Step 3 – Write Your Comparative Essay
After you have completed your outline, write your comparative essay. Your comparative essay must include the three aspects you compared and contrasted in your Venn Diagram. Your essay should be five paragraphs in length. It should include an introductory paragraph, three paragraphs that analyze the similarities and differences of the three civilizations, and a concluding paragraph.
Introduction:
The Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Indus Valley civilizations were three of the earliest and most influential ancient civilizations in human history. Despite each having unique characteristics and developments, they shared many similarities in terms of social structure, religion, and technological advancements. This essay will explore these similarities and differences in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of these early civilizations.
Paragraph 1:
One of the key similarities between the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Indus Valley civilizations was the social structure that defined their societies. All three civilizations were hierarchical in nature, with a ruling class that held political power and a lower class that carried out the majority of the labor. However, there were also notable differences in social structure among the three civilizations. For example, in Egypt, the pharaoh was considered a god-king who held immense power and authority, while in Mesopotamia, the king was seen as a steward of the gods. In contrast, the Indus Valley civilization had a more egalitarian social structure with less pronounced class distinctions.
Paragraph 2:
Another important aspect to consider when comparing these civilizations is their religious beliefs and practices. Religion played a significant role in the lives of people in all three civilizations, with each having their own pantheon of gods and goddesses. However, the specific deities worshipped and the religious rituals performed varied among the three civilizations. For example, the Egyptians believed in an afterlife and spent considerable resources on building elaborate tombs and temples dedicated to their gods, while the Mesopotamians focused on appeasing the gods through offerings and sacrifices. The Indus Valley civilization, on the other hand, left behind few traces of their religious beliefs, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about their practices.
Paragraph 3:
Technological advancements were another area in which the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Indus Valley civilizations excelled. Each civilization developed sophisticated systems of writing, architecture, and engineering that were far ahead of their time. For example, the Egyptians built the pyramids and developed a system of hieroglyphic writing, while the Mesopotamians invented the wheel and created the first known writing system, cuneiform. The Indus Valley civilization is credited with creating one of the most advanced urban planning systems of the ancient world, with well-organized cities and drainage systems.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Indus Valley civilizations shared many similarities in terms of social structure, religion, and technological advancements. Despite their differences, these civilizations all played a crucial role in shaping early human history and laying the foundations for future societies. By understanding the commonalities and distinctions among these civilizations, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human civilization.