UNIT THREE:
EARLY EMPIRES AND
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read the
textbook: A History of World Societies, Vol 1 to 1715, McKay et
al, 7th edition
pages 17 - 31.
Look at key maps for this Unit:
Fertile Crescent - early
agricultural settlements
Assyrian
Empire
Persian
Empire
Empire of Cyrus II
Phoenician
and Greek trading routes
Hebrew
Kingdoms
GUIDING QUESTIONS
As you read through the textbook and the web text, keep in mind the following guiding questions and ideas:
1. Understand the different ways in which people interacted in this region and the consequences of this constant interaction - both positive and negative.
2. Understand the important role that empires played in the history of this region, in particular the early empires discussed - the Hittites, Assyrians and the Persians.
3. Have a sense
of the complex and controversial history of movement and land claims in
the
4. Recognize the important contributions of the Hebrews in terms of religious thought.
CLASS NOTES - (click on the chapter title to access readings)
CHAPTER ONE -
Overview
- Near Eastern Civilizations
CHAPTER TWO -
Early Empires
in the Near East
CHAPTER THREE - Era of Small
Kingdoms
CHAPTER FOUR - The Hebrews -
History and Religious Development
ASSIGNMENTS
WEEKLY QUESTIONS
Please answer the following questions and submit answers to me through email or regular mail. These should be submitted to me by Monday, September 15. Each answer should be at least 2 - 3 paragraphs. I will read over your answers and send them back with comments. This exercise is worth 10 points.
1. Describe the three primary ways ideas and other influences were shared in the ancient Near East.
2. Identify and describe two significant examples of how the Assyrian and Persian empires differed.
3. Identify and explain two important examples of how the religion of the ancient Hebrews (Judaism) differed from the religious beliefs of other early civilizations.
Send your responses to: smithcyn@hawaii.edu
CLASS DISCUSSION
After you have completed the reading, please enter the class discussion though the Laulima site for this course (https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal). You should offer three comments responding to these questions, and/or to the comments of your fellow students. If you have questions, please review the Class Procedures. You should have participated in the discussion by Wednesday, September 17.
Discussion Questions:
1. The ancient
Near East was a crossroads region - a place of intense interaction. What
are examples of other areas in the world which share this geographic status of
being a crossroads region? How has this location impacted their
development(s)?
2. Why are
empires such a constant feature in human history? What insights do you
have from reading about ancient attempts at building empires?
3.
How can the knowledge of history help one understand the complexity of current
events in the
ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS
1. MAP EXERCISE #
1
DUE September 22
Go to MAP EXERCISE
QUESTIONS
2.
INTERNET RESEARCH EXERCISE DUE October 6
Go to INTERNET EXERCISE
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
Interesting Related Web Sites
Ancient History
Sourcebook (a *must* page for links)
Exploring Ancient World Cultures
(many terrific links)
Highlights
from University of Chicago Oriental Museum.
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BACK TO COURSE
DIRECTORY
