What are secondary (derived) civilizations? (2)(Europe)(1)
Europe has been home to many influential civilizations throughout history, each contributing significantly to the continent’s cultural, political, and social development. These civilizations laid the foundation for modern European societies and influenced global culture. Below are some of the key civilizations in Europe:
1. Ancient Greek Civilization (c. 800 BCE – c. 146 BCE)
Location: Southern Europe, including mainland Greece and islands in the Aegean Sea.
Key Features:
Known as the birthplace of Western philosophy, democracy, theater, and classical art.
City-states like Athens (known for democracy and culture) and Sparta (known for military discipline).
Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Epic works like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
Significant contributions in science, mathematics, architecture (Parthenon), and political thought.
Legacy: Greek culture heavily influenced the Roman Empire and Western thought, particularly in philosophy, political theory, and the arts.
2. Roman Civilization (753 BCE – 476 CE)
Location: Centered in Rome, Italy, but expanded to encompass much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Key Features:
Known for its vast empire, legal systems, military prowess, and monumental architecture.
Innovations in engineering, such as roads, aqueducts, and buildings like the Colosseum and Pantheon.
The spread of Latin language, Roman law, and governance systems.
The Roman Republic (509 – 27 BCE) developed ideas of civic duty and representative governance, while the Roman Empire (27 BCE – 476 CE) expanded imperial rule.
The eventual spread of Christianity throughout Europe, especially after Emperor Constantine legalized the religion.
Legacy: The Roman legal system, governance structure, and infrastructure influenced Europe for centuries, and its culture forms a foundational part of Western civilization.
3. Byzantine Empire (330 – 1453 CE)
Location: Eastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
Key Features:
The continuation of the Roman Empire in the East after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.
Strongly Christian, with Orthodox Christianity becoming the dominant faith in the region.
Famous for preserving Roman and Greek cultural achievements and maintaining a vibrant culture of art, architecture (Hagia Sophia), and literature.
A highly organized bureaucracy and military that defended the empire from invasions for centuries.
Major role in spreading Christianity to the Slavic peoples.
Legacy: Byzantine culture influenced Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Orthodox Church, and the preservation of classical knowledge had a profound impact on the European Renaissance.
4. Viking Civilization (8th – 11th centuries CE)
Location: Originated in Scandinavia (modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), but expanded through raids, trade, and settlements in regions across Europe, including the British Isles, France, and Russia.
Key Features:
Known for their seafaring, exploration, and warrior culture.
Conducted raids but also traded extensively and established settlements in places like England, Normandy (France), and Iceland.
The Vikings had a rich mythology and oral traditions, including the Norse sagas and Eddas.
Established the kingdom of Kievan Rus’ in Eastern Europe, which became the foundation of modern Russia and Ukraine.
Legacy: The Viking influence spread across Europe, shaping the political landscapes of England, France, and parts of Eastern Europe. Viking culture and mythology are still celebrated today.
(To be continued)