Intro to Part 2 and Chapter 3: State and Empire

In this blog post, we are to discuss the intro to Part 2 and Chapter 3,  The State and Empire. In the intro to Part 2, we are presented with 4 oral traditions recorded in the 20th century, Australia. Each oral tradition has an underlying theme. The first entitled, "Yhi Brings Life to the World," deals with understanding Creation. It shows us a different account on the beginning of things and can be compared to that of the biblical story of Genesis. The second oral tradition is entitled the platypus, and if you can't tell, this focuses on the significance of Animals. The third oral tradition is entitled "The Man-Eater: The Mutjinga Myth," and this deals with understanding men and women and the different aspects which are specific to each. Lastly, the fourth oral tradition is entitled "How Death came: The Purukapali Myth," and this deals specifically with death. 

Chapter 3 deals with the State and Empire in Euroasia/ North Africa. During this time, Europe and Asia were considered as one. (Can you believe that?!) The Persian empire was the largest in the world, and it dominated lands of the First Civilizations in the Middle East and was commercially connected to neighboring regions. The Greek peninsula was centered on a small area south of Eastern Europe. The Greek and Persian territories were near each other, it could even be mistaken as one colony. This collision resulted in the Persian War. Due to the unequal conflict between civilizations, the Greeks and Persians confronted the other, which resulted in war. Chapter three then begins to compare the Roman and Chinese Empires. Rome started off as a city-state, but after imposing the values of a republic, they launched their empire with this political system. China, on the other hand, started off as a Warring state and then became an Empire. The Chinese governed in Aristocracy and Bureaucracy. The Chinese even adapted a political philosophy entitled "Legalism."

When the two civilizations established empires, it was found that they had commonalities. Both Empires invested heavily in public works- roads, bridges, aqueducts, canals, and protective walls. Furthermore, both empires invoked supernatural sanctions to support their rule. The Romans began to regard their deceased emperors by establishing gods and religious cults. The Chinese, on the other hand, was the idea of "heaven." Sons of Emperors were even called "The Son of Heaven."

As much as these empires flourished, they also reached their downfalls. Rivalry among elite factions created instability in both realms and eroded imperial authority. The fall of both empires signaled the end to the Ancient world and the birth of the Middle Ages.