3.5 Global Social Structures The Development of Civilizations | 2000-1000 BCE

Similarities and Differences Social hierarchies favored wealthy, landed elites at the top of society Social hierarchies would vary in justification of divides and the value of lower class social groups

East Asia The ruling dynasty (family) was the divine ruler of China Administrative/bureaucratic class consisted of landed aristocrats who were powerful and wealthy The laboring masses consisted of the peasants and the merchants. Merchants were looked down upon for their lack of social contribution The unskilled labor (not enslaved) were certainly stigmatized. They had to wear green identification scarfs and were unfairly blamed for social problems

South and Southeast Asia Religious Purity Aryans By the end of the Vedic Period, which allowed Hindu culture to mature to what it would become today, 5 major castes emerged (varnas) Brahmins (priests and intellectuals running the country) Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) Vaishyas (merchants and farmers) Sudras (common workers and peasants) Untouchables (those that remain to do the most undesirable of jobs) Indigenous Indians

Wealth The Near East Dynasties of divine rulers, given the right to rule by the gods The priests supported the massive effort to appease the gods The military that protected all of society Skilled craftsmen, which could help construct large, religious structures. Also scribes, who could keep records of the city’s inventory Merchants (selling goods locally) and traders (selling goods regionally) Farmers and laborers, as well as slaves. These were seen as the lowest in society Rights and power became attached to status and wealth as new cultures were assimilated

The State Africa A god figure as divine leader to lead the state A powerful bureaucratic and priestly class to run the state The military to protect the state Scribes to organize the state Merchants and craftsmen as the economic heart of the state Farmers and slaves as the labor of the state (pyramids built by contracted labor) The state was seen as a leading regulator of society. Over time, the Egyptians did not require an Egyptian state regulator

Europe Outside of part of Greece, Europe was entirely tribal Mycenaean culture (influenced by the Minoans before 1500 BCE) was varied and warlike Social structure varied according to each Mycenaean state, but favored: A ruling, elite class The military Religious leaders (the Oracle of Delphi) Commoners Slaves

The Americas While the details are still unknown to us today, some obvious social classes were present A divine leader A high council of elites A military class The commoners (merchants and farmers) This structure was present in both Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations In the Andes, a well-defined bureaucracy would emerge outside of simply a council of elites