World History 1000
Societies in ancient times differed in many ways. Some were more technologically advanced
than others and some were more developed in military strategy than others. Looking at 5 specific
cultures we can see the reasons why they differed. The Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Chinese,
Hellenists, and Persians will be explored here. After detailing these societies, there will be
distinct differences shown.
The Egyptians responded to their physical environment by building an agricultural infrastructure
to help their society flourish. They accomplished this because the great Nile river that they lived
next to was both a blessing and a hardship. The Nile would flood regularly and provide the
irrigation they needed to grow crops and water their cattle. They used the wet muddy soil to their
advantage by building mud houses that could stay cool in the heat. Because of their geographical
location in the north western corner of the African continent, the Egyptians had desserts on either
side of them to provide protection from invaders. This also limited their developments to be
concentrated to the Nile river valley area. They would develop some technological advances that
were not seen in other societies right away. Such as, a form of writing and accounting or the
building of large statues and the pyramids. They were in need of these advancements because of
their growing population and the it would help as a means to govern and tax the people. This
society would live on for over a thousand years.
