Culture and Its Dynamics

Culture and Cultural Concepts

• Culture encompasses the arts and intellectual achievements shared collectively by a society.
• Cultural Hearth refers to a region where new ideas and innovations originate and disseminate globally.
• Culture Regions are specific geographical areas where people exhibit similar cultural traits or activities.

Cultural Dynamics

• Cultural Diffusion describes the process through which cultural beliefs and social practices spread between groups.
• Cultural Divergence is the phenomenon where cultures become distinct and develop unique traits due to shared technology and communication.

Political and Inventions Context

• Political Climate reflects the current state of public opinion and sentiment within a political community.
• Important inventions from China and Mongolia include gunpowder, the compass, acupuncture, and toilet paper.

Religious Beliefs in Asia

• Major religions originating from China and Mongolia include Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.

Mayan Civilization

• The Mayans believed in three realms: earth, underworld, and heaven.
• They worshipped several gods, including the maize god, lightning god, and adhered to ritual topography.
• The typical practice for handling the deceased involved burying them in their homes.
• Notable inventions by the Mayans consisted of corn tortillas, complex hieroglyphics, stelae, celestial calendars, and shifting agricultural techniques.
• The decline of the Mayan civilization is often attributed to drought conditions.

Aztec Civilization

• The Aztecs developed important innovations such as gum, a 365-day calendar, chocolate, and mandatory schooling.
• They excelled in mathematics and astronomy.
• The Aztec culture included a unique ballgame, human sacrifices, and is considered a precursor to modern soccer.
• Their religious belief system featured gods like Tezcat, the universal power; Tonatiuh, the sun; Ome, the creator; and Cent, representing intoxication.

Nile River Contributions

• Inventions associated with the Nile River include high heels, paper and pen, the sail, mummification, and irrigation ditches.
• Weaponry developed around the Nile included the chariot, bow and arrow, and khopesh.
• The religious framework alongside the Nile River was characterized by a polytheistic belief system and concepts centered on the afterlife.