Early Civilizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Early Civilizations - Essay Example The example of China and Mesopotamia vividly portray that geographical location and climate in different parts of the world 'caused' similar traditions, economic, social and political development. Geographical location and environment determined the nature of both societies and their activities. In China (during the Shang and Han Dynasties) and Mesopotamia (Sumerian period) agriculture was the main activity and the core of economy. This issue remained a central one in both civilizations: for some, it remained crucial to the maintenance of an 'enduring' national home: and for others, it represented a fundamental obstacle to the creation of more accommodating and cosmopolitan cultural order. China and the Mesopotamia had similar climate and soil conditions, but lacked water resources and irrigation systems. Irrigation was also associated with urbanization, which, in its turn, led to development of crafts and trade (Ebrey 34). Both civilizations developed unique rural culture and values, traditions and art based on the cults of Sun and farming. For instance, the remarkable features of the Shang Dynasty (began about 1600 BC- 1046 BC) and the Sumerian period (5th to 3rd millennia BC), were cultural identity, self-centeredness, unique philosophy and literary traditions explained by the fact that both civilizations were separated from the rest of the world. The civilizations competed effectively against the culture and values of outside world as an organizing principle in the unique identity. During the Han Dynasty and the Hammurabi period, both civilizations culturally and mythically were also deeply centered (Oppenheim and Reiner 34). The historical continuities which composed the culture of the Han Dynasty were pronounced, especially compared to their European states. Not only has the Han Dynasty (within its own borders) largely escaped the worst catastrophes of modernity, at the same time relations between the Asian nations and the overarching state have been relatively stable. Similar processes were typical for the Hammurabi period (Ebrey 27; (Oppenheim and Reiner 38). It is possible to say that environment influenced the development of similar laws and regulations accepted by these civilizations (the Code of Hammurabi and the Code of the Han dynasty which gained the recognition of Confucianism). During the Hammurabi period and the Han Dynasty these civilization expanded their geographical territories with military campaigns. The Han Dynasty established the Silk Road while Hammurabi established trade relations with neighboring states. Environment influenced the quality of life and city developments, architecture and art; they built sophisticated buildings and established written forms of communication (Oppenheim and Reiner 39). In China and the Mesopotamia people had similar views about the world and nature, state organization and philosophy. As the most important, a religion had a highly complex subject which had an impact on culture in three different ways: socialization, influences which shape behavior in a particular social setting and individu al orientations to life (Ebrey 87). In sum, environment had a crucial impact on the development of early civilizations and caused the development of similar economic activities and world views. Unique views and art were nothing more than a response to the environment and climate. Religion played an important role in lives of

Pilgrimage and France Romanesque art Coursework

Pilgrimage and France Romanesque art - Coursework Example The body of St. Martin after death was brought to Tours in a stone enclosure and above this St. Britus and St. Perpetuus built the simple chapel initially and afterwards a basilica which was destroyed from fire in 1230 and rebuilt. Again it was destroyed from the Protestants’ attack on their object of hatred and despite being restored by the canons, it had to undergo the revolutionary attack of 1793 when it was brought down almost completely. In December 1960 the tomb of St. Martin was excavated and still preserved with a basilica built on it by the Archbishop of Tours. This is small but every year on 11 November the feast of St. Martin is religiously observed by the believers of Tours as well as the people from rural and urban areas of diocese. (Knight, 2012). It comprises a lantern bulb on the dome when it was reconstructed after a fire and this imparts a Renaissance characteristic form to the church. The pillars supporting the faà §ade are a rare form of architecture givin g a bulky look in contrast to the airy apse windows the Baroque organ case of 1755 in the spacious interior and the beardless Christ head are some rare features symbolizing gothic elements. This collegiate church of St. Sernin in Toulouse is significant for its imposing architecture and medieval stoneworks especially the rare frescoes. St. Sernin was the first bishop of Toulouse and his body was buried by the neighbourhood Christian community in a wooden box on which the first shrine was built by Bishop Exupere.