The primary base of today’s modern civilization is ancient civilizations from where human civilizations have evolved over the period of time. They were the complex societies which were able to develop different forms of writing and developing art, develop laws and form governments, and developed various architectural marvels like pyramids and much more. Along with this they were also able to understand subjects like math, science and philosophy. And these civilizations existed in various parts of the world. Let us read the article to know about such civilizations in detail.
As the name suggests, a civilization is a complex society consisting of civilized people. In the era of ancient civilizations when people who were earlier nomads, settled at some place and formed society, those societies were called ancient civilizations.
These civilizations have their own government and laws and are characterized by writing art, developing various architectural marvels, and society with common religious beliefs and traditions.
Trade and commerce is also observed between the people of the civilization. As these people are settled in large populations at some small spots in different places located nearby, so people living in different places used to trade in between themselves also.
Ancient Civilizations are always flourished around some flowing water like rivers, it is because of the fact that availability of water is the primary aid in establishing civilizations.
Some initial civilizations that initially flourished were Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Indian Civilization. Let us see the details of each of them.
Mesopotamia Civilization (4500-539 BCE)
Mesopotamia civilization is one of those civilizations which emerged initially and that’s why it is called the ‘cradle of civilization’. The meaning of the name Mesopotamia is ‘in between rivers’ and this civilization flourished between Euphrates river and Tigris river. Let us see some more details about the civilization:
Geographical Location
The civilization flourished in a very suitable geographical location. The civilization flourished in between two rivers of Euphrates and Tigris which is the best location for the society to flourish.
It flourished around the areas which are today called Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey and Iran.
As the river flourished around the river, it supported agriculture which was the major source of development of the civilization.
This civilization has its major sites at Ur, Uruk, Babylon, Nineveh, Nippur, Lagash and Eridu.
Key Accomplishments
Writing System: One of the earliest writing systems known as the Cuneiform writing system was developed. This writing is done on clay tablets and is used for record keeping, legal codes and literature purposes. “Epic of Gilgamesh” is an example of it.
Mathematics and Astronomical Development: The development of a 60 base number system contributing in the development of 60 minute hour and 360 degree circle are some of the key developments. Tracking of celestial objects was one of the key astronomical developments.
Law Making: Writings and the code of Hammurabi developed during the Babylonian period established principles of justice contributing to law making later on.
Architectural Development: The development of Ziggurats (step pyramids) are one of the key and symbolic developments of civilization. They also represented temples to their gods.
Ancient Civilizations: Cultural Accomplishments
Hierarchical Structure: The society is headed by the king followed by priests, merchants, artisans, farmers and slaves at the bottom.
Religion: They believed in the religion of Polytheistic and worshiped Anu (Sky God), Enlil (God of Wind) and Inanna (Goddess of love and war).
Economy: Economy of the civilization was running on agriculture and trade. The production of goods like textile and pottery are traded through rivers.
Ancient Civilizations: History
Sumerian Period (4500-1900 BCE);
Akkadian Period (2334-2154 BCE);
Babylonian Period (1894-1595 BCE);
Assyrian Period (2500-609 BCE);
Neo Babylonian Period (626-539 BCE).
Fall of Civilization
It is because of the innovations made during the civilizations, it has been invaded a number of times and its internal strife led to its decline and before it completely went into the hands of the Persian Empire.
The civilization has laid the foundation stone for the civilizations to come and prosper by giving a writing, law and administration system to start with. These innovations are the basis of any civilization.
Ancient Civilizations: Ancient Egypt Civilization (3150-30 BCE)
Ancient Egypt Civilization was one of the impressive civilizations that flourished around the Nile River. The civilization reached milestones in the field of architecture, medicine, art, engineering and governance. Their architectural accuracy is praised even today by the modern day architects as it is one of a kind. Let us know about the details of civilization.
Ancient Egypt Civilization flourished around the Nile River and is central to civilization. The Nile river which flows from Africa to the Mediterranean Sea is a perfect spot for civilization to begin.
The Nile river also gave the opportunity to do agriculture so as to develop the civilization around it.
Giza, Luxor, Memphis, Abu Simbel, Abydos, Kom Ombo, Amarna are some of the major sites of Ancient Egypt Civilization.
Key Accomplishments
Writing System: In the era of Ancient Egypt Civilization, hieroglyphics was developed which is used for official engraving, religious texts and literature.
Mathematics and Engineering Development: People of Ancient Egypt Civilization are known for their architectural marvels because of their knowledge in mathematics, geometry required in building projects and land surveying.
Medicinal Records: All the medical treatments, advanced medical techniques, surgical techniques and other relevant details are recorded in papyri (the paper used in the Ancient Egypt Civilization which is derived from the Papyrus plant).
Architectural Development: The Ancient Egypt Civilization is known for its architectural intelligence and is also reflected in their works which can be witnessed today. The temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel along with Luxor Temple by the Nile River are some of the religious architectural marvels while some of the monumental marvels include pyramids and Sphinx. They have developed a system of measurement with proportions for construction purposes called the Canon of Proportions.
Art: Art in the ancient Egypt civilization was not made for just art, they were made to showcase their culture, depicting their God and Goddess and pharaohs. Many of their works like tombs and funerary objects are used to depict the afterlife.
Cultural Accomplishments
Hierarchical Structure: Pharaoh sits at the top of the hierarchy followed by nobles, priests, scribes, artisans, farmers with slaves lies at the bottom.
Religion: Polytheistic is the religion followed by the people while they believe in some rich pantheon of Gods comprising Ra (Sun God), Osiris (God of afterlife) and Isis (Goddess of magic and motherhood). It is because of their strong belief in the afterlife they laid strong emphasis on it by designing art and sculptures for it and they have elaborated burial practices and the process of mummification is followed by them to preserve the dead body after its death.
Economy: The economy of the civilization was based primarily on agriculture, trade and the production and manufacturing of goods. Agriculture included primarily growing grain, flax and Papyrus. These goods were used by the civilization as well and were used for trade as well which is facilitated through the Nile river.
Historical Dynasties
Early Dynastic Period (3150-2686 BCE)
Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BCE)
Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BCE)
New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE)
Late Period (664-332 BCE)
Ptolemaic Period (332-30 BCE)
Fall of Civilization
Ancient Civilizations: It is because of the continued invasions, economic breakdown and corresponding political instability that led to the fall of the Ancient Egypt Civilization. External invasions from the Persians, Greek and the Romans contributed heavily in their decline.
Ancient Indian Civilization
Ancient India civilization is one of the oldest civilizations that existed in the world which emerged from the Indus Valley around 3300 BCE. This civilization begins with the Indus Valley Civilization and its transformation to the Vedic Period is observed. The manifestation of complex Urban and Town Planning through Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations along with contributions to the field of Science, Mathematics, Philosophy and Religion are some of the key highlights of the Ancient Indian Civilization. Let us read about civilization in great detail.
Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE): Geographical Location
Ancient Civilizations: Indus Valley Civilization flourished around the Indus River and its tributaries covering modern day areas of Sindh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana. It included the North Western areas of the Indian Subcontinent including areas of Pakistan and North Western India as the modern day areas. The civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are some of the major sites of the civilization while Dholavira and Lothal are some of the minor sites.
Ancient Civilizations: Architecture and Urban Town Planning
Urban Town Planning in the civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley Civilization were very advanced as per the developments in that era at that point of time.
A well designed and planned Urban layout is observed in grid layout planning with streets intersecting at 90 degrees in both Harappa and Mohenjo-daro civilizations.
Similarly designed residential buildings and houses reflect equality among the people of the society.
Separate residential and commercial areas in the city is yet another upgrade from the previously seen civilizations.
Well regulated sanitary system along with an impressive drainage system comprising covered drains and provision of public baths are some of the highlights of a town well planned.
The use of standardized baked bricks in the construction depicts the good construction techniques and standard production of raw materials of construction.
The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro and the Granaries are some of the examples of the engineering marvels of that era.
The presence of huge granaries signifies the facilities for the storage of surplus food.
Economy and Trade
The well planned urban planning has assisted in better economy and trade opportunities for the civilization. It included well planned dockyards and warehouses near to the coastal line of Lothal city.
It is because of the fact that agriculture was primarily done there and fertile plains of the Indus River were used to grow wheat, barley, peas and cotton which was used in trading.
Further, the trade of metals, beads, pottery and textiles was also done to nearby and distant places including Oman, Persian Gulf and Mesopotamia.
This uniform trade of goods not only led to economic growth but also the overall growth of the civilization.
Society and Culture
The equality in the residential houses as seen in the civilization represents equality among the citizens and no social hierarchy is observed.
The writing system used in civilization is found at various seals and other places. The coded form of writing system indicates a communication medium and record keeping.
Evidence of worship of mother goddesses and various animal figures are seen in various terracotta sculptures and seals.
Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE): Transition and Development
The Ancient Indian Civilization saw a transition to Vedic period after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.
The transition from Urban to rural communities is seen with focus primarily shifting to agricultural activities.
The composition of the oldest religious text Holy Vedas is seen in this era.
Society and Culture
The society and culture in the Vedic period is primarily related to the composition of Vedas in this era.
A caste system is introduced in the society distinguishing the society into 4 castes namely Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders and agriculturists) and Shudras (laborers).
This divide is transmitted to various sectors including job, businesses and social interactions as the Shudras were barred from various interactions and Brahmins were considered supreme amongst all.
This era has given rise to composition of Holy Vedas as well as giving birth to holy hymns and rituals of the hindu religion.
The rituals were aimed at praising deities associated with natural elements like Agni (Fire) and Indra (rain).
This era also gave birth to Sanskrit literature as part of the rich Indian cultural heritage.
Legacy of Vedic Period
Vedic period transitioned into the Later Vedic Period in the coming years which further empowered Hinduism.
Satlok is the Everlasting Abode of Supreme God Kabir
Witnessing the transformations from the ancient civilizations to the modern civilizations, we humans haven’t thought of anything that is not into destruction. But there is a place that is everlasting and does not come into destruction. This place is Satlok. We can attain Satlok only by worshiping Supreme God Kabir in our human lives. Our human life is given us to attain God and salvation. But out of our grave ignorance we have ignored that. Lord Kabir says:
Manush Janam Paye Kar, Jo Nahi Rate Hari Naam |
Jaise Kuua Jal Bina, Fir Banwaya Kya Kaam ||
It is because overcoming the lives of animals in our future births is important and for that purpose we need to make full use of this human birth by worshiping God Kabir. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj from Haryana, India has been giving the true worship as given by God Kabir 600 years ago. And He has been manifesting through His devotees that His worship is authentic and gives devotees the benefits as given by God Kabir that includes extension of life as well.
So it is our request to understand the true spiritual knowledge and make full use of this human birth. To know more visit www.jagatgururampalji.org or you can visit His youtube channel Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
