Video Lesson

Lesson Objectives

After learning this lesson, you will be able to:

• Analyze how human economic and cultural activities led to the emergence of early states;
• Justify how agriculture led to state formation;
• Analyze how society was organized from simple to complex;
• Appreciate the contribution of agriculture to human civilization.

Brainstorming Questions

• Can you explain the reasons why people today still prefer to live along major rivers?
• Compare and contrast the level of democracy in ancient Greece and Rome with modern democracy and its election system?

Key Terms and Concepts

1.3. The Emergence of States

1.3.1. The Theories of the Emergence of State

Various theories propose that religion, war leadership, and control of trade routes and irrigation are crucial factors in the formation of ancient states. However, these factors may vary in significance from one state to another.

 Divine right theory:- Religion was a significant factor in the formation of ancient states, providing a sense of security in a world plagued by famine, war, diseases, and natural disasters. It was also believed to ensure fertility for crops, animals, and women. Therefore, the role of priests, who acted as intermediaries between humans and gods, was crucial. Over time, these priests likely merged religious and political authority, eventually becoming kings whose legitimacy stemmed from religious sanction. These kings were seen as earthly representatives of the supreme deity, a concept known as the “Divine Right Theory.”

Conflict theory:- War leadership played a crucial role in the rise of kingship in ancient times. Given the frequent occurrence of intense and violent conflicts, societies required a consistent war leader. Successful leadership in war would attract loyal supporters, ultimately establishing one as a king.

Economic theory:- While trade predates the formation of ancient states, it likely contributed significantly to their emergence. Local chiefs positioned along trade routes could levy tolls on goods, providing protection to merchants and the routes themselves. Over time, these tolls could evolve into regular tributes, enriching the chief and consolidating his power. Wealthy chiefs found it easier to garner followers and establish lasting rule as kings.

Oriental despotism theory:- it explains the origins of ancient states, focusing on civilizations like ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. These societies relied on the Nile River and the Tigris-Euphrates valleys for agriculture, which required extensive irrigation. According to this theory, the necessity of organizing labor for large-scale irrigation and flood control projects led to the rise of strong, despotic state powers in these regions.

1.3.2. Main Features of the Early States

Agricultural Surplus Production: Early states emerged primarily due to the advancement of agriculture, which provided a surplus of food to sustain farmers and support other classes such as state officials and soldiers.

Social Stratification: These ancient states were characterized by social divisions into classes with specialized roles, including craftsmen, soldiers, and officials.

Urban Center and Architectural Development: Ancient states varied in size, power, and level of civilization. The term “civilization” derives from Latin words meaning citizen and city, referring to states with urban centers where literacy, relatively advanced technology for their time, and sufficient wealth enabled the construction of monumental architecture, as seen in ancient Egypt and Aksum. These civilizations also typically possessed developed religious or secular philosophies, such as those in ancient China.

Religion as an Ideological Systems: Ancient empires viewed their states as institutions of divine creation, with their rulers, considered representatives of gods or God on earth. Kings, emperors, and their male heirs in the ancient world viewed their authority as given by God to govern over society.