World Civ Spring 16.1

For tomorrow, you will be reading an overview of the Middle East in period A. Already we will begin looking at some major themes in the history of this civilization that will recur in our study of each period: how geography affects culture, how seemingly small cultural differences lead to conflict, and how "minor" peoples have "major" impacts.

Homework:

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1. Explain how agricultural innovation led to what we call "civilization" in ancient Sumer. Make sure you understand the role of geography in the early history of the Middle East.

2. How did the civilization of period A in the area known as "Mesopotamia" differ from the civilization that flourished in Egypt? What accounts for these differences?

3. How did the "peripheral cultures" of Phoenicia and Israel flourish during periods of decline among the major powers of Mesopotamia and Egypt?