Title: Classical Civs Overview Notes (~600 BCE – 600 CE)

Classical Themes: Civs created after 1000 BCE have direct links to civs which exist today. Chinese history flows from the Zhou dynasty to the present India lacks political continuity but has cultural carry-over Even Western society, with more interruptions can find direct philosophical and political connections to the Greek and Roman civs.

Themes, cont. Three Classical civilizations: China India Mediterranean (Middle East, Southern Europe, & North Africa) Assyrian/Persian empires also influential, but not as durable as the 3 Classical Civs Mesoamerica – delayed – we will discuss later Much larger than river valley civs but did not reach many of the world’s people. Classical Civs established institutions and values that would have enduring effect. China’s intense political centralization India’s regionalism Emotional restraint of Chinese and Japanese society Greater emotional expression in the Mediterranean

Themes, cont. Classical Civs more than just continuations of river valley civs. Iron technology = military advantage Larger & more complex political structures = control more territory Geographical shift: India from Indus to Ganges China includes rice-growing Yangtze River as well as Huang He More elaborate philosophy and religion Expanded science, math, and technology

Themes, cont. Expansion & Integration: each civ spread outward from a regional center to embrace a growing diversity of people and a growing amount of territory = challenge of building institutions and beliefs to integrate, but not necessarily homogenize these people. Politics Trade Distinct cultural features

Themes, cont. Expansion: Integration: Contacts: existed, but limited Massive population growth before 1 CE Migration to seek new food supplies and avoid overcrowding Military expansion & conquest Integration: China & India worked harder than Greece & Rome Contacts: existed, but limited Silk Road and Indian Ocean Trade Network Exchange of luxuries, some artistic and religious influences

The Roman & Persian Empires

Classical India: Mauryan & Gupta

Classical China: The Han Dynasty

Cultural Zones Large regions unified by common traditions Communication and trade caused the broad diffusion of religious ideas, artistic styles, & technologies. Large regions unified by common traditions Hellenistic Roman Chavin Olmec Hindu China

Two major areas of trade Indian Ocean Silk Road