How did civilized culture survive the rise and fall of regional states?
During the Sumer, Babylon time period
Civilized culture survived because common knowledge was orally passed from generation to generation.
The conquerers didn't change the pre-existing culture, so the civilization didn't change much.
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To understand how civilized culture survived the rise and fall of regional states during the Sumer and Babylon time period, we need to explore several key factors.
1. Agricultural and Irrigation Systems: One of the primary reasons for the survival of civilized culture was the development of advanced agricultural techniques and irrigation systems. Sumerians and Babylonians were adept farmers who built intricate canal systems to control flooding and ensure a stable food supply. These systems allowed for the growth of large cities and sustained populations even during political instability.
2. Trade Networks: The establishment of extensive trade networks played a crucial role in the survival of civilized culture. Sumer and Babylon were located in fertile regions where surplus crops could be grown. This abundance of resources attracted merchants and traders from neighboring regions, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices. Trade created interdependencies between different regions, making it advantageous for them to maintain peaceful relations despite political turmoil.
3. Cultural Exchange and Adaptation: The rise and fall of regional states often involved the conquerors assimilating aspects of the existing culture into their own. For instance, when the Babylonians defeated the Sumerians, they adopted many elements of Sumerian culture, including their writing system, religious beliefs, and administrative practices. This cultural exchange and adaptation played a crucial role in preserving aspects of civilized culture even as political power shifted.
4. Written Records: Another key factor in the survival of civilized culture was the development of a writing system. Sumerians were the first to invent writing, known as cuneiform, which allowed for the recording and transmission of knowledge across generations. Written records preserved cultural practices, laws, literature, and historical events, ensuring that important aspects of civilized culture were not lost even as political structures changed.
Overall, the survival of civilized culture during the rise and fall of regional states like Sumer and Babylon was due to a combination of advanced agricultural techniques, trade networks, cultural exchange, and the preservation of written records. These factors provided resilience and continuity, allowing for the preservation and transmission of significant cultural elements across generations.