Babylonian Empire expanded during this time to include all of Mesopotamia. It was led by Hammurabi who established a set of laws known as Hammurabi’s Code, one of the first written codes of law in recorded history. During this time period Indo-Europeans used chariots to invade Egypt and Babylon who still relied on foot soldiers. Chariots which were first developed in central Asia were the newest military technology. They are 2-wheeled carts pulled by 2 or more horses hitched side-by-side, and during warfare a chariot carried one or more archers. The critical invention that allowed the construction of these light, horse-drawn chariots for use in battle was the spoked wheel. In time though, Egypt and Babylon learned to use the technology themselves and repelled the invaders.
Olmec Civilization in Mexico was Meso-America’s first major civilization, and therefore, is known as its “Mother culture” (Wikipedia). They laid the foundation for many of the cultures that followed. “Among other ‘firsts’, the Olmec appeared to practice ritual bloodletting and played the Mesoamerican ballgame, hallmarks of nearly all subsequent Mesoamerican societies. The most familiar aspect of the Olmecs is their artwork, particularly the aptly named ‘colossal heads’” (Wikipedia).
Two religions began: Hinduism and then Judaism. The dates are murky for both, but Hinduism began somewhere between 2300 – 1500 BCE in India. It has no single founder, but is rooted in the historical Vedic religion and thus is often called the “oldest living major religion” (Wikipedia) in the world. Hinduism is still the majority religion of the Indian subcontinent and is the world’s third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. Hindus believe in one Supreme Being that has many forms; they also believe in reincarnation and karma.
Judaism began somewhere between 1812 – 600’s BCE in the Middle East. The Hebrews (or “Israelites;” “Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob”) (American Heritage Dictionary 330) were led by Moses (#15) (Hart, 79) who is thought to have lived in the 1200’s BCE and is traditionally considered to be the author of the Torah (Jewish holy book and first 5 books of the Old Testament), and “the most important prophet in Judaism,” (Wikipedia) as well as an important prophet in Christianity and Islam. According to the Book of Exodus in the Bible, he led his people out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and into sight of the Promised Land, Canaan (modern day Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria & Jordan). Moses is also the one said to have received the Ten Commandments.
Shang Dynasty began in the Yellow River valley of China. During this time the Chinese developed their own writing system which they wrote on oracle bones. (Oracle means, “a shrine dedicated to a prophetic god; the priest at such a shrine; a prophecy; a wise person” (The American Heritage Dictionary 499). The Chinese also made advances in astronomy; unfortunately, they also made human sacrifices. (All from Wikipedia)
