The Lay of Your Land: Greek Civilization and Geography Compared and Contrasted

During the last few weeks, we've considered different civilizations each of which has arguably been influenced by geography and the lay of its land. The physical features of each area have offered benefits and, at the same time, have presented challenges. Choose one other region to compare and contrast with Greek civilization. With a special emphasis on the geographies of Greece and this other region above all, which place (again Greece or this other region)would you prefer to have lived in? In responding to this question, make sure that you look at the relationship between 1) the geography and 2) the politics and culture of a civilization in explaining your choice. The post should be AT LEAST 10 sentences with clear factual evidence and thoughtful reflection.

Rebel, Rebel

In your World History textbook, one can find a passage on p. 100 in the section on Persia in which it's noted that Darius, the Persian ruler who seized the crown in 522 B.C., faced a number of revolts that he and his army had to put down. The word "empire" seems to offend our democratic sensibilities today, but empires weren't all the bad right? They might have help areas by improving certain factors. So, this fact does beg a few questions. 1) Do you think the revolts against Darius were justified and why? (Make sure you use evidence.) 2) Were there other empires against whom it was important to rebel (again make sure you use evidence)? As you make your case and respond to each question, please support your argument with clear evidence -- whether you believe in the advantages of empire or whether you feel it absolutely necessary to resist all empires or only certain one we've covered. Please respond in 7-!0 thoughtful sentences. Your original opinion, evidence, and argument are required for full credit. Good luck!

Choosing your Civilization

We've now had the chance to consider nearly all of the different River Valley and Early Civilizations. Clearly, there are definitive advantages and disadvantages to living in each of these societies. So, which one of the major four would you choose to live in if you could or had to? (The four choices: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River Valley -- Ganges, China -- Yellow and Yangtze Rivers) Please offer a careful and thoughtful response that is well written and offers at least 3 facts from lecture or the text as well as personal reflection. The response should be at least 10 sentences. You can choose whichever social status you would like to have. However, you can't choose to be the ruler/King of any civilization or in the royal family. You must essentially choose noble, merchant, craftsmen, or peasant.