Cultural Hearths and Diffusion

What is spreading?

Here’s the same thing, but worldwide:

Cultural Hearth Foundation of a major culture The “birthplace” of a culture– people and ideas spread out from there 5 main early cultural hearths: – Middle America (Mexico) – Nile River (Egypt) – Mesopotamia (Iraq) – Indus Valley (Pakistan) – Yellow River (China)

What do these Cultural Hearths have in Common? Water – Enough to support farming and a large population – All except Middle America located in River valleys Mild Climate (not too hot) Fertile land Civilizations developed and spread from these areas

Cultural Diffusion Spreading of new knowledge from one culture to another When two cultures meet, cultural diffusion occurs Reasons people move to a new area: – Forced because they are a slave – Pushed out of land by war – Move because of famine/disease – Move for better opportunities/freedom Cultural Diffusion sped up with the invention of new technologies like telephones and the internet

Elements of Culture A culture can be understood by looking at… – Language – Religion – Daily life – History – Art – Social Groups – Government – Economy