Blog Post 10

In Chapter 10 it talks about Christianity and how it spread throughout the world. It had impacted different people in more parts than others. In Islam the muslim people did not take well to this new religion that was to help provide a commonality for people. They used a taxing system for in the Middle East for some Muslim rulers who accepted the Christian faith and other who did not used this taxing system.

Blog Post #9

What did it mean to be civilized to the Mesopotamians who created the Gilgamesh story?

Mesopotamia was a collection of varied cultures whose only real bonds were their script, their gods, and their attitude toward women.  It was the wellspring from which modern societies emerged.  Its people learned to tame and dry land and draw sustenance from it.  Tanks tread there now, and companies pump oil from beneath the ancient soil.  Mesopotamia is generally credited with being the first place where civilized societies truly began to take shape.   The people believed in multiple Gods, instead of just one.  The people worshiped these other worldly beings to keep them happy, because if one of these powerful beings was angered, then the people of Mesopotamia would, in some way be punished for that unhappiness

Blog post #7

The Sand, Silk and Sea roads all had major impacts on trading routes between people and their societies. 

Sand Roads: This was a road from Northern Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. People rode Camels because the roads were not only in the desert but they could also carry the valuables traded. The sand roads consisted of gold, salt, ivory and slaves.

Silk Roads: This consisted of many roads that connected through China and India. People would use animals carts or walk on foot to purchase and trade goods. Some of the goods on these roads were, silk, gold, spices, clothing and jewelry. 

Sea Roads: These trades routes extended through the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and traveled from Asia, India and China. They used ships to transport goods and was one of the faster ways to exports goods. Some goods that were shipped were spices, very and minerals. This trade route would lead to a new way of trading with other countries. 

Gilgamesh Story

The story of Gilgamesh teaches us a lot about life and the journey we take. He takes a journey to try and figure out the secret to live forever and have eternal life. He was never really scared of death until his friend Enkidu passed away. He then learned that focusing so much on trying to seek immortality he realized what life was really about. The quality of your life is not measured by wealth or fame but what he can accomplish and help people around him become better. We can all relate to this story and learn that life is short and we can help be a positive member in society by helping others. 

Classical China Renaissance

Classical China experienced a renaissance just as significant than the one in Europe. Starting with the Sui Dynasty China extended the nation’s canal system and innovated their agriculture, politics and education during that time. Renaissance can be defined as the rebirth of humanistic ways of thinking in the classical era. Although the Renaissance in Europe exceeded expectations China’s ability to expand and create compares to the ideas and innovations that were done in both China and Europe during the classical era.

Blog Post #8

Which of the 3 major societies were explored in this chapter? (Greeks, Romans, China, India)

Which would you prefer to live in and why?

• China, because the Chinese economy was characterized by widespread poverty, extreme income inequalities, and endemic insecurity of livelihood.  
• Standard living in China is much lower than in the industrialized countries
• peasants and funds were valued
• some gender equity

Greek roman- Interesting, relative gender freedom

India- Less likely to be a slave

Same question but you are a female, which would you choose? And would you rather be rich or poor?

India- Poor, because one path to gaining freedom as a woman is to become a buddhist nun.  (happier that way) go through really hard times, but they try to take care of the poor.  You’re less restricted.  Restrictions- subject to your father/husband, never left the house, had to follow orders.

China- Rich, because you have better and more opportunities.  Better to be rich and confined than poor and confined.  

Disadvantage of being wealthy- women had their bones of their feet broken and couldn’t do anything or go anywhere without being carried or supported in any type of way. (foot binding process)

Greek Roman- Wealthy, because even though women couldn't have more than a 1/2 ounce of gold, it was better to be wealthy because they were supported by the men in their life and didn’t have to work.  Being poor u would have to result to prostitution, long hours of work, not much reward and cant find that lifestyle to be happy.  Either you work and struggle your whole life and not be happy or you get taken care of a man but don't really have much freedom to do what you want.  

Blog #6 (Africa or America?)

I personally would choose Africa, because their domesticated camels allowed them to live a nomadic life during the first three centuries.  Also, iron tools and other weapons have developed here and they played a large role in economics and in the military.   My main reason why I would choose Africa is because they have a diverse culture.  It is varied and manifold.  It is a product of diverse populations that today inhabit the continent of Africa, which have been affected by both internal and external forces.  Africa is divided between a great number of ethnic cultures, and I love that.  It seems like an interesting and pretty fun place to be.