People and Ideas on the Move Ch. 3 People and Ideas on the Move

The Hittite Empire

Hittite Empire

Hittite Empire Located in Anatolia (AKA Asia Minor) Also occupied several other city-states in the empire Capital was Hattusas Struggled with Egypt for control of Northern Syria until a peace agreement was met

Hattusas – Lion’s Gate

Hattusas: Capital of the Hittites

Hittite Writing

Technology of War Hittites built superior chariots that were light weight, easy to maneuver, 2 wheels, wooden frame, leather enhanced, and 2-4 horses per chariot

Hittite Chariots & Warriors

Hittite Weapons

Fall of the Hittites Fell suddenly around the year 1190 BC Great wave of invasions attacked from the north and burned the Hittite capital city

Aryans

Who were the Aryans? An Indo-European people who crossed the Kyber Pass thru the Hindu Kush Mountains to conquer the Indus River Valley They eventually controlled most of the Indian subcontinent

Aryan Migration

The Vedas Sacred literature that left a picture of Aryan life 4 collections of prayers, magical spells, and instructions for performing rituals

Rig Veda Most important of the Vedas Contained 1,028 hymns to Aryan gods

Aryans Vs. Dasas Aryans Dasas Light skin, tall No written language Conquerors Nomadic herders Lived in tribes Used cows to measure wealth Dark skin, short Written language Skilled workers Lived in towns w/ walls Centralized govt. Driven south of India by the Aryans Those left behind became slaves to the Aryans

Aryan Caste System

Caste System Distinguishing factor was Varna (skin color) 4 groups came to be known as the varnas Later called “castes” in 15th century AD “Untouchables” lived outside the caste structure: included butchers, trash collectors Their touch threatened the purity of others

Untouchables

Aryan Migration Began to settle more civilizations eastward; into India Violence and confusion led many to speculate about the place of the gods and humans in the world New religions begin to form

Hinduism Began as a collection of religious beliefs that developed over a long period of time

Origins and Beliefs Religion is a way to liberate the soul from illusions, disappoints, and mistakes of everyday life The Upanishads were written as a dialogue between a teacher and student to explain Vedic hymns Moksha: state of perfect understanding Teacher distinguished between atman (individual soul of a living being) and Brahman (world soul that contains and unites all atmans)

Hindu Beliefs When a person understands the relationship between atman and Brahman, they achieve moksha Usually not achieved in one lifetime Reincarnation: rebirth Karma: good and bad deeds that follow from one life to the next

Spread of Hinduism

Brahman (World Soul) Personality of 3 gods Brahma (the creator) Vishnu (the protector) Shiva (the destroyer) Devi (Mother goddess) grew in importance over the centuries

Brahma

Vishnu

Shiva

Hindu ideas about Karma and reincarnation only strengthened the caste system Dominated every aspect of a person’s life

Jainism Founded by Mahavira Believed everything in the universe had a soul and should not be harmed in any way Believed also in non-violence and religious tolerance

Buddhism

Buddhism Founded by Siddhartha Gautama At his birth, a prophecy foretold that he stayed at home, he would become a world ruler If he left, he would become a universal spiritual leader

Buddhism Four ventures outside led to 4 different observations: Old man: interpreted as old age Sick man: sickness A corpse: death Wandering holy man: Only a religious life offers refuge from inevitable suffering

Buddhism Siddhartha wandered for 6 years seeking enlightenment He debated with others religious seekers and fasted, but still did not achieve enlightenment Finally, he began to meditate under a large fig tree and after 49 days, he achieved an understanding of the cause of suffering in the world

From that point, he becomes known as the Buddha, meaning “the enlightened one”

Buddhism: 4 Noble Truths Life is filled with suffering and sorrow The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desire for the temporary pleasures of this world The way to end all suffering is to end all desires The way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path, which is called the Middle Way between desires and self-denial

The Eightfold Path Right Views (seeing the world through the 4 Noble Truths) Right Resolve (wanting to behave correctly and justly) Right Speech (telling the truth, speaking kindly to others Right Conduct (being good)

The Eightfold Path Right Livelihood (having a job that supports a moral life) Right Effort (trying to keep your mind focused on the good) Right Mindfulness (paying attention to what you thing and feel) Right Concentration (meditating as Buddha did to reach nirvana)

Ms. Abernathy’s 4 Noble Truths Accept that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Everyone must find and walk their own path. You, alone, are responsible for your own failures and successes.

Nirvana Following the Eightfold Path, anyone could reach nirvana (the release from selfishness and pain) Believed in reincarnation Also believed history was cyclical (world is created and destroyed over and over) Rejected the idea of many gods and the caste system Final goals for both Hindus and Buddhists are similar: perfect state of understanding and a break from the chain of reincarnation

World Religions Today

One last “religion”……..

Kennyism Followers believe in reincarnation (since he does so every episode) Ultimate goal is to make it to the 3rd grade. Follows the teachings of Cartman: Do unto others before they do unto you.