Foundations of Civilization Final Project

The Past Shapes Present

Period: 200,000 BCE to 700 BCE

Early Mesopotamian

3000 BCE

Around 3000 B.C.E., early Mesopotamian city-states engaged in frequent warfare over resources and territory, establishing organized violence as a means of power. Conflicts often resulted in the destruction of rival cities and the suppression of dissent. These wars laid the groundwork for future empire expansion through brutal military campaigns.

The construction of egypt

2500 BCE

The construction of Egyptian pyramids involved violent labor practices, with workers often subjected to harsh treatment. Conflicts over resources and control of manpower resulted in internal violence, reflecting societal acceptance of brutality to achieve monumental goals.

Brutality of Empires: Hittites, Assyrians, and Babylonians (2000–1200 B.C.E.)

2000 BCE

Empires like the Hittites, Assyrians, and Babylonians conducted brutal military campaigns marked by cruelty and destruction. Assyrian conquests, in particular, involved mass deportations, sieges, and suppression of revolts through violence. These campaigns spread fear and maintained dominance through military brutality.

Empire Expansion through Violence: Hittites and Egyptians (Late 19th century B.C.E.)

1825 BCE

The Hittite and Egyptian empires relied heavily on violent wars to expand territories and suppress rebellions. Their military campaigns often involved cruelty, sieges, and destruction. Violence was a key strategy for maintaining empire stability and dominance.

The Hittite Empire’s Use of Military Force (Circa 1700 B.C.E.)

1700 BCE

The Hittite Empire used military force and cruelty to maintain control over their territories. Their violent campaigns often involved destruction and suppression of revolts, reflecting a society accustomed to brutal warfare. Such violence helped sustain their empire’s dominance.

Hammurabi’s Laws and Society’s Acceptance of Violence (Circa 1500 B.C.E.)

1500 BCE

Hammurabi’s laws reflected a society familiar with violence, prescribing harsh punishments and retribution. These laws reinforced social order through violent means, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control through force. Society accepted violence as a fundamental part of justice.

Conquest and Exile: The Fall of Northern Israel (722 B.C.E.)

722 BCE

The Assyrians violently conquered northern Israel, destroying cities and exiling populations. This act of conquest exemplified the brutal methods used to expand empire territories. Violence was a common tool for maintaining control over conquered peoples.

Destruction of Jerusalem: Babylonian Conquest (586 B.C.E.)

586 BCE

Babylonian armies destroyed Jerusalem, exiling the Jews and demonstrating the destructive power of conquest. This event marked a violent turning point in Jewish history, rooted in military brutality and territorial control. It exemplifies the destructive nature of empire expansion

Warfare of the Greek-Persian Wars (490–479 B.C.E.)

490 BCE

During the Greco-Persian Wars, Greek city-states fought fiercely to defend their independence. Battles like Marathon and Thermopylae were marked by intense violence and slaughter. Warfare in this period was brutal, shaping the future of Greek and Persian civilizations.

Alexander the Great’s Conquests (331 B.C.E.)

331 BCE

Alexander the Great’s military campaigns spread violence across Persia, Egypt, and Asia through sieges, battles, and forced subjugation. His conquests involved brutal tactics that devastated cities and peoples, significantly reshaping the ancient world’s political landscape. Violence was central to his empire-building.