1. Changes and continuity in The Classical Era c. 600 B.C.E. to 600 C.E.
Today’s LEQ: After the First Wave Civilizations, what changed and what didn’t?
Changes and continuity in The Classical Era c. 600 B.C.E. to 600 C.E.

2. First Wave Civilizations
Emerged from about c B.C.E.
Generated the most impressive and powerful human societies created thus far
But, proved to be fragile and vulnerable as well
Even though “first wavers” broke down, there was no going back – Civilization, as a form of human community stuck around

3. Second Wave Civilizations
New or enlarged urban-centered, state-based societies emerged to replace first wavers – EMPIRES!!!
i.e. Persia, Greece, Rome, Han-China, etc.
Many eventually perished and were replaced by “third wavers”
i.e. the collapse of Rome

4. Continuities in Civilization
Same pattern of “rise, expand, collapse”
Monarchs continued to rule
Patriarchy persisted
Sharp divide between elite and everyone else
Practice of slavery stayed
No major technological or economic breakthroughs leading to new kinds of human societies

5. Changes in Civilization
Population grew more rapidly than ever before (rate of growth is quite slow compared to recent centuries)
Growing size of states & empires dwarfed first wave civilizations; brought together vast diversity of people under a single political system
Rise and fall of second wave empires had major consequences and changes for the people who experienced them; oftentimes results in bloodshed, destruction, and trauma
Modest innovations enhanced human potential for manipulating the environment
Far more elaborate, widespread, and dense networks of communication and trade

7. Distinctive “Wisdom Traditions” Develop
All have provided moral and spiritual framework within which most of the world’s peoples have sought to order their lives and define their relationship to the mysteries of life and death
All are the product of second and third-wave civilizations
The great philosophical/religious systems of Legalism, Confucianism, and Daoism in China
Hinduism and Buddhism in India
Greek rationalism in the Mediterranean
Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam in the Middle East

8. Links to Today
Current identities of entire countries, regions, and civilizations still linked to the achievements of the classical era