Mesopotamian and Egyptian Imperial Systems, 3000-1100 BC
Mesopotamia and Egypt were the first civilizations, emerging between 3500 and 3000 BC. Though their locations differ, Mesopotamia meaning "between the rivers", being located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, and the Egyptian civilization residing in the Valley of the Nile River, the two civilizations have much in common. Both possessing a strong theme of religion in their everyday lives, they share a strong common belief in a higher power, as well as the theme of struggle for survival and of being conquered, and a passion for knowledge and wisdom. The two civilizations however differ in challenges and resolutions to problems presented by their location and people. Both Mesopotamia and Egypt were polytheistic civilizations that believe that the true rulers were Gods. Mesopotamia was first settled by Sumerians which built the first city-states, later developing and expanding into new cities which, during the Early Dynastic Period (2800-2350 BC), were ruled by the Gods, merely humanly represented by prosperous families. Though Gods were undisputedly the highest of rulers, the development of Earthly power was rising. Circa 2800 BC the Council of Elders took power, soon to be replaced by a lugal, or "big man", and then an ens
By keeping the people both busy in mind and labor, rebellion for the most part was avoided. Egyptians maintained their imperial systems also through religion, by involving people into building pyramids and temples as reminders of the power and importance of Gods and worship. It is important to see the bigger picture, that people, no matter the location and time, have the same basic needs and desires, and the only thing that time has shown are the different methods that people have gone about in achieving those same goals. Egypt differs from Mesopotamia in that it used God as a reason for labor. They faced invasions and uprisings within city walls. Their culture, a mixture of African and west Asian, brought upon an influence of thoughts and ideas to Egypt. Also, much like the Egyptians with hieroglyphs, the Mesopotamian people spent much time focusing on the arts and sciences, in example developing cuneiform. The third was the theme of assimilation. In both Egypt and Mesopotamia two main concurring themes occurred. At the top was the pharaoh, a highly worshipped "good god" in his lifetime and "great god" in the afterlife. In Egypt, the challenges being faced were more particular. The Ma'at, "order" or "justice", was strictly imposed, and a system of judges enforced a law code. The people wanted to labor to please the Gods. The ideals of any nation are mainly to survive, prosper and live a satisfying life. He proclaimed himself a legitimate ruler by God and people quickly followed him.
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Acceptance Essays
