UNIT THREE:
EARLY EMPIRES AND
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read the
textbook: A History of World Societies, Vol 1 to 1715, McKay et
al, 7th edition pp 17 - 32.
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
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, January 26. 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 influences were spread and shared in the
ancient Near East.
2. Identify
and describe two 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, January 28.
Discussion Questions:
1. The ancient
Near East was a crossroads region - a place of intense interaction. Can
you think 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. Do you
agree with the premise that empires can sometimes be *constructive* forces? Why or why not?
3. What are some of the reasons why it is
important to have some knowledge of history to better understand possibilities for
and obstacles to achieving stability and peace in the Middle East (Near East).
ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS
1. MAP EXERCISE #
1
DUE February 2
Go to MAP EXERCISE
QUESTIONS
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.
BACK TO CLASS INDEX
BACK TO COURSE
DIRECTORY
