User talk:Atcovi/HIS 111-A26: World Civilization Pre-1500 CE (SP23)

For Later
https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Human_Legacy_Course/The_First_People#Key_Discoveries

—Atcovi (Talk - Contribs) 04:26, 9 February 2023 (UTC)

Discussion
1. Why do you think different forms of measuring time exist? People measured time differently based on different cultures. For example, the shadows of the obelisks were used to measure time in ancient Egypt (throughout the year) while the British used the stonehedge for most likely a similar purpose

2. What are some of the characteristics of these societies that might influence how their measurement of time evolved?

A notable characteristic of a society that measured time in a unique way would be the Romans (Papal states), who used the Gregorian calendar as a way of measuring time (BC = Before Christ, AC = After Christ). The Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar) measures the time period from today back to Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Madina. According to the Islamic calendar, we are currently in the year 1444 AH (After the Hijra).'''

3. Are any of these forms of measuring time still used today?''' The Gregorian calendar is still used to this day and is the most commonly used calendar. The Islamic calendar is still used amongst the followers of the Islamic faith.'''

4. Discuss historical and anthropological theories regarding transitions to patriarchy and the disempowerment of female divinities such as the goddess variously known as Isis?' I personally was not able to find too much information on this, but I did find an article from The Collector'' (https://www.thecollector.com/the-tragedy-of-greek-goddesses-feminism-in-ancient-greece/) which detailed the potrayal of Greek goddesses as "inferior" to their male counterparts. For example, Hera (the "goddess" of marriage) was forced into a marriage with a "God" who cheated on her multiple times (Zeus). Since the Greeks had massive influence on the world that we know of today, their potrayal of goddesses as "below" gods may have played a role in how society viewed women--and soon this translated into the government and culture (women had no part in government; female goddesses were not as strong as male gods).

'''

5. What similarities can be found across creation myths, and why do you suppose these similarities exist? Is there any historical evidence to support theories regarding these similarities?''' A lot of creation stories begin with the notion that a supreme diety created man. The creation of man is a concept of the unseen so no scientific or historical evidence can exactly shed "100% objective proof"--this is all a matter of faith.

'''6. What are archetypes? What role do they play in socie- ties? Name some of the archetypes found in these stories.''' Archetypes are common themes that were found passed down through mythology or literature. They indirectly influenced common thought amongst societies. An example is the "hero archetype", which pushed a narrative for individuals to push past difficult trials and tribulations and to display great power against the enemies.

'''7. Why are similar figurines found across Europe and central Asia? Is this an indication of migration pat- terns or cross-cultural sharing?''' Both are valid explanations. Migration patterns make sense as hominids had to follow where the prey was going and interactions between the hominds are a possibility but probably was not employed often.'''

8. What does the emphasis on the breasts, vulva, and stomach signify? Why have no similar representations of men been found, as in Africa with later statuary?''' The emphasis on these particular body parts symbolized fertility. It is common knowledge that throughout history women were seen as the "teachers" of the next generation. Men weren't represented in this way as their main roles were to protect and sustain the existing family (hunting, protecting from wild beasts). '''9. It generally is assumed that these figurines were repre- sentations of goddesses. Is this a fair assumption? What might have been some other applications for the figurines?''' This is a fair assumption as paganism and idol-worshipping was common. Other applications could include decoration or archetypes. '''10. What purposes do creation narratives serve? What can the differences between them offer about the origins of humanity?''' Creation narratives are various cultures' explanations to how humans began on Earth. The differences between these narratives showcase the various cultures and diversit of mankind. 11. Describe the different stages of hominid evolution that contributed to the development of Homo sapiens. According to Darwinism, major factors, including bidepalism (moving on two legs), opposable thumbs (carry children), and larger brains, led early humans to develop into modern day Homo sapiens. The employment of tools, ability to communicate effectively, and hide from predators allowed humans to develop means to effectively implement new farming techniques (settled agriculture) --> + communities. '''12. How did increasing control over nature allow humans to shift from hunting and gathering to agriculturally based communities? How did this shift affect the development of social organizations?''' Humans domesticating animals and plants allowed themselves to settle in a certain area and cultivate the land. Now that humans started to settle and remain in a certain land, communities were able to grow and develop into big social organizations. 13. Why do human communities produce creation narratives, and what do creation narratives have in common? Humans naturally have a spiritual curiosity to their origins - which led to many creation narratives being widely accepted amongst various communities. As mentioned before, a common narrative is a supreme diety creating man. 14. How do natural selection and adaptation play a role in evolution? According to Darwinism, natural selection and adaptation allow the best genes/adaptations to progress. What is favorable will pass through and vice versa. 15. What are some of the distinctive features of hominids, especially australopithecines, Homo habilis, and Homo erectus? Hominids were able to communicate effectively, larger brains, and bipedalism. Australopithecines were similar to Homo habilis, who had a larger brain and were able to use tools to their advantages. Homo erectus were able to use fire and were able to travel much longer distances. 16. In what ways are humans, Homo sapiens, different from our hominid ancestors? According to Darwinism, Homo sapiens were the best "versions" as they were able to communicate the most effective & develop massive civilizations through various techniques (settled agriculture, effective communication, art). '''

17. How did Homo sapiens come into being? In what ways did hunting and gathering shape the dynamics of early human communities?' According to Darwinism, Homo sapiens'' came into being through centuries of microevolutions and adaptations. Hunting and gathering is what led to settled agriculture--so we have hunting & gathering to thank for our current way of life. 18. What do cave art and the so-called Venus figurines suggest about the values of human communities prior to the agricultural revolution? Cave art is a great example as to how expressive and mindful early humans were. It also proves that women were originally valued (mainly for their fertility and ability to raise children) before the long era of oppressiveness towards them. '''19. Where, when, and how did the agricultural revolution take place, and what were the results? Describe the process of plant and animal domestication and how that led to settled agriculture (via both innovation and borrowing).''' Agricultural revolutions took place all around the world around 10,000 BCE. The domestication of plants & animals led to larger communities. Plants were domesticated alongside bodies of water, hence we saw the cultivation of wheat & barely in the Fertile Crescent and rice in China. Horses were domesticated to lead herd & ease travel, thereby becoming a symbol of power and wealth. Innovation & borrowing was seen in transhument herding, where agricultural villages traded their meat & dairy products for manufactured goods. 20. What is pastoralism, and how did varying types of pastoralists (both transhumant herders and nomadic pastoralists) interact with settled agricultural communities? Pastoralism was the movement of animals throughout different "pastores" (areas dedicating to cultivating cattle). As mentioned previously, they interacted with agricultural communities by trading their products (meat, milk, wool, etc.) for manufactured goods. This worked especially in mountain valleys.

—Atcovi (Talk - Contribs) 20:31, 12 February 2023 (UTC)