Introduction
Human civilization has evolved over the ages due to the work of early societies which put in place systems of government, trade, writing, architecture, and culture. Ancient cultures were the foundations of present day elements like laws, cities, education, communication and technology. By studying these past societies we are able to see the roots of present day institutions and human development.
Among the greatest ancient civilizations had that of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and the Kingdom of Nubia. These societies flourished many thousands of years ago but still today we see the impact of their doings.
In this article we will look at the way present day society was shaped by early civilizations which put forth certain innovations, social structures, and cultural achievements.
What Is a Civilization?
A civilization is a complex society characterized by the organization of its political, social, cultural and economic structures. Also, civilizations tend to form near bodies of water like rivers which in turn support the agricultural, transport, and trade activities of that which we may term a civilization.
Ancient civilizations shared several common features: Across ancient civilizations we see that they had many in common which included:
- Organized governments
- Systems of writing
- Religious beliefs and practices
- Trade networks
- Permanent settlements and cities
- Social classes
- Technological and architectural achievements
These features saw societies grow in size and complexity over time.
The Rise of Ancient Egypt
Geography and Development
Around 3100 BCE Egypt began in the Nile Valley at a time when the river was an excellent source of arable land for farmers which in turn allowed them to grow crops and support large communities. The civilization was one of the most powerful and long lasting in history. Pharaohs were the rulers of Egypt and they ran politics, religion, and military affairs.
Government and Leadership
The Egyptian government was very well organized. Pharaohs played the role of political leaders and also that of divine beings. This which in turn gave strength to central authority which in turn allowed for the completion of large scale projects like pyramids and temples. Today’s governments still have in place administrative structures which are a legacy of the systems put forward by ancient societies like Egypt.
Writing and Record Keeping
The Egyptians developed a writing system which they used for hieroglyphics. We also see that scribes used these as a means to put down laws, religious teachings, trade records, and history. Writing out very important that they did allow what we pass down to the next generation to be done so. Today we have our books, legal documents, and educational material which in some form or another are descendants of the early writing systems.
Architecture and Engineering
Egyptians are known for the great structures they put up which include the pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza which is a great example shows off their advanced math and engineering skills. Their construction methods had a large scale impact on what followed in architecture which in turn modern builders still study and implement from the Egyptians’ designs.
Religion and Beliefs
Religion was very present in Egyptian culture. Egyptians worshiped multiple deities and the concept of the afterlife. They built temples and tombs to pay homage to their gods and also developed mummification for their rulers. Many present day cultural practices which pertain to funerary rites, spirituality, and religious ceremonies are a legacy of ancient belief systems.
Mesopotamia: The Birthplace of Culture.
Early Development
Mesopotamia is in present day Iraq and the neighboring areas between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Also referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization” by historians which saw the birth of many of our early human institutions. Civilizations like that of the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians flourished in Mesopotamia.
The Invention of Writing
Mesopotamia also gave us cuneiform the earliest known writing system in the world. People would write using a reed to press symbols into clay tablets. Writing was used by governments for collecting taxes, maintaining records, and in trade. In present day we see the roots of modern accounting and writing in these early developments.
Laws and Government
In Mesopotamia we see the development of very early legal systems. The well-known Code of Hammurabi put forth and wrote out the laws and their corresponding punishments. This legal framework which put forth the concept of open and public application of laws for society which we see today in our modern legal systems which still base practice on this idea.
Trade and Economic Systems
Mesopotamia had trade with nearby regions. They bartered in textiles, grain, metals, and pottery. Trade spurred growth and culture. Out of early commercial practices modern global trade systems grew.
Scientific and Mathematical Achievements
Mesopotamians had great success in math and astronomy. They created number systems, calendars, and time measurement devices. In the present time our hour which is 60 minutes and our 360 degree circle are based off of Mesopotamian math.
The Indus Valley Civilization
Urban Planning and Cities
The Indus River was the base for the development of Indus Valley Civilization which was in present day Pakistan and northwest India. Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa which displayed great urban planning. Streets in a grid pattern, homes with drainage systems and wells. In the present day we see the same principles of sanitation, organized streets, and water management in city planning.
Trade Networks
The Indus Valley trade with Mesopotamia and other adjacent areas was extensive. We have seal and trade goods which prove this. Trade also played a role in the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices between civilizations which we see today in international trade.
Craftsmanship and Technology
In the Indus Valley there was a great range of crafts which included jewelry, pottery, tools, and textiles. They also showed in their work high technical skill and well organized economy. Today in the modern manufacturing and skilled trades we see the continuation of practices which began in ancient times.
Social Organization
Although many aspects of this civilization are still a mystery, we see that the Indus Valley had in place organized leadership and structured social systems which in turn promoted stability and cooperation. Their focus on city planning and public works influenced that of later South Asian civilizations.
Nubia: A Great African Civilization.
Location and Relationship with Egypt
The Kingdom of Nubia was in what present day Sudan is and southern Egypt. Nubia became a center of trade, culture, and military power. Although Nubia was very much a part of Egypt’s sphere of influence it maintained its separate identity and traditions.
Trade and Wealth
Nubians did business in gold, ivory, ebony, and other precious resources with nearby civilizations. Also because of their location along the trade routes which passed through, they grew in wealth and influence. Trade is still the base of economic growth in the modern world.
Leadership and Military Strength
Nubian rulers founded great empires that included Kush at their peak. At one point Nubian kings took over Egypt which they ruled during the Twenty Fifth Dynasty. Their military structure saw the value in strong leadership, strategy, and political unity.
Cultural Contributions
Nubians constructed pyramids, temples, and cities which showed the Egyptian influence as well as distinct Nubian elements. In art, religion, and architecture they left a large legacy in African history and culture. Today we see Nubia as the home to some of Africa’s most important ancient cultures.
How Early Civilizations Influenced Modern Society
Ancient cultures are still very much a part of our present. They introduced concepts and structures which we use to this day.
Government and Laws
Early states put in place organized governments, taxation systems, and written laws. Today we see in modern countries which have adopted from ancient models their legal codes, courts, and political leadership structures. In the early days of civilization which included that of Mesopotamia and Egypt we see the concept of law as a guiding force for society.
Writing and Education
Writing out grew to be a tool for humans to preserve knowledge and across generations. In modern day we see the growth of education, literature, journalism, and digital communication from very early writing systems. Schools and universities carry on the tradition of passing down knowledge from one generation to another.
Architecture and Engineering
Ancient cultures put forth great architectural works that in turn inspired modern architecture. In all we see bridges, monuments, public buildings, and urban designs which are a legacy of early civilizations. Today engineers are still in awe of the design and build of ancient structures.
Mathematics and Science
Ancient cultures made great contributions to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and engineering. They also put forth which we use to understand time, measurement, and the natural world. Modern science has grown out of what was known to our ancestors which they passed down over thousands of years.
Trade and Economy
Trade connections between ancient societies grew their economies. Today’s global economy still relies on trade, transport, and international work. From these early economic activities banking systems, markets, and business practices grew.
Culture and Religion
Ancient cultures shaped what we see in art, speak in language, practice in religion and pass down in cultural traditions. Today we see in many modern beliefs and customs the legacy of early societies. From time immemorial stories, symbols and traditions which have come down to us continue to inspire present day culture, literature and entertainment.
Why Ancient Civilizations Still Matter Today
Studying into the past we see how human civilization has grown over time. These societies grappled with issues of leadership, trade, agriculture, and social organization which in large part still play out today. Ancient times also put forth important lessons in terms of innovation, cooperation, and adaptation. We see which empires did well when they made resource management a priority and developed stable political structures. Some empires fell to war, environmental issues, or political instability. Through the lessons of the past modern societies are better equipped to handle present challenges.
Conclusion
Ancient cultures played a great part in forming our present world. In the Ancient East we see great empires like those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley and of Nubia which put forth in politics, the written word, the built environment, science, and trade, that which we still see today.
Their achievements are what built the base for modern education, law, economics, engineering and cultural traditions. Although these civilizations lived thousands of years ago, their influence is still present in our everyday lives all around the world. Through study of ancient civilizations we see how they have shaped our shared past and which great and innovative works they brought to present day society.
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