Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the prevailing assumption among European thinkers about non-European civilizations in the sixteenth century?
What was the prevailing assumption among European thinkers about non-European civilizations in the sixteenth century?
What theory emerged from the belief that civilization originated from a single location?
What theory emerged from the belief that civilization originated from a single location?
Which ancient civilization did some European thinkers regard as the ultimate source of all civilization?
Which ancient civilization did some European thinkers regard as the ultimate source of all civilization?
What evidence undermined the belief that ancient Egyptians spread civilization worldwide?
What evidence undermined the belief that ancient Egyptians spread civilization worldwide?
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What misconception did European thinkers hold regarding ancient non-European monuments?
What misconception did European thinkers hold regarding ancient non-European monuments?
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What is a significant feature of the archaeological evidence regarding the development of civilizations?
What is a significant feature of the archaeological evidence regarding the development of civilizations?
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Which of the following best describes the construction and purpose of the terra-cotta army?
Which of the following best describes the construction and purpose of the terra-cotta army?
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What unique aspect was ensured in the production of the terra-cotta warriors?
What unique aspect was ensured in the production of the terra-cotta warriors?
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What can be concluded about the economic roles of agriculture in various civilizations?
What can be concluded about the economic roles of agriculture in various civilizations?
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What does the grandeur of Ying Zheng's tomb illustrate about the societal values of the time?
What does the grandeur of Ying Zheng's tomb illustrate about the societal values of the time?
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Study Notes
European Thinkers and Diffusionism
- Sixteenth-century European thinkers assumed non-European cultures were primitive and incapable of complex achievements.
- This led to the diffusionist school of anthropology.
- They believed civilization originated in one place and spread.
- Europeans were believed to be the inheritors of this civilization.
- This theory was inaccurate.
Archaeological Evidence and Multiple Civilizations
- Archaeological evidence shows independent development of civilizations in various regions.
- Examples include Pakistan, China, Mesoamerica, and South America.
- Attempts to attribute these to a single origin culture (e.g., Egypt) are not supported by evidence.
- Distinct and unique developmental sequences exist in various civilizations, with unique elements that are not explainable by single origins.
- Different civilizations developed different crops, animals and technologies.
- Structures like pyramids had differences in construction, function, and timeline, indicating independent development.
Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum and Terracotta Army
- Qin Shihuang, first emperor of a united China, was buried with a massive tomb and a terracotta army.
- The tomb was constructed over 38 years.
- The terracotta army includes thousands of life-sized warriors, generals, and horses.
- The figures were made of fire-baked ceramic (terracotta).
- The figurines exhibit detailed renditions of individual characteristics.
- Each soldier was unique with different facial expressions and uniform details.
- This intricate artistic army was a massive undertaking employing a workforce estimated at 700,000.
- The soldiers were painted, giving the army a lifelike appearance.
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Description
Explore the ideas of sixteenth-century European thinkers regarding non-European cultures and the diffusionist perspective in anthropology. This quiz discusses the inaccuracies of the belief that civilization originated in one place and provides archaeological evidence for the independent development of civilizations across the globe.
