western civilization
Western Civilization In My Eyes 西方文明史

Western Civilization In My EyesWesterners worship of personal struggle, especially proud of the achievements by individuals, never cover up their own self-confidence, sense of honor and achievement of ecstasy.Westerners self-centered consciousness and sense of independence is very strong, mainly in: (1) responsible for their own. In the society of the law of the jungle, the survival and quality of life of everyone depends on their abilities, therefore, everyone must be self-struggle, their personal interests first.(2) are not used to caring for others, help others, do not care about the things of others.Western culture encourages people to blaze new trails, do some predecessors have not done, an outstanding extraordinary career .Westerners cherished personal freedoms, like arbitrary ,do not want be limited. They believe their efforts will certainly be able to achieve success, as a popular proverb says:” If working hard, even a cowboy can be president”Westerners strong sense of equality, no matter rich or poor, everyone will respect themselves and not allow others to abuse their rights. At the same time, everyone can respect others.Western family structure is relatively simple: parents and minor children, called the nuclear family. Once the children get married, they have to move away from here must also be economically independent. The parents are no longer obliged to subsidize their children. This approach to give young people the maximum freedom to develop their ability to live independently, but it also alienated the relationship between relatives.Westerners think: that marriage is purely a private matter, no one can interfere; marriage does not belong to the moral issue.Chinese And Western Festivals CelebrationAs a new year, China and the West has a different way to celebrate. Chinese New Year as the most important traditional festival in China from the Qin Dynasty, and is scheduled for the annual Lunar New Year on January 1, starting from the Lunar New Year on December 23, the people began to carry out all kinds of celebrations, and continued until the Lantern Festival. Many Chinese New Year customs, such as clean-up, New Year reunion dinner, setting off firecrackers, lion dance, and so on.The West, they advocate have the Gregorian calendar New Year, that is New Year's Day. Compared to their New Year's celebration is more romantic, in the evening of December 31, the people of the region took to the streets, a grand carnival to the middle of the night close to 0:00, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in together, sincerity praying for the new year's arrival of the countdown. When the clock strikes twelve, suddenly, the beautiful music played, opened a magnificent prelude to the ball, people celebrate throughout the night.Halloween as one of the important festivals of the West, and gained the attention of the people. Day, per household front of the door should put up a pumpkin lights, everyone put on fancy dress, is said to ward off evil purposes. In fact, as the advanced countries, the Phantom has no longer superstition, most of them in order to make fun of it. Same time, it also held a grand masked ball. They can go to any neighbors, begging for food, will not be punished.In China, the legend of the Ghost Festival is a day of the gates of hell open.On this day, the little devil in Hell will come out wandering.Superstition, the strong color of the Chinese people.That day, the people on the street burn incense and worship, pray to the spirits do not curse them. Thus, the Ghost Festival, the product of anachronistic gradually be eliminated.。
最新版西方文明史精品课件导论课件

Stages of Social Evolution
Stage of civilization
Civilization & Culture
Western culture sometimes equated with Western civilization or European civilization, refers to cultures of European origin.
The Tigris River The Euphrates River Mesopotamia = Between-rivers
底格里斯河 幼发拉底河 (希腊语指) 两河之间的土地
Mesopotamia
4000-1000 B.C.E.
Tigris Euphrates
Mesopotamia, c. 4000-1000 B.C.E. (Bronze Age)
Cradle of Civilization
The The The The Fertile Crescent Mesopotamia Nile Valley Egypt Indus River India Yellow River China
Mesopotamian Civilization 美索不达米亚文明
西方文明史
Aspects of Western Civilization
吕海彬
文 明
Civilization(英) Civilisation(法) Zivilisation(德)
civis-
citizen
2
—— Lewis H. Morgan Stage of savagery Stage of barbarism
History of Western Civilization

Peloponnesian Wars
伯罗奔尼撒战争
色雷斯
马其顿 帖萨利
普拉提亚 底庇斯 雅典
科林斯
提洛岛
斯巴达
Macedonia Under Philip II 腓力二世时期的马其顿
雅典卫城
Piraeus: Athens’ Port City
比雷埃夫斯:雅典的港口城市
雅典 斯巴达
阿提卡
长城
雅典
比雷埃夫斯
南城墙 北
1、Early Athenian Lawgivers
雅典早期的立法者
• 德拉古(Draco) - “draconian”——德拉古似的血腥立法
• 梭伦(Solon)——希腊的智慧大师 • 克里斯梯尼(Cleisthenes)
Great
亚历山大大帝
Alexander the Great’s Empire
亚历山大大帝的帝国
黑海
里 海
高加索山脉
咸海
撒马尔罕
公元前332年
公元前330年
巴克特里亚 帕提亚
叙利亚 加沙
巴比伦
苏撒
公元前326年
埃
印
及
度
波斯湾
撒哈拉沙漠
阿拉伯半岛
阿拉伯海
- showed individual emotions, wrinkles, and age!
5、The Breakup of Alexander’s Empire
亚历山大帝国的分裂
马其顿·希腊王国 安提柯王国
托勒密王国
塞琉古王国
西方文明文化英文作文

西方文明文化英文作文Western civilization has a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Renaissance and Enlightenment, Westernculture has been shaped by a diverse range of influences.The concept of individualism is a key aspect of Western culture. This emphasis on personal freedom and autonomy has had a profound impact on everything from politics and economics to art and literature.The Judeo-Christian tradition has also played a significant role in shaping Western culture. The values of compassion, forgiveness, and charity have had a lasting influence on Western society.The scientific revolution and the subsequent Age of Enlightenment have had a profound impact on Western culture. The emphasis on reason, empirical evidence, and the pursuit of knowledge has shaped the way Westerners view the worldand their place in it.The arts have long been a central part of Western culture. From the great works of Shakespeare and Michelangelo to the modern masterpieces of film and music, the arts continue to play a vital role in shaping Western culture.The concept of democracy and the rule of law are fundamental to Western culture. The idea that all individuals are equal before the law and have the right to participate in the political process is a cornerstone of Western society.The concept of human rights is another key aspect of Western culture. The belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual has led to the development of a wide range of rights and freedoms that are considered fundamental in Western societies.The legacy of colonialism and imperialism has also had a profound impact on Western culture. The interactionsbetween Western and non-Western cultures have led to the exchange of ideas, goods, and technologies that have shaped the modern world.The ongoing debates about multiculturalism anddiversity continue to shape Western culture. The increasing recognition of the contributions of different cultures and the importance of inclusivity are changing the way Westerners view themselves and the world around them.。
western civilization1

Cities and States
Ziggurat[庙塔]
• At the top of the ziggurat was a temple dedicated to the god believed to own the city.
Governing
1. an upper class of nobles which included government officials, priests, and warriors; 2. a class of freemen comprised of merchants, artisans, professionals, and wealthier farmers; 3. the lower class of slaves. (M…)
The History of Western Civilization
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Origin of the world c~: Near East (1) Ancient Greco-Roman c~ (2) Ancient Judaeo-X’n c~ (2) Confluence of the two (2) Middle Ages (3) Renaissance (1) Reformation (1) Modern times (2) Revision (1)
religion
• The Mesopotamians viewed their city-states as earthly copies of a divine model and order. • Each city-state was sacred since it was linked to a god or goddess.
为什么希腊被称为西方文明的摇篮 英语作文

为什么希腊被称为西方文明的摇篮英语作文The Cradle of Western Civilization: Why Greece is Regarded as the Birthplace of the WestGreece, a small yet influential country situated in the southeastern corner of Europe, has long been revered as the cradle of Western civilization. This ancient land, with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and enduring cultural legacy, has left an indeluring impact on the development of the modern world. From the birth of democracy to the foundations of philosophy, the contributions of ancient Greece have been instrumental in shaping the very fabric of Western thought and society.One of the primary reasons why Greece is considered the birthplace of Western civilization is its pivotal role in the development of democracy. The ancient Greek city-state of Athens is widely regarded as the birthplace of this revolutionary system of government, which gave citizens a voice in the decision-making process. The Athenian democracy, established in the 5th century BCE, was a groundbreaking experiment in self-governance, where citizens actively participated in the political process through the assembly, the council, and the courts. This model of democracy, with itsemphasis on individual rights and civic engagement, would later inspire and influence the democratic principles that underpin many modern Western nations.Beyond the realm of politics, ancient Greece also made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, science, and the arts. The ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, laid the foundations for Western philosophical thought, grappling with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, the human condition, and the pursuit of knowledge. Their ideas and methods of inquiry would go on to shape the intellectual traditions of the West for centuries to come.In the realm of science, ancient Greek scholars made groundbreaking advancements in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. The mathematician Euclid, for instance, developed the foundational principles of geometry, while the astronomer Ptolemy's geocentric model of the universe would dominate scientific thought for over a millennium. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often referred to as the "father of medicine," established the principles of medical ethics and the systematic study of the human body, laying the groundwork for modern medical practices.The artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Greece are equally impressive and enduring. The Greeks excelled in various forms of art,from the awe-inspiring architecture of the Parthenon to the timeless sculptures of Phidias. Greek drama, with its tragedies and comedies, explored the human condition and the complexities of the human experience, leaving an indelible mark on the world of theater. The Greek epics, such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, have captivated audiences for millennia, inspiring countless works of literature, art, and film.Moreover, the Greek language, with its intricate grammar and rich vocabulary, has had a profound influence on the development of many modern European languages. The roots of words and concepts in fields as diverse as philosophy, science, and law can often be traced back to the ancient Greek lexicon, underscoring the enduring impact of this remarkable language.Beyond its cultural and intellectual achievements, ancient Greece also boasted a unique geographical and geopolitical position, which contributed to its emergence as a hub of Western civilization. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece served as a bridge between these diverse regions, facilitating the exchange of ideas, goods, and cultural influences. This strategic location, combined with the country's extensive coastline and numerous islands, allowed the ancient Greeks to develop a thriving maritime trade network, further enhancing their economic and cultural influence.In conclusion, the reasons why Greece is regarded as the cradle of Western civilization are manifold and deeply rooted in its rich history, groundbreaking achievements, and enduring cultural legacy. From the birth of democracy to the foundations of Western philosophy, science, and the arts, the contributions of ancient Greece have left an indelible mark on the development of the modern world. As we continue to grapple with the challenges and complexities of the 21st century, the insights and innovations of this remarkable civilization remain a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and the pursuit of knowledge.。
西方文明简史英文作文
西方文明简史英文作文The Western civilization has its roots in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, which laid the foundationfor many of the cultural and political systems we know today. The Greeks introduced the concept of democracy and the Romans expanded upon it, creating a more complex system of governance.The Middle Ages, a period of feudalism and religious dominance, saw the rise of the Catholic Church as a central authority. This era was marked by the construction of impressive cathedrals and the spread of Christianity across Europe.The Renaissance, a period of rebirth in arts and sciences, brought about a renewed interest in classical knowledge. This era produced great artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, whose works continue to inspire.The Age of Exploration led to the discovery of new lands and the expansion of European influence across the globe.This period also saw the rise of powerful nations like Spain and Portugal, which competed for control over new territories.The Enlightenment was a time of intellectual and philosophical development, where ideas about reason, science, and individual rights flourished. This period laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and theseparation of church and state.The Industrial Revolution transformed the Western world with the advent of machinery and the shift from agrarian societies to industrial ones. This era brought about significant changes in the way people lived and worked.The 20th century was marked by two World Wars, which reshaped the political landscape and led to the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers. The century also saw the rise of new technologies and the spread of global communication.Today, Western civilization continues to evolve, embracing new ideas and technologies while grappling with global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality. Its history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human societies.。
东西方文明的差异英文作文
东西方文明的差异英文作文英文:The differences between Eastern and Westerncivilizations are vast and complex, encompassing a wide range of aspects including history, culture, philosophy, and social norms. One of the most prominent differences is the concept of individualism versus collectivism. In Western cultures, there is a strong emphasis on individual rights, freedom, and self-expression. People are encouraged to pursue their own goals and desires, and to assert their independence. This can be seen in the way Western societies value personal achievements and self-reliance. On the other hand, Eastern cultures, such as those in China and Japan, place a greater emphasis on the collective good and social harmony. The needs of the group are often prioritized over individual desires, and there is a strong sense of duty and obligation towards one's family and community. This can be observed in the way Eastern societies value filial piety and social order.Another significant difference lies in the approach to time and planning. In Western cultures, time is often viewed as a commodity that can be spent, saved, or wasted. There is a strong emphasis on punctuality and efficiency, and people are expected to adhere to schedules and deadlines. This is reflected in the way Western societies value time management and productivity. In contrast, Eastern cultures have a more fluid and flexible approach to time. In China, for example, the concept of "Chinese time" allows for a more relaxed and spontaneous attitude towards punctuality and planning. This difference in perspective can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in cross-cultural interactions, as Westerners may perceive Easterners as being disorganized or lacking in punctuality, while Easterners may view Westerners as being overly rigid and impatient.Furthermore, the concept of communication and expression also differs between Eastern and Western cultures. In Western societies, direct and assertive communication is often valued, with an emphasis on speakingone's mind and expressing individual opinions. This can be seen in the way Westerners engage in debates and discussions, often expressing their viewpoints openly and confidently. In contrast, Eastern cultures tend to value indirect and harmonious communication, with an emphasis on maintaining social harmony and avoiding conflict. In China, for example, the concept of "saving face" is important, and people may use subtle cues and nonverbal communication to convey their thoughts and feelings. This difference in communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and cultural clashes, as Westerners may perceive Easterners as being vague or insincere, while Easterners may view Westerners as being confrontational or aggressive.In conclusion, the differences between Eastern and Western civilizations are profound and multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of life including values, attitudes, and behaviors. These differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in cross-cultural interactions, but they also enrich our understanding of the diverse ways in which human societies have evolved and developed.中文:东西方文明的差异是非常广泛和复杂的,涵盖了历史、文化、哲学和社会规范等各个方面。
西方文明史大纲(修改版)
Introduction to Western Civilization1. Subject description and overviewThe subject provides the beginning students with an understanding of the history of Western civilization from pre-historic times to the 18c. It will emphasize the reading and discussion of influential incidents that have shaped the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Western World during its ancient, medieval and early modern periods.The subject will enable students to develop a better understanding of the history of the Western world, and learn to analyze critically some of the current Western issues from the historical perspective.The student will learn aspects of the development of Western cultural, political, religious and social processes from hominid evolution to the Early Modern period. Therefore, in class, the student will be encouraged to get involved in the following discussions∙Describe changes in thought as it relates to Western culture in this period∙Identify and discuss some of the major people, events and time periodsThe study of Western Civilization enables individuals to develop a better understanding of the western historical issues which affect the West and the world as a whole. The knowledge gained from this course in Western Civilization will be of lifelong value to the student. The influence of the subject on all areas of activity should stimulate the individual to continue reading and conducting research in detail concerning western civilization. It is recognised that students doing this subject may be drawn from different backgrounds and may hold different interests. Some may wish to study Western Civilization as preparation for further specialisation in the subject. Others may study the subject to complement other subject disciplines, such as, western literature, eastern civilization or the history of Chinese literature. Somestudents may see the subject as one worthy of study in its own right.2. Pre-requisite units and assumed knowledgeNone3. Learning aims and outcomesLearning outcome 1:Explain the development of the Western civilization in ancient times.ASSESMENT CRITERIA:a.Discuss the characteristics of the Western civilization in ancient times.b.Explain the impact brought by the agricultural revolution in Neolithic Age onthe human civilization.c.Discuss the political and cultural characteristics of the Roman Empire andtheir influence on the world to come.Learning outcome 2:Explain the development of the Western civilization in Middle Ages.ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:a.Discuss the role that trade and cities played in European society in highMiddle Ages.b.Explain the emergence, the growth and the decline of the church power inMedieval Civilizationc.Describe the great event “The Black Death” in the 14c.Learning outcome 3:Discuss the growth of the Western civilization in the early Modern Ages.ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:a.Discuss the Renaissance and its great impact on the Western world.b.Explain the Protestant Reformation and its social impact (especially onreligion and politics).c.Describe and discuss the European expansion in 17c.d.Explain the scientific revolution and the emergence of the modern science.Learning outcome 4:Discuss the main thread of the history of Western civilization.ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:a.Explain the significant periods of the history.b.Explain the major events in the history of Western civilization.c.Discuss the major persons during the course.d.Attempt to apply basic historical methodologies and critical thinking to currentand historical controversies4. Weighting of final gradeGrades will be assigned on the basis of the following percentages: Attendance 10Attitude, class activities, & participation 15Reading Outcomes(LO1,2,3) 10Assignments 25Exams and Quizzes(LO4) 40Total 1005. PoliciesAttendance PolicyThe student is responsible for punctual and regular attendance in all classes and required class activities. Unexcused absences will be reflected in the final grade. The teacher does not grant excused absences; therefore, contact the teacher prior to class if the student is not going to attend. The student is tardy if not in class at the time the class is scheduled to begin and is admitted to class. Extenuating circumstances require documentation and approval by the appropriate department head and academic dean. Three unexcused absences will directly lead the student to F.Participation PolicyDiscussion. The class will be followed in which everyone is expected to engage in thoughtful and critical discussion of the major ideas, theories, and positions advanced in the readings. To assist students with this, they will be grouped. Each week, students should prepare a list of three questions or statements about the readings. The student will hand these in at the beginning of the class session. Each group’s conversation should be directed and guided by discussion leaders. Shortly after five minutes of discussion, some a group will be asked to demonstrate the conclusion concerning about those questions. Additionally, there will be in-class questions coming out of the chapters. Each student is encouraged to get involved in the discussion.Discussion Leader Each week, individuals are responsible for leading class discussions for one group. They will regulate most of the flow and direction of discussion. Discussion leaders should e-mail an outline of their discussion plan by noon before the assigned class. I don’t want our discussions to be a free-for-all. Discussion leaders should address the following general questions:•What are the major events of the chapter?•What is the significance of the current chapter with contemporaries?•What is the connection of the chapter with previous ones?The readings may address further discussion/explanation regarding the content. The annotated bibliography must include: author(s), title of article, chapter, or book, publication name, volume and/or issue of publication, page numbers, and date published. Handouts and PowerPoint presentations are also useful.Policies on Exams and QuizzesQuizzes. A series of questions will be distributed in class and after class. Students’ responses to these questions will be marked. These questions will cover the previous chapters of the course. The in-class quizzes should be accomplished as the time asked, while the after-class assignments should be handed before the due time. Otherwise, late assignments will not be marked.Final Examination. The students are asked to finish the paper in required time. Cheating and plagiarism are not allowed. Otherwise, the final score would be counted 0.PlagiarismAny form of cheating is NEVER tolerated. Any student ONCE caught cheating on a quiz, assignment or examination will receive a 0 for that particular work of the whole semester. At the beginning of the semester the definition of plagiarism will be carefully explained. When any thoughts or writings of another person are used, the sources must be clearly identified (using quotes, bibliography and giving reference).Classroom Policies●No eating, cellular phones, electronic dictionaries, smoking, chatting or drowsingin class.●Please try to speak in English rather than Chinese in class.●Students are not allowed to attend class without textbooks.●Respect classmates’ ideas, opinions, and questions of your classmates.●All your classroom involvement, performance and after-class communicationswith instructor will affect your participation score.6. Texts and other recoursesThe primary textbook:Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization: A Brief History, Third Edition, Beijing: Peking University Press, 2006.The supplementary textbooks:Woelful, James and Sarah Truelove. Patterns in Western Civilization, 4th ed.. Needham Hts, MA: Simon and Schuster, 2007.Marvin Perry, Western Civilization: A Brief History,Tenth Edition, Boston: Wadsworth, 2013.董小燕:《西方文明史纲》,浙江大学出版社,2001年版。
西方文化简介英文版
西⽅⽂化简介英⽂版An Introduction to Western Civilization/CultureWhat is civilization?The word civilization comes from the Latin civilis, meaning civil, related to the Latin civis, meaning citizen, and civitas, meaning city or city-state. Adjectives such as English "civility" developed from this origin.What is Culture?From the Latin cultura, from cultus, meaning to till (the land), to cultivate, to worship, the Latin origin indicates that our civilization and culture is not something new but something that has grown over time.The dictionary definition of culture is, “the arts, customs, and habits that characterize a particular society or nation.” Western culture is a mixture of “arts, customs, and habits” that have formed over a period of more than 2,000 years.All across Europe, in England, Germany, Italy, and Poland, we can find different civilizations and cultures, but they all come from shared origins, most characteristics of civilization and culture come from a combination of firstly, the civilization and culture of ancient Greece. This was incorporated in and further developed by the Greco-Romans, but as Rome was falling, Judeo Christian civilization further developed Western culture.The last major building block in Western Civilization and Culture came with the Germanic Franks in and around 300 –400AD.In this course we will look at the development of the civilization and cultures into what can be called a Western heritage. Whilst Ancient Greece is usually considered the foundational civilization and culture of Europe, we will first have a brief look at the preceding civilization and cultures that gave the Greeks their start.The Origin of Greek CivilizationAround 3000 years before the greatest era of Greek history, civilizations flourished in the area of Mesopotamia (modern Iran and Iraq) and in Egypt. It was between 4000-3000 B.C., that the first cities appeared in the region around the great rivers the Tigris [‘ta?ɡr?s] and Euphrates [ju:?freiti:z]. The first major advances of these civilizations were the use of the wheel.By 3000 B.C., Mesopotamian civilization had made contact with other civilization and cultures of what was known as the Fertile Crescent in the region. An extensive trade network connecting Mesopotamia with the rest of Ancient Western Asia then developed.The achievements of Mesopotamian civilization were numerous. Agriculture, thanks to the development of irrigation, became the main method of living. Farming further flourished after the invention of the plow.As agriculture became more productive, it allowed men to give up working the land and begin their own trades, for example, metalwork or pottery. Between 3000 and 2900 B.C. craft specialization and industries began to emerge which encouraged the growth of cities, all of this led to the first major civilizations of the region.The Sumerians, who inhabited southern Mesopotamia from 3000-2000 B.C., are thought to have been the first civilization and culture to develop non-pictographic (in picture form) writing. Originally, Sumerian writing was pictographic, that is, scribes drew pictures of representations of objects.This proved awkward and the characters were gradually simplified and gave way to conventional signs that represented ideas.The greatest achievement of Sumerian civilization was their cuneiform [?kju:n?f?:m] (wedge-shaped) system of writing, using a reed stylus they made wedge-shaped impressions on wet clay tablets which were then put in the sun to dry. The most common cuneiform tablets record transactions of daily life; counts of cattle kept by herdsmen for their owners, production figures, lists of taxes, accounts, contracts and other parts of organizational life in the community.Another category of cuneiform writing included a large number of basic texts, which were used for the purpose of teaching future generations of scribes. By 2500 B.C. there were schools built just for this purpose, and the Sumerian cuneiform writing was to provide the model for the Greeks when they developed their own written language.Around 1780 B.C. the city of Babylon gained power over Mesopotamia through their ruler, Hammurabi. He was a very efficient ruler, giving the region stability after turbulent times, and transforming it into the central power of Mesopotamia.A great literary revival followed Babylonian independence. One of the most important works of this era of Babylon was the writing of the first known code of laws called the ‘Code of Hammurabi.’ It focused on theft, farming (or shepherding), property damage, women’s righ ts, marriage rights, children’s rights, slave rights, murder, death, and injury. The punishment is different for different classes of offenders and victims.The city of Babylon also features in the Judeo Christian tradition. A story in the Bible is used by Jews and Christians to explain the existence of many different languages and races in the world. According to the biblical book of Genesis 11, at Babylon, humanity began building a ‘Tower of Babel’ in order to reach heaven and gain access to heaven directly from earth without the need of God. To prevent the project from succeeding, God made all the workers speak different new languages so that they could no longer communicate with one another and the work could not proceed, after that time, the people moved away to different parts of Earth, and spoke the different languages they had been given by God.From this story, and the city of Babylon, comes the modern English word babble, or talk in a confusing way. It is also due to the Babylonians that we have 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour. The mathematicians of Babylonia devised a system of counting based on the number 60, from which we get the number of seconds in a minute and of minutes in an hour and the number of degrees (60×6=360) in a circle. Mesopotamia ceased to be a major power after the conquest by Alexander the Great around 400 B.C.While the Sumerians and other groups were busy creating a Mesopotamian civilization, another civilization had appeared to the west. This civilization depended entirely on geography; it was the fertile valley of the Nile River that allowed Egyptian civilization to flourish over the course of many centuries.The art and science of engineering was greatly developed in Egypt, with their skill in surveying allowing them to accurately determine the position of points and the distances between them. These skills were used to outline the bases of the best known images of Ancient Egypt, the pyramids. The first pyramids, built around 2900 B.C., were little more than mud-brick structures, but the greatest building achievements in Egypt were the great pyramids of Giza, built more than 4500 years ago. The early civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt certainly could build pyramids, irrigation canals and pottery wheels, and develop cuneiform writing. They are not, however, considered the foundation of civilization and culture of Europe. Although civilization developed in the fertile crescent of Mesopotamia, it was in the civilizations bordering the Mediterranean that Western civilization and culture was truly born. It is the civilization and culture of Ancient Greece that is today seen as being the origin of Western civilization and culture.Ancient Greece is considered by most historians to be the foundational civilization and culture of Western civilization. Ancient Greek civilization has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, art and architecture of the modern Western world.The period of Greek domination of the Mediterranean world lasted approximately 1,500 years from around 1600 BC until the coming of the Roman Empire, it should be noted, that we should not consider it to be one long uninterrupted rule, or that the Greeks were one group.The History of Greek CivilizationAegean Civilization3000-1450BC Minoan Civilization2000BC People from Mycenae went to Greece1600-1200BC Mycenae Civilization Ruled Greece1200-800BC Dark Period for Greece800-490BC The Archaic Period490-336BC The Classical Period336-30BC The Hellenistic Period146BC Greece was incorporated into RomeThe Rise and fall of Mycenaean PowerAt the height of its power, it was prosperous and active. They enlarged their cities, expanded their trade and sacked Troy. It was gone in 1100BC after the Troy War. The period from 1600 BC to about 1100 BC is known as Mycenaean [maisi?ni:?n] Greece after the major city of the period Mycenae.The age of Mycenae has given us the epic poem that has had a profound effect on the body of western literature and art. Transmitted to us through the Romans, the Renaissance and the following generations, this is the work of one author, the man who gave us the story about Troy.The period from which the story came, Mycenaean Greece, ended around 1100 BC, and the period from 1100 BC to around 800 BC is a ‘dark age’ of which little is known. In 800 BC Greece began to emerge from these Dark Ages, and at this time a written record begins to appear. This is the period most consider Classical Greece, but in those days there was no such political unit known as Greece. Greek geography, where every island, valley and plain is cut off from its neighbours by the sea or mountain ranges, dictated that Greece was divided into many small self-governing city communities.。
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After the world war I, in the treaty of Versailles, Germany lost more than 12.5% of the population, 13.5% of the territory as well as the regular army, also carried 132 billion mark of huge reparations for war. Germany's spirit and material base, the entente countries wants to use the blood of the toiling masses in Germany to pay the $132 billion mark, at the end of the first world war Germany's miserable condition makes the stigma of power even stronger, more make both sides of the conflict without resolve further again.
When Germany lost solvency completely and entered the crisis, the entente countries in order to obtain substantial compensation, not to pay reparations and kept the money behind the numerical zero mark, begin to use economic means to plunder the German economy resources, in 1923, German inflation becomes shocking, 17 million times in the last year of currency circulation makes a piece of bread worth 100 billion German marks. When monetary quantity must start with a weight to calculate, businessmen need to raise prices every twenty minutes. In such circumstances, the German people's anger, helpless changed into a social revolution again and again. The 1930 s capitalist countries large-scale crisis let Germany's condition tough and cruel. The Weimar government unable to bear so much anger and spite ,it breakdown., Hitler was taken by fanatical Germans to prime minister's position.
Post-war Europe devastated, the victors and losers are all poor, enormous frustration makes Europe began to reflect on the root of war over the centuries .This reflection made Europe towards the road of the joint. Britain under the force of the dissolution of the commonwealth, the British empire was officially become a second-rate country, while European colonies are independent, . The Soviet union and the United States became two super powers in the war, their strong industrial strength and huge population base is what original European countries can't imagine. When the Marshall plan into practice, Europe has become the two major powers' forefront of battle. In the east, Japan became the United States Ally to against the Soviet union , China after the second world war got the precious peace and development opportunities.
After the disaster, all the smoke of gunpowder disappeared, leaving only the poem on the tombstone which reminds us the war's original.;
一战结束后,在凡尔赛条约中,德国损失了超过12.5%的人口,13.5%的领土以
及正规军,还为战争背负了1320亿马克的巨额赔款。
德国的精神和物质基础遭受重创,协约国则希望用德国劳苦大众的血汗来偿还这1320亿马克,德国在一战后的悲惨境遇使得作为战败国的耻辱更加强烈,更使双方的矛盾未经化解又更进一步。
在德国因为完全丧失偿还能力而开始陷入危机以后,协约国为了获得实质性补偿而不是为了支付赔款而不停地往钞票数值后面加零的马克,开始使用经济手段来掠夺德国经济资源,在1923年,德国的通胀变得令人触目惊心,1700万倍于去年的货币发行量使得一片面包价值1000亿德国马克。
当货币数量必须以重量来计算的时候,物价每二十分钟就需要上调一次。
在这样的境况下,德国人民的愤怒,无助变成了一次又一次的社会革命。
而30 年代资本主义国家的大规模危机使得德国的处境更为艰难,法西斯主义开始兴起。
魏玛政府因无法承受如此之多的民愤与刁难而寿终正寝,希特勒则被狂热的德国民众捧上总理大位。
战后的欧洲满目疮痍,战胜国与战败国无不一贫如洗,巨大的挫败使得欧洲开始反思数个世纪以来欧洲战乱不休的根源究竟在哪里,这种反思使欧洲走向了联合之路。
英国在美国的强迫下解散了英联邦,大英帝国正式沦为一个二流国家,而欧洲各国的殖民地纷纷独立,获得了自由。
苏联与美国在战争中成长为主宰地球的两级,他们强大的工业实力与巨大的人口基数是原来的欧洲国家无法想象的。
当马歇尔计划付诸实施,欧洲已经沦为了两大强权较量的前沿阵地。
而在东方,日本成了美国对抗苏联的盟友,新生的中国在二战后获得了宝贵的和平与发展机遇。
腥风血雨之后,一切暂时归于平静,只留下德国新教牧师马丁尼莫勒留在犹太人墓碑上的一段话提醒我们这场灾难如何开始;。