My Culture Project
By: Sophia He
Essential Questions
1: What makes up a society's culture?
A society’s culture is their way of life. It’s how they live it and the aspects of it. For example, Confucius is a famous scholar/philosopher. Many of his teachings are what Chinese live by today. He and his teachings are part of their culture because it affects the way Chinese live their life. Another example is France. They are known for their culinary skills. Learning culinary skills is part of their culture because it is an aspect of how they live their life. Traditional styles of dress and customs are part of culture because it is also an aspect of how people live their life. Traditions like the Fourth of July are part of our heritage, which is also culture. Our heritage and ancestors affect the world we see today and how we see the world. It affects part of our culture in that way as well. Language is part of culture because it affects the way you communicate.
2: Why is it important to learn how others live throughout the world?
3: Why is it important to understand and respect others' beliefs?
Learning Goal 2: Evaluate how the needs of individuals are met by families, friend, groups and organizations, such as governments, businesses, schools, religious institutions and charities in other cultures
Above is a visual for your understanding.
Families
Friends
Groups/Organizations
Government
Business
School
Religion
Charity
Learning Goal 6: Examine river civilizations, including: Ancient Egypt in North Africa (pyramids and mathematics), India (religions and culture), China (technological advances), Mesopotamia (beginnings of civilization)
Ancient Egypt- Pyramids and Math
Construction of the Pyramids
Rocks were transported from quarries to Giza, where stonemasons prepared the slabs of stone and built the foundation of the pyramid, building up. Workers hauled the heavy stone blocks either on earthen ramps going up the side of the pyramid with logs, or made wooden ramps along all sides. Building a pyramid was a long process, and it required tens of thousands of workers working for several decades. The builders of the pyramid were actually paid workers, not slaves.
Rules of Building a Pyramid
Usually, the pharaohs started building their pyramids right when they started ruling. There was usually an architect and a chief engineer overseeing the process. Ancient Egyptians believed that location of the pyramid was crucial to the pharaoh’s afterlife. Location was determined by the western horizon, and the relative location to Memphis. Pyramids were always built on the west side of the Nile.
Stone
Pyramids were made of limestone from around the area, with higher quality limestone on the outer wall. The capstone was made from hard stone, such as granite or basalt. The decorated it with precious metals like gold or silver. The metal and limestone made the pyramid noticeable from miles away. Egyptians might have used copper chisels for quarrying sandstone and limestone, but for harder rock they used Dolerite. 60-70 Dolerite “pounders” would grind and pound the stone. They fit wooden pegs into holes they and cut into the stone. The filled the slots with water, and the wooden pegs would enlarge and break the stone. They then transported it to a boat. When stones arrived at the pyramid construction sites, they were brought up the pyramid with mud ramps covered with plaster.
King Djoser's Step Pyramid
A professor of Classics and Mediterranean studies at Penn State named Donald Redford says that Ancient Egyptians most likely chose the pyramid shape because it they thought it symbolized the sun’s rays. King Djoder of the Third Dynasty was the first pharaoh to ever build a pyramid. Imhotep, who was his architect, built a step pyramid with six mastabas- stone buildings with a trapezoid face- by placing them on top of each other.
Great Pyramid at Giza
In the year 2480 BC, thousands of men were shipped from every province on boats to build the Great Pyramid. The Kings’ men would come every summer and pick the most fit men and shout “In the name of the King!” They traveled by boat to the construction site. The laborers would live in huts. Professor Redford says that it took 20,000-33,000 workers to build the Great Pyramid of Giza, and that it took 23 years to build. In contrast, the Notre Dame Cathedral located in Paris took 200 years to finish construction! The plan was to layer layers of limestone blocks, one on top of the other, each layer smaller than the last. The site had already been smoothed and flattened. Stonemasons had created a foundation. The pyramid core were some steps.
Below is a flyer advertising the Great Pyramid.
Temples
In Ancient Egypt, they also built temples which served for different purposes. They were the home to priests, who held as much power as the Pharaoh. They were very important politically. There were two types of temples: cult temples that depicted pictures of gods and funerary (mortuary) temples that were shrines the kings that had passed away.
Geometry
Because of the Nile, the Egyptians were the first to use geometry. They measured property lines using ropes that were knotted at different parts. They believed squares and triangles were sacred, so they used it when building structures.
Ancient Egypt Q and A- Questions from the "Pyramids Activity" PowerPoint (D2L)
Q1. Who started the pyramids? (Done together in notebook)
A1. Around 2630 B.C., a pharaoh named King Djoser built a large pyramid over his tomb. It was a step pyramid.
Q2. Why are the pyramids important?
A2. Pyramids are important because they contain the pharaoh’s tomb. They also contain items believed to be essential to the afterlife, such as food, furniture, and statues that were meant to serve as servants.
Q3. Which pyramid is the biggest? Why?
A3. The Great Pyramid is the biggest because a pharaoh named Khufu wanted to show the world how great he was, so he requested for the greatest pyramid in history to be built.
Q4. What does the inside of a pyramid look like?
A4. Inside, there are many passageways to confuse grave robbers. Some lead to chambers that contain treasure, food, furniture, and other items believed to be essential to the afterlife. Some passageways are decorated with art depicting scenes of the pharaoh doing different things. Some things he enjoyed, others of laborers providing the necessities needed, like growing plants, etc. One chamber is the pharaoh’s tomb. Another is the queen’s chamber.
Q5. Do pyramids have secret passageways? Why?
A5. Pyramids do have secret passages, and their purpose is to confuse grave robbers, who want to steal treasure and even the mummy of the pharaoh itself!
Q6. What two shapes are used to make a pyramid?
A6. Triangle and square
Q7. Explain how pyramids are connected to math?
A7. Egyptians had to use geometry and angles to construct pyramids.India- Religions and Culture
Hinduism
Intro
India started around 4000 years ago in Northern India near the Indus River. It is now the world’s third most popular religion, with 750 million followers and over 80% of India’s population following it.
Basic Facts
Where started: India
Who started: Developed out of Brahmanism from Aryans
Sacred texts: Vedas and Upanishads
Sacred Building: Mandir
Holidays/Festivals: Divali- Festival of Lights
Holy Places: One holy place is the River GangesSymbols
The main symbol for Hinduism is Aum. (I think this is British spelling). It is the sound heard when meditating and the best name for their god.
The Word “Hindu” Origination
“Hindu” originates from the Indus River. The Indus river goes through Tibet, Kashmir, and Pakistan.
Religion Overview
Hindus believe in a God called Brahman. He consists of many other gods and goddesses. They believe that there is a piece of the Brahman in everyone, called the Atman.
Reincarnation and Moksha
Another belief is reincarnation. They believe that your soul will go through many lives in different bodies. You will continue being reincarnated until you achieve Moksha, which means becoming one with the Brahman. The purpose of reincarnation is to keep striving to that goal and to realize the truth- only the Brahman exists.
Karma
Your destiny is depends on Karma. If you have done something bad in your past life, it will reflect on your current life as a bad circumstance. So if you do something good, you will have more pleasant circumstances come to you. Because of this, Hindus try to lead a life that will get them good Karma.
The Four Goals
Hindus live their life by four goals:
1. Moksha- achieving the spiritual aspect through yoga and meditation. You also must act selflessly and to do good for the society.
2. Dharma- “the code for leading one’s life”
3. Artha- Striving for material gain in a just way
4. Karma- by doing the right thing and seeking to learn new things, you can reincarnate into higher statusThe Four Paths
To achieve Moksha, Hindus can choose one of four paths to follow (or all):
1. The path of knowledge (Jnana-Yoga) Spritual knowledge that helps your bond between your atman and the Brahman
2. The path of meditation (Dhyana-Yoga) Finding your inner self by concentrating so you can achieve Moksha
3. The path of devotion (Bhakti-Yoga) Worshipping one god or goddess through actions, words, and deeds.
4. The path of good works (Karma-Yoga) Doing your duties and the right thing.Buddhism
Intro
Buddhism is a common religion in many countries, with it being 2,700 years old and with 350 Buddhists around the world. It was based off of Siddhartha Gautama’s teachings and began in northeastern India. They focused on suffering and getting rid of it, or in other words, achieving Nirvana.
Basic Facts
Where started: Northeast India
Who started: Siddhartha Gautama, also Buddha
Sacred Texts: Tripitaka
Sacred Structures: Stupa
Holidays/Festivals: Wesak
Branches: Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese groups ex.: Solo and ZenIntro on Siddhartha Gautama
The Buddhist way of life was based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who was the Buddha and lived in the 4th or 5th Century BC.
Siddhartha Gautama Bio
Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha was born in Nepal in the village of Lumbini. He was born into a noble family, and had also enjoyed the pleasures of palace life; he knew none about age, sickness, and death. After he married and had a kid, he ventured outside the palace. He saw an old man, a sick man, and a corpse. Siddhartha Gautama was troubled by what he had seen. He then found a path away from suffering and pain, or Enlightenment. He was called the Buddha, which means “awakened one”.
Symbols
Worship
Buddhists worship at home and at a temple. They usually listen to a monk chant sacred texts and pray while sitting barefoot in front of a statue of the Buddha. They cannot face the bottoms of their feet towards the Buddha. At home, they have shrines with a statue of the Buddha and incense burner and candles. A well-known shape of a Buddhist temple is a pagoda. Another is an upside-down hollow semicircle shape. All temples have a statue or image of the Buddha. Puja is Buddhist worship. It involves making offerings- flowers, pure water, etc. at a shrine. They also chant. It is how they thank the Buddha for his teachings and show their love for him. Sometimes, typically on a full moon, Buddhists go to the temple to worship on religious days.
Beliefs
In the Buddhist religion, there is a cycle you must go through: life, death, and rebirth. You will continue going through that cycle until you achieve Enlightenment, or Nirvana, sometimes called Nibbana. You will then break out of the cycle and be in perfect peace.
Nirvana/Nibbana
To achieve Nirvana, not only do you have to follow the Buddha’s teachings, but you also have to meditate. Meditation is clearing the mind of all other thoughts. Then you will realize and focus on what’s important.
The Three Jewels
There are three beliefs known as the Three Jewels that Buddhists believe in.
1. Believing in the Buddha
2. Following Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha
3. The Sangha is the Buddhist community that consists of regular people, monks, and nuns. You want to help others to become less selfish and become EnlightenedThree Paths to Buddhism
There are three parts of the Buddha’s teachings:
- Three Signs of Beings
- Four Noble Truths
- Noble Eightfold Path
The Three Signs of Being
The Three Signs of Being are how the Buddha described life. The Three Signs of Being are:
1. Nothing in life is perfect- dukkha.
2. Everything in life is changing all the time- anicca.
3. There is no soul- anatta.
The Four Noble Truths
Dukkha: Suffering exists. Anger, death, disease, old age, loneliness, frustration are all forms of suffering.
Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering. Suffering is caused by craving and desire as well as jealously and fame.
Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. You can be truly happy and at peace. If you just focus on today and helping others, you will eventually eliminate desire and achieve peace and truly be happy- Enlightenment/Nirvana.
Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path. Following the Noble Eight-Fold path will lead to the end of suffering.
Dukkha
Everything is dukka, or full of suffering, because dukka means suffering.
The Noble Eight-Fold Path (chart from worldreligions.com)
Below is the Eightfold Path and is the path to Enlightenment via wisdom, morality, and meditation.
China- Technological Advances
Salt
Intro
During the Stone Age, the Ancient Chinese didn’t need to harvest salt because back then they hunted a lot and therefore ate tons of meat, which is rich with salt.
The Need for Salt
By 10,000 BC, people had begun to farm and started eating less meat and more grain such as wheat, barely, millet, etc. There was a lack of salt. Salt was important because it helped preserve food when there was no refrigerator, and it was also essential for the people and the farm animals to eat it.
Earliest Record of Harvesting Salt
We have evidence that by 6000 BC or earlier people from northern China had been harvesting salt from a salt lake called Lake Yuncheng.
Salt Around the World
On the borders of the Caspian Sea, in modern Azerbaijan, Central Asians were mining salt rock around 1500 BC. They traded salt for copper and obsidian. This was probably the earliest salt mine. Ancient Egyptians were evaporating water from the Mediterranean Sea for their mummies near the beginning of the Old Kingdom, around 3000 BC. They bought salt from Libya, Sfax in Tunisia, and Nubia as well. The Chinese were pouring ocean water into clay jars and boiling them until the water evaporated. Around the Eastern Chou Dynasty (700-600 BC), they were using iron pans instead. Etruscans in Italy, early Romans, and the Carthaginians in North Africa used the evaporation method to harvest salt.
Gunpowder
The Beginning
The concept of gunpowder was gradual. We have records that say a man named Wei Boyang in 142 AD wrote about three substances that would “fly and dance” violently. It is not for sure that he was talking about gunpowder, or if he was trying to create a potion that resulted in eternal life.
Gunpowder Developed
Sulfur, charcoal and saltpeter or potassium nitrate is how gunpowder is made. A scientist named Ge Hong had wrote down the ingredients in 300 AD, in the period of the Chin dynasty. When you mix the three substances together, it burns very fast and lets out gases.
Gunpowder Uses
During the Tang Dynasty, 700 AD, people began to understand how to use gunpowder. It could give firework displays. In 904 AD, inventors realized that gunpowder could be a lethal weapon. The made cannonballs and rockets to take to war. Their design for the cannonball is still the one used today
Gunpowder Spread
The Chinese tried to hide their invention from the rest of the world, but the Islamic and Roman Empires eventually found out by the 1100s AD. Europe found out too.
Chinese Seismograph
The Need for a Seismograph
Earthquakes were a common problem in China, and they came frequently and were every strong.
Zhang Heng and the Seismograph
A man named Zhang Heng came up with the seismograph in the Han Dynasty. A seismograph records earthquakes.
Zhang Heng's Design
Zhang Heng’s design could tell where an earthquake was coming from up to 500 kilometers or 310 miles away. The seismograph had a bronze jar with eight dragons on it. Each dragon had a ball in its mouth. When an earthquake would occur, the dragon closest to the direction it was coming from would open its mouth, and the ball would drop into the mouth of a frog.
Mesopotamia- Beginnings of Civilization
Land
Mesopotamia was a flat land between two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. These rivers provided water and transportation.
The First Cities
The Five Traits
The five characteristics that classify a civilization:
1. Cities needed to become more advanced. Originally, farmers needed cities because cities had a place to store food and trade surpluses. Then Sumer had some had temples and other opportunities.
2. Before specialized workers, there must be surpluses. With surpluses, more people could stop being farmers and find specialized work as artisans and workers. Soon, more people came to live in cities, and people needed to be organized. Earlier, Sumerian priests ran the city and judged.
3. Religion and government were complex institutions in Sumerian times.
4. In Mesopotamia, people counted using wooden sticks to measure and keep records. Eventually they invented writing.
5. Mesopotamians worked together to have advances in technology. Some examples are irrigation, canals, and tools of bronze.
Developing City-States
In Sumer, city-states began to develop when a city started to rule itself and surrounding lands. There were 10,000 to 100,000 people living in those areas. There were about 12 city-states by 3000 BC. Most of them were near the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, because of the fertile soil there.
Zigguat
The ziggurat served as a temple and a city hall. The first one was built about 2200 BC.
Kings Take Over
Eventually kings took over the priest’s jobs as Mesopotamia got richer and richer. Originally, the kings just led the city-states in battle against other civilizations or other city-states that came for their wealth. Soon kings took over full-time. Around 2375 BC, a single king soon ruled all of Sumer.
Learning Goal 8- Examine and compare the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan cultures
Mayans
Location and Daily Life
Art
Written and Spoken Language
Cities and Government Structure
Inventions
- Mathematical number system based off the number 20
- Calender system
- The Mayans were the first to use zero
Farming
Mayan Ball Game
Inca
Location and Daily Life
Written and Spoken Language
Cities and Government Structure
Inventions
Quipu- counting tool that was a cord with different lengths of knotted string tied to it
- Performed blood transfusions and brain surgery
Farming
Aztecs
Location and Daily Life
Originally, the Aztecs lived northwest Mexico then moved south to Valley of Mexico. There was a prophecy that said when they found an eagle sitting on a cactus, that they would have found their land. Eventually, the Aztecs did find that place and named it "The Place of the Prickly Pear". It was a small island in a lake. Most Aztec men farmed or owned land. Women cooked and took care of the children.
Art
Written and Spoken Language
Cities and Government Structure
Inventions
Created two calendars, one for farming and one for religion
Were amazing architects and built bridges
- Astronomy
Farming
Learning Goal Number 9- Investigate Europe in the Middle Ages, including: The Crusades
The Crusades
What were the Crusades?
Christians from Europe fought the Muslims in a series of battles to try to be able to have control of the Holy Land, or Jerusalem.
Why was the Holy Land so important?
The Holy Land was symbolic to a number of religions, including Muslims, Jewish people, and Christians. Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven there. Christians believed Christ was crucified and came back from the dead there.
Who fought in the Crusades?
The Holy Roman Empire in Europe fought the Arabs that were in Jerusalem. In the first Crusade they fought the Seljuk Turks.
How did the Crusades start?
A Byzantine Emperor named Alexius I asked Pope Urban II for help to gather an army to gain control of the Holy Land. The Pope did so with some help from the French and the Holy Roman Empire.
Why did the Crusaders fight?
First, they wanted to listen to the Pope, and do what he had told them to do. They also believed that their sins would be forgiven from killing people in past battles if they fought in the Crusades. Another reason is because it was an easy way for kings to get severe and harsh knights out of the kingdom. Young men wanted to prove their bravery and courage. Some people wanted to own land overseas. Sons who wouldn’t get their fathers land liked the idea. And Serfs, like slaves fought because they would be set free if they did.
Symbols
- “Dues vult!”, or “God wills it!” was the Christian’s battle cry.
- The Crusader’s symbol was a red cross. It was on clothing, armor, flags, and banners.
- Two famous groups of Holy Knights began between the second and third Crusades. They were the Teutonic Knights and the Templars.
Timeline of Crusades (Format from Ducksers.com):
The Crusades went on for 200 years and began in 1095. Here is a timeline of the Crusades:
The First Crusade (1095-1099): The first Crusade lasted four years and was a victory for Europe. They defeated the Turks and had control over Jerusalem.
The Second Crusade (1147-1149): Prior to the second Crusade, Edessa, a European city, was taken over. Every single person had been either killed or became a slave. The second Crusade was a loss for Europe.
The Third Crusade (1187-1192): The Sultan of Egypt, Saladin, regained control of Jerusalem in 1187. The third Crusade was led by Emperor Barbarossa of Germany, King Philip Augustus of France, and King Richard the Lionheart of England. King Richard the Lionheart battled Saladdin for a very long time, but still lost. He did, though, get the right for pilgrims to have access to Jerusalem.
The Fourth Crusade (1202-1204): Pope Innocent III led the fourth Crusade. But the Crusaders lost sight of their goal, and conquered Constantinople for their treasure. They fought themselves there.
Crusades in Detail
First Crusade
In 1096, Crusaders prepared in Constantinople and marched to Palestine (where Jerusalem was). Supplies were low, and many died on the way. Some were even captured and sold as slaves. The Crusaders gained control of Nicaea and Antioch. They finally seized Jerusalem in 1099. They split the land into states: Edessa, Antioch, Tripoli, and Jerusalem.
Second Crusade
Muslim Turks regained control of one of the states, Edessa, in 1144. In 1147, the Second Crusade began and a French and German army marched to Palestine, taking two different routes. The journey there was tough. The Crusaders lost to the Muslims in Damascus. Salah-al-Din (Saladin) joined his uncle in Syria to fight. He later became the ruler of Egypt. He brought together the Muslims so they could work together. In 1187 Saladin attacked the states in Palestine. He seized Jerusalem.
Third Crusade
The pope of the time asked people to join him for the Third Crusade. King Richard the Lion-Hearted came to battle, known for his courage and military skill. At first, it seemed like they would win, but in the end they didn’t. King Richard and Saladin agreed to a truce in 1192. Jerusalem would still belong to the Muslims, but European pilgrims could still visit.
Fourth Crusade
The truce was temporary, and the Crusaders set out again. They attacked a Christian city to pay the Italian traders back for transporting them. The pope was upset that they attacked a Christian city, though he had no power to stop them. The Crusaders didn’t go on with the original plan.
New Discoveries
Europe made new discoveries even though they lost- gunpowder, better designs, science, medicine, and a numerical system to replace the Romans. It showed them the world was very big- the empire stretched to India. They learned about new foods and spices like lemon, cotton, apricots, sugar, and silk. Many Europeans stayed in Jerusalem and learned the Muslim way of life.
Learning Goal 10- Investigate African Empires, including: Spread of Islam into Africa
The Spread of Islam
How did Islam spread into Africa?
Muslims Conquer West Africa
Muslims had conquered West Africa around 650 AD. They wanted to connect West Africa to the rest of the world, but the Sahara was a natural barrier blocking their way. Missionaries and traders ended up spreading Islam into West Africa (Ghana). Ghana was doing very well economically. The kings hired many Muslims. This improved Ghana’s relationship with other Muslim cities.
The Muslim Population Grows
A large Muslim population grew in Ghana’s capital, Kumbi. Not many people converted to Islam, but merchants were allowed to build mosques and other religious buildings. They built 12 mosques in Kumbi.
The Almovarids
The Almoravids, Muslim warriors from North Africa invaded Ghana in 1076 AD. The empire collapsed after they captured Kumbi. The king did come back to power, though, but the empire could not be rebuilt.
Mali Rises
Mali rose and took control of Ghana. They did convert to Islam, but they weren’t too strict about the teachings. In 1240, the Mande of Mali captured Kumbi and it trade routes. The merchants helped create a good social and economic relationship with Egypt and Tunis in Mali.
Merchants Spread Islam
Merchants spread Islam to West Africa because they went there to trade. West Africa had an assortment of products that the merchants liked. Merchants had a very high status because it traveled so much, in result accumulating a lot of knowledge. Overtime, Mali kings eventually became Muslims because of Muslim traders and scholars working so close to them as scribes and advisors.
Mansa Musa's Hajj
In 1312, Mansa Musa became ruler of Mali. He was strict about Islamic teachings. He took a hajj to Makkah. It took him 8 months to make the journey of 3,000 miles. 60,000-80,000 people went with him. He arrived in Cairo inn 1324. Because of his hajj, his empire was now recognized as important. During the hajj, he gave out a lot of gold to show how wealthy he was.
Merchants
Merchants had very interesting Muslim articles such as amulets, and the West Africans found them interesting. This might have started the transfer to Islam. The first West African community converted to Islam in 850 C.E.
The Songhay
In the Songhay period,- the 1430s-1591- which was after the empire of Mali had collapsed, the kings of Songhay provided money for Muslims to build mosques and other structures like libraries. The Songhay region liked the traders and improved economically because of its trading with Gao. They took control of more trading cities later on.
The Trans-Saharan Caravan Trade Routes
What Was Traded
They traded gold, which was common in West Africa, textiles, silk, beads, ceramics, ornamental weapons, utensils, salt, kola nuts, and slaves.
How They Traded
Gold Trade
Europe wanted gold, and the North African traders used this to their advantage. They traded salt for gold. The gold was located in a secret gold mine that no one knows location of to this day. The king collected taxes and had people to enforce these. Because they all spoke different languages, traders developed silent bartering.
Animal Domestication
This period of time was when camels were being domesticated. They were used for trade, transportation, and war, and probably came from Arabia. North African camels probably died out before this. There were different breeds of cattle.