenistic culture can be observed in their societal structures, artistic expressions, and philosophical outlooks. Hellenic culture centered around city-states, emphasized civic duty and the pursuit of excellence, and produced art that idealized the human form. In contrast, Hellenistic culture emerged after Alexander the Great’s conquests, featured centralized monarchies, embraced diverse artistic expressions, and developed philosophies that focused on personal well-being and inner peace. Understanding these differences allows us to appreciate the rich cultural legacy left by both periods and their contributions to the development of Western civilization.

The development of ancient societies was a very long and arduous process, often spanning many years until they reached their peak form. However, there are factors such as geography, environment, and relief that may hinder or accelerate a society’s development. So what are they? There are many examples of civilizations built by bodies of water such as rivers or lakes due to the large amount of readily available resources to be used such as rich soils for agriculture, trade, or transport. Ancient Egypt is a shining example of this, arguably the ancient world’s most iconic superpower, it is often argued Ancient Egypt would not have existed in its mass if it wasn’t for the river Nile, which helped facilitate trade, communication, transport, and farming. It is widely understood that Egypt’s gain of national prosperity so early and in so great a degree was due in large measure to the products of her fields.

The annual flooding of the Nile often brought regular deposits of alluvial soil that made the lands around it extremely fertile, so once the Ancient Egyptians figured out how to work around the flooding the production of crops increased dramatically, growing and bringing in wealth and stimulating it’s agricultural economy greatly. In addition to this there was a good supply of fish and poultry to sustain the Egyptian people, so the risk of running out of food was fairly low in comparison to other surrounding civilizations. In fact, so prosperous was Ancient Egypt’s agriculture that they would often sell their crops to neighboring civilizations and societies that may have been struggling at the time, furthering their economy and influencing their development. In addition, the Nile wasn’t only useful for agricultural purposes, as its great length made it a perfect method for travel and trade. We know this due to the masses of documentation occurring at the time in the form of Cuneiform tablets, which due to the uniquely dry climate of Egypt were remarkably well preserved. Not only could you find letters from rulers or high-class citizens, but also completely mundane things such as trade receipts. Through these discoveries, it’s easy to tell that the Nile posed as a sort of highway for the Ancient Egyptians and the surrounding civilizations.

Armies would also use the Nile for transport when advancing on territory, which allowed a tactical advantage for invasions in the expansion of territory, furthering Egyptian development through warfare. Communication was also essential in influencing the development of the Ancient Egyptians, as due to the harsh environment surrounding Ancient Egypt transport and movement were difficult on foot, and so the development of boats was vital for communication with other nearby civilizations, which as aforementioned was vital for trade. However, it is important to understand that it wasn’t only the River Nile that benefited Ancient Egypt and in turn, positively influenced its development. Ancient Egypt was protected by two oceans, which no substantial threat could manage to cross to invade, and a large desert, which hit dangerous temperatures both day and night. Both environmental borders posed substantial hurdles to overcome if another civilization wanted to invade and so provided natural stability, so with both natural geographical protection from the ocean and land, along with the natural prosperity that came with being situated directly next to the Nile, the development of Ancient Egypt was very positively impacted by the environment and geography of the surrounding area.

Alternatively, although a large amount of Ancient Egypt’s development can be credited to its surrounding geography and environment, it cannot be ignored that Egypt’s development is also in part due to its leadership and politics. For example, the unification of upper and lower Egypt by Narmer and the movement of Egypt’s center to Memphis, brought in a new age of Pharaonic rule, producing dynasties. This unification strengthened Egypt’s development significantly, as this Is usually seen as the beginning of Egyptian civilization. It is due to this that Ancient Egyptian politics began to thrive. Due to religion and politics being too closely interlinked, there was a great amount of construction to accommodate places of worship for their many deities. Due to this Ancient Egypt’s architectural prowess was well developed, creating mud-bricked housing for its lower class people and stone bricked for the higher classes. With construction comes specialized buildings for things such as food or grain production. 

The first ever civilization took place in Mesopotamia between the year 4000B.C.E. After this, river valley civilizations came the classical period (1000B.C.E- 450C.E) which was characterized by a set of great civilizations which constituted China, Persia, India, and Greeko-Roman (Mediterranean) civilizations. These 4 great civilizations did not function independently. They integrated and expanded their territories to cover up large portion of land. However, before we move into discussing this great civilization, and its inventions, it will be important for us to look at what civilization is all about and its origin as well as the first ever civilization that existed in the world. Thus, the next section of this work will go to analyze these above aspects.

A society is said to be civilized when it consists of a system of writings in which symbols are used, has an urban enhancement, and a social stratum laid by a supremacy over the natural environment and by a cultural elite. More often than not, civilized continents always have large and more sophisticated cultures, as opposed to uncivilized countries with lesser or primitive cultures. In the civilized world, Labor becomes specialized in attaining a particular outcome; the society progresses rapidly under farming and new ideas are being brought up on how to expand. Our next analysis will be on the origin of civilization.

It should be noted that humans existed before civilization came up. There were humans but not civilized ones. Thus, the lifestyle of the people who lived before the coming of the first ever civilization was that of hunter-gatherer (nomadic), this period is known as the Stone Age (10000 B.C.E) period where humans used stones as apparatus for farming and they acquired food from their animals through milking and also from wild plants in the forest. The people of this age lived a more egalitarian (classless) lifestyle in which everybody could do what they wanted to get just as much food to feed themselves and their families. As such, humans formed small groups and lived together with one another sharing labor, with the women gathering foodstuffs in the fields while the men hunted for animals. Stones were the principal tool used by these men in hunting for animals but they manufactured hand axes and spearheads from wood and bones in other to help them in hunting. These people were nomads as seen above, as such, they migrated from one place to another depending on the climatic situation. This is how humans spread from Africa to Eurasia, Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.

Chinese civilization and its inventions

In Eurasia’s Eastern part, the Chinese people formed a wealthy and dynamic civilization. Under the leadership of the then emperor in 200 B.C Huang Di, the Chinese people created and invented all kinds of goods some of which include; Iron, Porcelain, and silk. They went as far as exporting these goods to other countries thus expanding their civilization.

Papermaking was one of the greatest inventions done by the Chinese during the time of their civilization precisely in the year 105 A.C. This had a great influence on history, as much was able to be written down for the next generation. Central Asia later copied this paper making and later on, the world did through the Silk Road.

Gunpowder was another great invention of the Chinese civilization exactly in the year 1000 A.D. It was manufactured by the Chinese Taoist alchemists by mixing sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. This product later on spread to Europe during the time of the Mongol expansion.

The Chinese also invented the compass in the year 1100 A.D. an instrument that shows the direction of a place. This compass was mostly used by the Chinese shipyards to enable them to navigate through the sea.

A mechanical clock was also a Chinese invention during the time of its civilization. Yi Xing a Buddhist monk was the brain behind this clock

Inspired by children using lotus leaves to cover themselves during rain, Lu Ban, created an umbrella using cloths to provide shelter during rainfall. This is a major invention for it is still used in our world today as a means of shelter during rains.

A seismograph also known as an earthquake dictator was another invention in China by Zhang Heng in 132 A.D. to determine the direction of an earthquake.

In addition to the above, we could also add a rocket, Bronze, Kite, Seed drill, Roe Crop Farming, toothbrush, paper money, movable type printing, Alchohol, and as well as Acupuncture, as some of the inventions brought up by the Chinese civilization.

Politically, Chinese rule during this period was an authoritarian one. Hierarchy was greatly respected and the emperor was recognized as the father of the community whose authority was given to him from heaven. The emperor was at the top of the community while the lords ruled the decentralized communities.

Indian civilization and its inventions

It is the oldest and made up of a rich history, and culture as well as very firm scientific and technological customs. Classical India made so many significant inventions some of which include;

The zero is a major contribution India made to the history of mathematics. Also, Ayurveda a traditional school medicine to help get good health without the use of prescribed drugs was another invention of India. In recent years, this system has gained popularity across the world and it’s now used by many in several parts of the world. Also, the U.S.B a small device capable of storing large data and doing transfers was invented by Ajay V. Bhatt an Indian American. Board games such as chess, snakes, and ladder came from India. Yoga an exercise that uplifts the spirit and ensures healthy living also came from India. Shampoo used to massage the head was another India’s invention. A button made out of seashells and shaped in a geometric form with tiny holes was an Indian ideal. In addition to the above, wireless communication, the cure for leprosy and lithiasis, as well as natural fibers such as jute, Cotton, and wool were all conceived by India.

Comparison between Indian and Chinese civilizations

1. Beginning with the religious domain, India practiced Hinduism as its main religion with so many gods, while Confucianism and Daoism (the belief in the respect of one’s leaders) were what was practiced in China.
2. India employed a stricter system of social hierarchy called the Verna (the class system), where the upper-class group was allowed to marry and interact only with their class. Mingling with the lower class was forbidden. This was not so with the Chinese for they lived as equals under the emperor’s reign.
3. Indian civilization valued the mind over everything which is why you see yoga and the rest. Meanwhile, the Chinese think not showing an expression is being civilized. There is always this restrain in them. Thus civilizations had different things they valued.
4. Most of the Indians engaged in medicines and technology as such created more technological instruments such as the U.S.B and the medicine for leprosy. On the other hand, the Chinese were agriculturalist and most of their aim was to create items that could facilitate agriculture. That is why they created instruments such as seed drills, Row crop farming, and bronze.
5. Comparing them today, equality and freedom of speech do not or hardly exist in China, but on the other hand, India allows its media to freely criticize its government. Thus, there is freedom of speech.

Conclusion

To conclude, one can say there are not many differences between the 2 great civilizations reason being that these civilizations did not isolate themselves from each other but rather, they integrated and worked with each other to expand.

References

1. Peter N. Stearns, 2007, A Brief History of the World.
2. Fairbank and John, 1989, China: Tradition and Transformation, Harvard University Press.
3. R.P Palmer and Joel Colton, 1995, 8th edition, A History of Modern World, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
4. https://en.m.wikipedia.org.
5. https://Jics.tbcc.cc.or.us
6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/
7. www.teacheroz.com/per 1-2 Review.pdf.
8. https://china.usc.edu/sites/default/files/forums/chinese.
9. https://mphmtshistory.weebly.com.
10. https://the culturetrip.com

Introduction

The Tang and Song Dynasties were two influential periods in Chinese history that witnessed significant political, social, and cultural developments. While both dynasties made substantial contributions to Chinese civilization, they also had distinct characteristics and achievements. This essay aims to compare and contrast the Tang and Song Dynasties, highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of political structure, economic prosperity, cultural achievements, and their impact on China’s history.

Political Structure

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) both implemented centralized bureaucratic systems to govern their vast empires. The Tang Dynasty established a highly efficient administration, known for its meritocratic civil service examinations and the codification of laws. Similarly, the Song Dynasty further refined the civil service examinations, placing emphasis on Confucian ideals and education. However, the Tang Dynasty had a more expansive territory and a more militaristic approach to governance, while the Song Dynasty faced significant challenges from northern invaders, leading to a shift towards a defensive and diplomatic strategy.

Economic Prosperity

Both the Tang and Song Dynasties experienced periods of economic prosperity, facilitated by advancements in agriculture, commerce, and technology. The Tang Dynasty witnessed extensive land reforms, increased agricultural productivity, and the growth of a prosperous merchant class. It also benefited from the establishment of the Silk Road trade routes, facilitating economic exchanges with Central Asia and beyond. The Song Dynasty, on the other hand, fostered a thriving market economy, with urbanization, industrialization, and advancements in printing, papermaking, and maritime trade. The growth of a merchant class and the emergence of the “flying cash” system contributed to a vibrant economy during the Song Dynasty.

Cultural Achievements

Both the Tang and Song Dynasties were renowned for their significant cultural contributions. The Tang Dynasty is often regarded as the “golden age” of Chinese poetry, with famous poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu flourishing during this period. Tang culture also witnessed advancements in literature, painting, calligraphy, and the spread of Buddhism. The Song Dynasty, known for its emphasis on Neo-Confucianism, saw the development of important philosophical and intellectual movements. Scholars like Zhu Xi played a crucial role in shaping Confucian thought. The Song Dynasty also saw remarkable achievements in landscape painting, ceramics, and literature, exemplified by the works of Su Shi and Li Qingzhao.

Impact on China’s History

Both the Tang and Song Dynasties left a lasting impact on Chinese history. The Tang Dynasty established a strong central government, expanded China’s borders, and promoted cultural exchanges with neighboring regions. It laid the foundation for subsequent dynasties, shaping the political and administrative systems of Imperial China. The Song Dynasty, although faced with political and military challenges, fostered significant advancements in technology, commerce, and governance. Its economic achievements set the stage for China’s later economic development, while its cultural and intellectual legacy continued to influence Chinese society.

Conclusion

The Tang and Song Dynasties were critical periods in Chinese history, characterized by significant political, economic, and cultural advancements. While the Tang Dynasty was marked by territorial expansion and a more militaristic approach, the Song Dynasty focused on economic prosperity, cultural achievements, and intellectual pursuits. Both dynasties contributed to the development of Chinese civilization, leaving a lasting impact on political systems, economic practices, and cultural expressions. Understanding the similarities and differences between the Tang and Song Dynasties provides valuable insights into the evolution of Chinese history and its enduring legacies.

Have you ever wondered how modern civilization got to be the way it is today? Both the Babylonian and Ancient Egyptian empires contributed much to the development of modern civilization, but they did have different ideas when it came to religion and politics. When we think about the first civilizations that successfully established empires, we tend to think of the Egyptians first. Their achievements and views are very well documented and have been at the front and center of many books, movies, and even games. Babylon, however, doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as Egypt. Although they both were settled around the same time and under similar circumstances they developed very differently. From writing and the sciences to religion and government both of these civilizations thrived, and in this document, I will compare and contrast them.

Ancient Egypt was located in the same part of the world as Egypt is today. Mesopotamia was composed of the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians (1, Daily Life). The city of Babylon was, in turn, located in the south of Mesopotamia (5, The Babylonians). They both thrived in a river valley that was otherwise surrounded by desert. “Egypt called the Nile River Delta home” (Ancient Egypt) and Babylon the valley between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers (Mesopotamia). When it comes to writing, “The Mesopotamians, are credited with the invention of writing” circa 3,100 BCE (47, Daily Life). They used pictures and symbols, which were called cuneiform, and this system inspired the Egyptian hieroglyphs (51, Daily Life). Using these pictures, that worked phonetically, the Egyptians recorded history and tax collections around the kingdom (207, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt).

Medicine and math were of high importance in both of these civilizations. Although they did vary, Egypt and Babylon used two types of healing, magical and medical. In Babylon, sick people had the option of using an āšipu, who would provide cleanses and prayers. They could also opt for an asȗ, as these practitioners created tinctures and remedies that were rooted in basic medical knowledge (77, Daily Life). Egyptians had a similar way of choosing treatments for their ailments. “If they knew the cause of the affliction, such as a crocodile bite, they would use a medical approach in treating the issue”. If the cause was unknown, they would attempt to cure it with magical treatments (265, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt). Concerning mathematics, the Babylonians mastered algebraic knowledge, whereas Egyptians used basic Arithmetic (84, Daily Life). Since the most the Egyptians had was addition and subtraction, they used shortcuts and the arithmetic they knew to get the result they wanted (279, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt). In their day-to-day life, Babylonians used a sexagesimal system, counting by sixties, but it was not used in economics as it was confusing. The Egyptians, however, worked with a base of ten for counting and relied heavily on that for daily activities (280, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt).

Thus far, both of these civilizations have had much in common, but when it came to religion and governance, they were very different. Firstly, the Babylonians believed the world was created due to the union of the gods Apsu and Tiamat (176, Daily Life). Egyptians, in turn, believed the god Ptah created the world by imagining it into existence (44, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt). For Egyptians religion was a very important part of their lives, although they were not required to do good, they were expected not to do any evil. In Babylon, “The community needed to follow the appropriate rituals and ceremonies or things like plagues, fires, and earthquakes could befall them” (178, Daily Life). In any case, the afterlife expected by the Babylonians was depicted as torturous and horrific, no matter if they were good or bad in life (178, Daily Life). The Egyptians had a more welcoming afterlife to look forward to since it was depicted as something glorious and beautiful that they would be accepted into (53, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt). Regarding the government, the Babylonians chose a monarch among the population and public approval was important, as ancestry didn’t always guarantee the throne to a successor (218, Daily Life). The ruler was seen as the god’s representative on earth, but he was still considered mortal (217, Daily Life). He or she was responsible for the prosperity of the kingdom and cared especially for the poor and weak among the people (221, Daily Life). “The Egyptian Pharaoh was instead seen as a god who had the ultimate power and divine authority” (73, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt). He or she would make sure there was order in the kingdom, but this also meant that the people were expected to stay in their respective social classes (74, Brier and Hobbs, Ancient Egypt).

In conclusion, both of these civilizations had a lot in common when it came to their day-to-day activities. They similarly settled in valleys next to rivers, which helped them thrive in an otherwise dry environment. The Egyptians came up with their writing system by taking inspiration from the Babylonians and their cuneiform. Ill people from both societies could choose to go to magical or medical practitioners for help with what ailed them. Although the Babylonians mastered more complex mathematics, the Egyptians still used what they knew to get them the results they needed. Where they differed greatly was their religious beliefs and their ideas on government. The Egyptians believed that simply not being wicked was enough to get them to the wonderful afterlife they knew awaited them. Babylonian peoples needed to follow rituals and ceremonies, since they would be punished if they did not do so. Their afterlife was not something they looked forward to but accepted it as something inevitable. Kings in Egypt were seen as gods and had to be treated as such. The Babylonians chose kings who had the popular vote, as ancestry didn’t always guarantee the throne. They were seen as representatives of the gods as well as protectors of the least fortunate. Thanks to the records kept by both of these civilizations we know much about their daily lives. They created a foundation for much of what we presently know as a society. It then begs the question, where would we be if these societies had never existed?

Works Cited

1. Nemet-Nejat, Karen Rhea. Daily Life in Ancient Mesopotamia. Hendrickson Publishers, 2008.
2. Leick, Gwendolyn. The Babylonians: An Introduction. Routledge, 2007.
3. Brier, Bob, and Hoyt Hobbs. Ancient Egypt: Everyday Life in the Land of the Nile. Sterling, 2013.
4. Oakes, Lorna, and Lucia Gahlin. Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated History. Lorenz Books, an Imprint of Anness Publishing Ltd., 2018.
5. History.com Editors. “Mesopotamia.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 30 Nov. 2017, https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-middle-east/mesopotamia.
6. History.com Editors. “Ancient Egypt.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Oct. 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/ancient-egypt.