The Ancient Western World has contributed to the globalization of life today from generations past to present. Many influences from the ancient times has structured the way nations today are run. Going back into time gives insight to how civilization was formed of empires evolving from one era to the next. Exploring the Babylonian, Charlemagne, and Mongolian Empires will reveal life in regards to social lifestyles, political views, and military. The Babylonian Empire rose to power by overtaking Jerusalem and destroying their King Solomon. Under the rule of King Hammurabi the empire of Babylonian held strong political government control. The Babylonian lifestyle was like that of their predecessors the Sumerians. The Code of Hammurabi …show more content…
Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, inherited the kingdom of the Franks at the age of 26 from his father Pippin III. During the time of his ruling the Franks were falling back into the barbarian ways, and neglecting their education and religion. Europe was very disorderly. By him wanting to strengthen his empire and getting Europe back in order. Launching a 30- year military campaign in 722 to undertake his purpose was a good start. Just 28 years later he was acknowledged as ruler of Western Europe. His vast territory covered what are now France, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands. It included half of present-day Italy and Germany, and parts of Austria and Spain. He created a central government over Western Europe that restored much of the unity of the old Roman Empire and paved the way for the development of modern Europe. “Being greatly impacted by the Renaissance, in which they called the “Carolingian Renaissance” emphasize the rebirth of learning in which he had inherited.” (Salisbury & Sherman, 2011, p, 220). Our society can say that we have share some of his ideas regarding education and linking politics with religion. The importance of education and acknowledging scholars was something Charlemagne focused on as well as the case regarding England publicity adopting intellectual life depending upon a relatively ordered society and the stability of military victories. We share this similar …show more content…
All these empires empires developed during the Renaissance period with the introduction of trade and the use of the Silk Road. The Babylonian and Charlemagne Empires had more of a competitive advantage to the use of trade which helped the Babylonians and Romans learn from the different cultures along the trade route. The heavy taxes placed on the people made it difficult to trade or gain wealth. Famine from the flooding of the Nile River hurt trade as well as the plague that traveled along the trade routes. During the Scientific Revolution Charlemagne's and Mongolian Empires to a competitive advantage in learning. Charlemagne knew the importance of education and educating his people and made that as one of many accomplishments during his rule. The Mongolians took on a strong interest in science and astronomy in developing a mathematics system that is used today still and learning on how universal system gives patterns to how the earth reacts to the weather patterns as well as the dangerous results from such patterns. Ancient civilization of empires accounts for much of the history left in documentations that has helped astrologist and scientist explain how the life that existed so long ago has evolved life
The code of Hammurabi was the first set of written laws to have been created. There were a collection of 282 laws which were recorded. Hammurabi states in his codes the reason for his laws. As stated in The Making of the West by Hunt, "to show Shamash that he had fulfilled the social responsibility imposed on him as a divinely installed monarch" (p.16). This meant that Hammurabi clearly felt that he was accountable for the justice and morals of his people, and that they should abide by them. One of the major points of the moral code included equal punishment under the same class. Code 196 states "If a noble man puts out the eye of another noble man, his eyes shall be put out." This clearly implies that the equal punishment law was severely followed by the Babylonians. Another important point was how woman were of lesser importance compared to men. Code 132 states how if a woman is not caught sleeping with another man she should jump in the water for the sake of her husband. This shows how woman were expected to be faithful and follow by their husbands side. While, if a man was to create adultery with his daughter he would only be exiled. The making of the West by Hunt states "A wife could divorce her husband for cruelty; a husband could divorce his wife for any reason" (p.16). This evidently shows how indisputably biased Hammurabi was towards woman in that society. Slaves' conducts and rules were also listed in the codes. They had absolutely no rights at all, even if they were to be killed by another being.
The world’s history has numerous civilizations ranges from weak to strong and by level of influential. These civilizations contributed things that have significantly influenced the world as it is known today. Examples of such civilizations include the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire, which made big changes to the social-economic landscape of the globe. Despite both civilizations having great influences, there are various differences and similarities in the social and economic scenarios of the two civilizations. Therefore it is necessary to differentiate these scenarios in order to appreciate the extent of influence facilitated by these civilizations.
Charlemagne Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, became the undisputed ruler of Western Europe, “By the sword and the cross.” (Compton’s 346) As Western Europe was deteriorating Charlemagne was crowned the privilege of being joint king of the Franks in 768 A.D. People of Western Europe, excluding the church followers, had all but forgotten the great gifts of education and arts that they had possessed at one time. Charlemagne solidly defeated barbarians and kings in identical fashion during his reign. Using the re-establishment of education and order, Charlemagne was able to save many political rights and restore culture in Western Europe.
The ruling body of the Roman Empire was intrinsic to uniting the extensive and diverse regions that comprised their area of reign. The Republic that preceded it was weakened by a series of civil wars. The highest level of government was represented by the absolute rule of the emperor. Emperors established and maintained institutions that kept them together and helped the different populations adopt Roman ways including well-developed written laws, uniform currency and a fixed system of weights and measures. Such institutions are interbred in the modern principals that shape western civilization, lasting long after the empire that developed them (Emmons, “Roman Empire”).
The Code of Hammurabi was written by King Hammurabi, who began ruling the Babylonian Empire in about 1800 BC. Hammurabi came to power using his strengths as a military leader, conquering many smaller city-states to create his Empire. Hammurabi believed that the gods appointed him to bring justice and order to his people, and he took this duty very seriously. Not long after his ascent to power, he created his Code, 282 laws written to define all relationships and aspects of life in the kingdom. The laws were displayed in a public place so that all the people could have the opportunity to study them. The laws applied to everyone, though application of the laws and punishment differed according to social class. The punishments for disobeying the laws were swift and harsh, further encouraging compliance.
To conclude my speech today, Hammurabi was the sixth king of Babylon (Hammurabi). He was a successful military leader and ruler that concentrated on building defensive protection, establishing a basis of law and order, and specializing irrigation. Hammurabi is arguably most remembered for his code of the laws governing Babylonian life. The Code of Hammurabi consists of 282 laws ranging from divorce, property and inheritance, and fairness in commercial exchanges (Code of Hammurabi: Ancient Babylonian Laws). Punishment and severity varied within social structure. “It symbolizes not only the rise of justice in the minds of men, but also man’s rise above ignorance and barbarism toward the peaceful and just societies that we still pursue today” (EAWC Anthology: Hammurabi's Code of Laws).
One of the most important aspects of any society is the ruling system. A society simply could not function without any sort of rules or regulations. With the tremendous growth of Babylonian society came the need for law systems. Perhaps one of the most well known law systems was Babylonian ruler Hammurabi’s compilation of Mesopotamian laws known as Hammurabi 's Code. Hammurabi 's Code contained laws pertaining to trade, marriage, property, crime, social class, and more (Judge and Langdon, 25). So much can be learned about early societies through this famous artifact. Although these laws may have been accepted by the Babylonian citizens at the time, it is now clear to see that the code was extremely unjust. Hammurabi 's Code uncovers the social
The laws gave men more freedom over their lives, unlike women. Lastly, if a woman killed another woman, her daughter would be put to death! However, if a man killed another man, he would be killed. The person who killed someone should have been put to death, because the kids were innocent. Overall, women were considered their “husband’s property,” and they were not considered a true wife until they had kids. The Hammurabi Code allowed more freedom for men.
The “Code of Hammurabi” is considered to be one of the most valuable finds of human existence. In fact its very existence created the basis for the justice system we have come to rely on today. The creation of “the Code” was a tremendous achievement for not only Babylonian society but for the entire Mesopotamian region as King Hammurabi was ruler over all of that area. Its conception can be considered to be the first culmination of the laws of different regions into a single, logical text. Hammurabi wanted to be an efficient ruler and realized that this could be achieved through the use of a common set of laws which applied to all territories and all citizens who fell under his rule. This paper will discuss the Hammurabi Code and the implications it had after its inception.
2,000 years prior, the world was ruled by Rome. From England to Africa and from Syria to Spain, one in each four individuals on earth lived and passed on under Roman law. This Empire in the main century AD blended refinement with ruthlessness and could abruptly stagger from development, quality and energy to dread, oppression and eagerness. Romans had attributes that set them apart from each other set gathering of antiquated individuals. The Romans were viewed as a more propelled civilization, and are altogether known for their lovely architecture and art. Its society impacted the development of western human progress and its commitment was through its radiant state and domain. Ancient Rome impacted western development to an exceptionally
Today, in the 21st century, historians all over the world continue to study ancient civilizations. Archaeologists have found a lot of evidence of ancient civilizations existence that could help to reveal mysteries of the ancient world. Earliest civilizations go through the complex processes of survival, social adaptation and cultural development. Ancient civilizations flashed like stars in the horizon of history, than evolved and flourished, and then destroyed after certain period of time. But they left incredible knowledge of material and spiritual cultures for future generations. Considering the details of origins of ancient civilizations such as ancient Egypt and Greek through the history, modern people could see growth and decline of their cultures, values and scientific achievements which influenced the development of contemporary world.
Unlike the Hebrews, the focus of Babylonian law was justice. Hammurabi, the king who created the Code of Hammurabi, based his judicial philosophy on, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Each law was paired with a specific consequence; however, consequences were not universal. Social status determined what penalty was received for certain actions. A person’s role in the community determined their position in the hierarchy. For instance, physicians and priests sat atop the social pyramid, while the base was composed of slaves. The Code of Hammurabi divided the citizens of Babylon with this method of governance, whereas the Ten Commandments sought to unite all Hebrew people. Nevertheless, the code of Hammurabi achieved the same basic goal of the Ten Commandments, to preserve the
There are many drastic changes that happen throughout the course of civilizations’ histories. This can be proven through the civilization of Rome. Although Rome was one of the longest civilizations that had lasted, it had its many ups and downs. Beginning as a republic, it moved around a great amount, figuring out who Rome was in the long run. Rome has a vast history that dealt with a republic, an empire, and many, many conflicts.
The first empires began in Mesopotamia, the Nile valley, and the Yellow River valley. Empires often are not created. In some cases empires are formed then a transition from one ruler to another over the same region is made. For example the Persian Empire came from the conquering and incorporation of the Egyptian, Medes, Babylonian, and Lydian kingdoms that made up western Asia. Then the Persians were defeated by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, taking western Asia and extending Hellenistic culture as far east as India.
The classical periods of many of the great world civilizations were the golden ages of those civilizations. However, just because a civilization’s classical age has passed does not mean that the ideas, institutions, and art have passed as well. On the contrary, the effect from the classical periods of many great civilizations is still with the present civilization. The ideas, institutions, and art that has endured from these civilizations is no accident; the ideas, institutions, and art have had an influence on civilizations up to and including the present day.