Ch 2

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In Ch. 2 we enter the Ancient Era.
The Ancient Era is defined by:
1) Homo Sapiens competed with each other, for wealth, status, and power. This lead to social hierarchy.
2) We developed more sophisticated technology, including writing.
3) Agricultural surplus leads to specialization, which in turn lead to civilizations and city-states.
4) The interaction between people from different continents increases due to trade.

Some of the first civilizations included Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, Aegean Greeks, Indus Valley, and in the Americas: Andes, Mesoamerica.

In the Americas civilizations did not grow as large and strong due to the lack of agricultural surplus - they did not have the animals necessary. They were on a different timeline. This had a massive impact when the Europeans eventually came to conquer, as they were unable to defend themselves.

Egpyt: had a very predictable river, and knew when it would flood. This allowed them to plan their lives around the flooding and prepare.
Mesopotamia: very unpredictable river, never know when it would flood, could not plan for food.

Indus Valley: Located in modern-day India/Pakistan. No evidence of social hierarchy. No palaces, no hierarchical burials. Created the concept of urban planning, built a city on a grid. Created a flushing toilet - plumbing system. Had writing but we have never figured out how to decipher it.

I was fascinated to learn about the Mesoamerican civilizations because I never  really understood why they didn't flourish along with the rest of the civilizations. THe rest of history in the Americas make much more sense to me know. It is truly fascinating.

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