ESSAY PROMPT:
During the first half of this course we have studied the foundation and development of early complex societies (ca. 3500 BCE-500 BCE) in Northeast Africa, the Mideast, South Asia, and East Asia; as well as the organization of classical era empires and states (ca. 500 BCE-600 CE) in China, India, Greece, and Rome. Analyze the evolution of human settlement from villages to states and empires, using examples from the river valley civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China) and the Mediterranean region (Greece and Rome). What factors allowed states to form during the early period? What did these states have in common and how and why were they different? Why did some states evolve into empires while others did not? What characteristics did empires share? Be sure to include social, economic, cultural, and political factors in your analysis.Use only material from Berger and the course modules for this essay. Outside sources should not be used and will not be accepted. Begin your essay with an analytical thesis. Go on to develop evidence from Berger and the modules, including primary sources where relevant, to support your thesis. You are not expected to include all evidence from the course but do judiciously employ and cite the best pieces of specific evidence that support your argument. Please do not go beyond the year 600 C.E. in your analysis.