Let's explore the various civilizations that existed in ancient times. Ranging from the famous right-angled streets of the Indus Valley Civilization to the fertile land of Egypt fed by the river Nile. Our world has progressed immensely due to the cultures and traditions developed by our ancestors in prehistoric times. The ancient world is full of buzz and astonishing stories you may have never heard of!
Edition 26
(15 August 2021)
India- A Marvel of Heritage and Culture
Happy Independence Day to all! Today, as we celebrate India’s 75th freedom anniversary, we bring this article to you to commemorate the marvelous achievements India has made in the past and to acknowledge the great pioneers who have contributed a great deal to the world.
India is the perfect definition of diversity with the thousands of cultures that it housens. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. It has achieved all-round socio-economic progress since Independence.
Geographical location
As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity. Bounded by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.
Civilization
The civilization of India dates back to 3300 – c. 1300 BCE-The Indus Valley Civilization, along the river Indus. It was exceptionally dynamic and advanced.
India, since ancient times has made immense progress in science, mathematics, literature, medicine, astrology, astronomy among other innumerable fields. The sages of India introduced various methods of physiology. The ancient texts of India- the Vedas, the Bhagvad Geeta, among others are sources of insightful wisdom.
Here are some incredible inventions and discoveries that the world thanks India for:
•The numeral Zero
•Yoga
•Ayurveda
•Shampoo
•Plastic surgery-Sushruta
•Pythagorean theorem
•The first university- The University of Takshashila
•Board games
•Weighing scales
•USB
After visiting India in 1897, renowned author Mark Twain described India as “the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. He also said, “Our most valuable and most artistic materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!"
Edition 24
(15 July 2021)
The Chinese Civilization
China is one of the world's four ancient civilizations. The written history of China dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC), over 3,000 years ago. Chinese civilization began along the Yellow River in the Shang era.
Ancient Dynasties
2700-1600 BC: The Xia Dynasty-believed to be the first dynasty of Ancient China. It consisted of various clans who lived along the Yellow River. However, there is no written evidence of The Xia Dynasty’s existence, so it may just be a legend
1600-1046 BC: The Shang Dynasty-the first to have evident historical records remaining, such as bronze objects and jade articles, which date back to 1600 BC, support this early archaeological evidence.
1045-221 BC: The Zhou Dynasty-divided into feudal states, each ruled by a king
221 BC-1921 AD: The Qin Dynasty- Imperial era of China. Dynasties rose and fell, Chinese prospered in peaceful times then reformed after each rebellion.
221BC –220 AD: The Qin and Han Dynasties- played a major role in uniting China as a country, ruled collectively by an emperor instead of separate clan rulers.
Several other dynasties followed, leading to Medieval China and ultimately, Modern China.
Writing
The earliest form of Chinese writing – oracle bones –inscriptions having pictographic characters on animal bones were discovered.
Achievements
Four Great Inventions of Ancient China-Gunpowder, paper, printing, and the compass.
They invented the first kites known, used in the military to send signals. The acupuncture form of therapy was initially developed in China. Tea, silk, and umbrellas were also some major inventions of this Civilization.
Trade
Trade played an essential role in China as it helped them to exchange surpluses and acquire valuable goods. The Silk Road was the main route that traveled the borders of China, India, and Persia until merchants reached Eastern Europe. Chinese exported teas, salt, sugar, porcelain, silk, and spices. Imported cotton, ivory, wool, gold, and silver.
Edition 22
(15 June 2021)
The Mayan Civilization
The Maya are considered to be the most advanced civilization in the mesoamerican region before the Spanish conquest. They began settling and establishing villages in what today is Mexico and Central America as early as 1800 BC. Maya civilization peaked from 250 to 900 AD-the classic period.
Architecture
More than 40 cities flourished in this region, with a population of nearly 50,000. The Maya built impressive stone structures consisting of pyramid temples and urban gathering spots. The pyramid temples served as the central centers to the Maya religious practices. Famous among these are The Chichen Itza, Tikal, and the ruins at the site of Tulum.
Craftsmanship and Discoveries
The Maya made great progress in Math and Astronomy. They invented a complex calendar system for themselves to guide them in their agricultural activities, based on observations of the patterns of the Sun and other celestial bodies. They developed the first form of writing in the mesoamerican region-Mayan hieroglyphics. Our knowledge of the Mayan Civilisation comes from deciphering this ancient language inscribed on pottery pieces, stone slabs, and walls of ruins. The Maya developed a sophisticated artistic tradition, producing sculpted stone, painted ceramics, clay figurines, and ornate masks.
Religious Beliefs and Rituals
The Maya believed Earth to be flat and four-cornered. Each corner was located at a cardinal point and had a color value: red for east, white for north, black for west, and yellow for south. At the centre was the color green. The Maya had a bewildering number of gods, with at least 166 named deities. Each of the gods had many aspects. The supreme deity was Itzamná, the inventor of writing and patron of the arts and sciences. His wife was Ix Chel, the goddess of weaving, medicine, and childbirth; she was also the ancient goddess of the Moon. The bloodletting ritual among the Maya was a way to communicate with gods. They believed that they owed the Gods a debt and the royal blood nourished and satisfied the gods. The ceremony was carried out on important events in public centers.
Decline
The cause for the collapse is still unknown. Some people say that volcano eruption, drought, or conflicts among the people led to the decline of the civilization. The inhabitants though, have not disappeared. About 7 million Mayan descendants are still alive and live in their homelands across the globe.