Western Civ 3000 BCE – 200 BCE

Mesopotamia

3000 BCE

The origins of civilization are known to begin with Mesopotamia as Mesopotamians played a role in the invention of agricultre and the developments of large cities. Dating back from 3000 BCE, the first Urban Society, with city-states, was born in Mesopotamia. They were able to thrive largely due to their location. The name Mesopotamia means between rivers, which fits it perfectly as it was between Tigris and Euphrate.

Nile River

3000 BCE

The Nile River was a major contributor towards the rise of Egypts agriculture, as it relied on water and fertile soil around it. Not to mention, the Nile flooded every year consistently, thus an abundance of mud and silt would form along the River. The Nile was predictable and reliable for Egypt’s civilization; it was a stable energy source. With a natural resource to depend on, Mesopotamians were able to focus on how to expand agriculture and other civilization necessities.

Sargon The Great

2340 BCE

Sargon of Akkad was king of the Akkadian Empire and father of Enheduanna. He is known as the first leader to conquer and unify various Mesopotamian cities which created the first true empire. Another first of Sargon included his creation of the first standing army.

Hebrews & Relgion

1800 BCE

From Abraham, monotheistic truly emerged from the Hebrews around 1800 BCE, and played a vital role during the Bronze and Iron Age. Hebrews religion, Judiasim, included the belief of one god, and it is seen as the “religious root” of Christianity and Islam. Judiasim evolved from Yahwism, and is considered the oldest monotheistic religion. Unique during their time, Hebrews were not polytheistic. Their bible, dedicated to one god, included prominent people such as Abraham, Moses, David, etc.

The Code of Hammurabi

1780 BCE

The Babylonion King, Hammurabi created a system of laws that called for justice, The Code of Hammurabi. The system of laws, although quite gruesome, was revolutionary, as we presently use the basis of it till this today. The system of writing gave historians tangible and visible proof of specifics in Mesopotamia’s history. A total of 282 laws/codes were preserved and are of great importance today. The laws embraced justice and fairness, and can be seen as a legal system of ancient Mesopotamia.

The Hitties

1700 BCE

During the Bronze Age, the Hitties were the "quintessential Bronze Age civilization" (53) A reason for their triumphant empire was their ability to embrace other cultures, technologies, religions, and those they conquered. Naturally, the Hitties became a diverse civilization with several languages, literature, tales, and people. With a flourishing economy, strong militia, combination of cultures, and network of diplomacy, the Hitties were dominant.

Hyksos & Bronze

1650 BCE

A group of Canaanites or Hyksos, overthrew the king in Lower Egypt. The safety of Lower Egypt's isolation was their downfall as they had not experienced battle, thus they thought they had no need for bronze weapons or trained warriors. After seizing power, the Hyksos were the ones who first began to utilize bronze. With the ability to make stronger tools and weapons, Egypts power grew immensely.

The New Kingdom

1550 BCE

Ahmose I, an Egyptian King, exiled the Hyksos. After, began the one of most dominant kingdoms, The New Kingdom. During this time, Kings began to call themselves Pharos. Utilizing bronze, Egyptians invented composite bows, which were stronger than a wooden bow. With the ability to shoot enemies from a distance, the Egyptian army was a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention, the Egyptians also implemented chariots. The New Kingdom expanded warfare, which allowed them to conquer a deal of land.

King Solomon

970 BCE

Solomon, a Hebrew King, founded a capital in Jerusalem, helped to form a successful army, an abundance of scribes, and a burearchy. Solomon built various projects such as the Great Temple. He also formed trade relationships with neighboring kingdoms and taxed Hebrew subjects and trades coming through his kingdom. Solomon demanded free labor from his people. With taxing and forcing free labor, Solomon's people would eventually grow angry.

Assyrians

880 BCE

During the Iron Age, the Assyrians were considered one of the most successful civilizations who contributed to a permanent cavalry and a large/trained standing army. Their religious beliefs had often justified their brutality. The Assyrians' methods revolved around ruthless militarism. Their main focus was to build up their weapons and army. As a result of their militia strength, the Assyrians survived the Bronze Age and came out on top during the Iron Age.