Other Early Civilizations in the Middle East, 1700-1100 B.C.E. By 2nd Millennium B.C.E., agricultural communities developed in the Middle East (S.W. Asia), the Americas, and East Asia All developed trade routes; put them in contact with others…BUT the Middle East contact was more intense This period (1700-1100 B.C.E.) is called the Late Bronze Age It was cosmopolitan which means people shared cultures and lifestyles because of increased contact Cultural diffusion is more than just goods; it’s also ideas, values, standards of living Key players were: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Hittites, Nubians, and Mycenaeans

This map is intended to give you an overview of the extent of trade during this age!

Other Early Civilizations in the Middle East, 1700-1100 B.C.E. In 1550 B.C.E., Egypt defeated the Hyksos and was no longer isolated Developed extensive diplomatic and commercial ties with other states in the region Maintain large army to promote its status

Other Early Civilizations in the Middle East, 1700-1100 B.C.E. Mesopotamia; continued to be subjected to political fragmentation By 1500 B.C.E. Mesopotamia was divided into 2 political zones: Babylonia (Later the Kassites) (south) and Assyria (north) Trade and cities prospered

Other Early Civilizations in the Middle East, 1700-1100 B.C.E. Hittites (from Anatolia—which is modern day Turkey) formed empire NW of Mesopotamia Rich in national resources: copper, silver, and iron Played vital role in international trade Developed new techniques in iron working gave them a military advantage

Other Early Civilizations 1700-1100 B.C.E. By late 3rd millennium B.C.E. Minoans created an advanced society in Aegean Sea; later they were followed by the Mycenaeans in Greece and the island of Crete Warlike and controlled Aegean Sea Differed from the others because they developed on the Aegean Sea NOT a river

Other Early Civilizations 1700-1100 B.C.E. Around 1200 B.C.E. many old economic centers were destroyed. Hittite kingdom fell to invaders. Egypt invaded by the “sea people”; survived by lost territories Mycenaean centers collapsed in 12th century B.C.E. initiating the “Dark Age” of Greek History

Other Early Civilizations in the Middle East, 1700-1100 B.C.E. By 12 century B.C.E. the cosmopolitan world of the Late Bronze Age was gone The collapse of these networks is an example of the negative consequences of interdependence. Economic and cultural exchanges made them rich; BUT once one fell they all weakened falling one by one.

During the time period up until 600 BCE, there were new religious beliefs that had strong influences in later time periods. This included the Vedic religion, Hebrew monotheism, and Zoroastrianism.

Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion which was once widespread in what is now Iran, Pakistan, India, and the Middle East. It was the state religion of the ancient Persian Empire, during which time it was one of the most important religions of the ancient world. It has under 200,000 practitioners today, mostly in India, and much of its scripture and history has been lost.

Zarathustra Zarathustra was an ancient prophet who may have lived in Central Asia sometime between 1800 and 600 BCE. Scholars believe that Zarathustra lived in what is now eastern Iran or Afghanistan. Zarathustra was known to the ancient Greeks, who called him Zoroaster. Zarathustra belonged to a priestly family and was raised in the ancient Indo-Iranian tradition, which was closely related to the Vedic religion.

Zarathustra Little is known about the life of Zarathustra, but the Gathas indicate that he had an experience of Ahura Mazda, the benevolent creator god, and founded a new, monotheistic religion. Zarathustra apparently had difficulty winning converts during his lifetime. According to legend, Zarathustra was murdered by his enemies while performing a religious ceremony.

Art work associated with Zoroastrianism

Sacred Texts Zarathustra is said to be the author of the Gathas, a collection of sacred hymns dedicated to Ahura Mazda. The Gathas are written in Avestan, an ancient Persian language that is now extinct, and are extremely difficult to translate. They may be approximately as old as the Rig Veda.

History of Zoroastrianism The religion appears to have been administered by a priestly class called the Magi. The invasion of Alexander of Macedon (Alexander the Great) in 330 BCE brought an end to the Achaemenid Empire. According to legend, Alexander destroyed a library containing many Zoroastrian texts and killed many Zoroastrian priests when he reached the capital city of Persepolis.

History of Zoroastrianism In the centuries that followed, most Persians became Muslim. Some Zoroastrians migrated to India. Today, Mumbai is the global center of Zoroastrianism.

Beliefs of Zoroastrianism According to Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is the one true god Ahura Mazda created the world and imbued it with asha (truth, good, order). However, an evil spirit, Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman) opposes Ahura Mazda, and brought druj (falsehood, evil, disorder) to the world. The world is characterized by a struggle between asha and druj. All humans have free will and must choose asha over druj.

The End Times Those who live according to asha will enter into the Kingdom of Light. A temporary hell exists for evildoers. Good will triumph over evil and bring about the “renovation” or “refreshment” of the world, in which the dead will come back to life, and druj, old age, and death will disappear.

Rituals Zoroastrians wrap a sacred cord, called a kusti, around their midsections five times per day and recite prayers to Ahura Mazda. Water is used for purification. Zoroastrian worship often takes place in a fire temple, which houses a sacred flame and also has access to a source of water. When a Zoroastrian dies, his or her body is traditionally taken to a Tower of Silence, where it is left in the open to be devoured by vultures. The only Tower of Silence that exists today is located in Mumbai, India

Now…let’s complete a chart about civilizations…and then you are done!