What are secondary (derived) civilizations?
Secondary civilizations, also known as derived civilizations, refers to civilizations that are influenced by origin (pristine) civilizations in the process of development and growth. In other words, the secondary civilization is influenced by and derived from its original civilization. A secondary civilization is also a branch of the origin civilization or other origin civilizations.
Here are some examples of derived civilizations from different regions of the world:
Ancient Greek Civilization:
Ancient Greek civilization was the most important derived civilization in the western civilization history.
Ancient Greek civilization absorbed some cultural elements and ideas from Mesopotamia and Egypt over time. For example, Greek art and architecture show some influence from Mesopotamian and Egyptian styles, particularly in the use of geometric patterns, sculpture, and monumental structures. Additionally, Greek philosophers such as Thales and Pythagoras may have been influenced by ideas from Mesopotamian and Egyptian scholars. The emergence of Ancient Greek civilization occurred later in history compared to the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Hellenistic Civilization:
Following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE, Hellenistic civilization emerged as a blend of Greek culture with the indigenous cultures of the conquered regions. It spread across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, blending Greek language, art, philosophy, and governance with local traditions.
Islamic Civilization:
Islamic civilization emerged in the 7th century CE with the rise of Islam and the expansion of the Arab Empire. It spread across the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, incorporating elements of Arabic, Persian, and other cultural traditions. Islamic civilization made significant contributions to science, art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.
Byzantine Civilization:
The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, emerged from the Eastern Roman Empire following the division of the Roman Empire in the 4th century CE. Byzantine civilization was influenced by Roman, Greek, and Christian traditions and played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting classical knowledge during the Middle Ages.
Medieval European Civilization:
Medieval European civilization developed from the fusion of Roman, Germanic, Celtic, and Christian traditions following the decline of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE. It underwent significant transformations during the Middle Ages, including the spread of Christianity, the feudal system, and the emergence of nation-states.
Colonial Latin American Civilization:
Colonial Latin American civilization emerged from the interaction between indigenous cultures, European colonizers, and African slaves following the European conquest and colonization of the Americas in the 15th and 16th centuries. It blended indigenous traditions with Spanish and Portuguese colonial influences, creating a diverse cultural landscape in Latin America.
These are just a few examples of derived civilizations that have emerged throughout history, reflecting the dynamic interplay of cultural exchange, migration, conquest, and adaptation within human societies. Each derived civilization has its unique characteristics, developments, and contributions to human history and civilization.