Please answer at least ONE of the following questions. Remember to answer as completely as possible, and explain using specific facts, events, and other points. Organize the answers and produce well-written efforts. As a short cut, you may cite the text as "Bentley and Ziegler, 108" (noting authors and page numbers). Other sources should be cited fully using the University of Chicago Style (Turabian). When in doubt, cite and reference completely.
1. What is the paleolithic period? When does this end and for whom? Compare this with the neolithic age. What are the significant steps humans made in the former? For the latter? Discuss the importance of the latter.
2. How does human migration change humanity? Discuss the expansion of humanity across the earth. WHat impact does this have not only on societies and the environments involved? Explain, providing details.
3. What is the neolithic revolution? Where does this take place and what are its results? How does this affect humans who experienced it? Do different societies experience this at different times? Explain. Why do Bentley and Zigler suggest that neolithic transition is preferable to neolithic revolution? Explain.
4.Where do the first civilizations appear? Define civilization. What characterizes this human accomplishment? Why does this happen in Mesopotamia? What societies are involved there? How do these societies interact or influence with other peoples in the region? Explain.
5. How do the Mesopotamian societies organize themselves? Explain. How does trade develop and in what materials? Does metal play a role in these states? Is the concept of empire important? Discuss, providing details.
6. How does human migration affect the Mesopotamian region? Who is moving and from where? How does these migrations impact the societies and peoples involved?
7. Discuss human societies and states in Africa. What develops and where? How do human migrations affect the regions of Africa? Who is involved and what results from these movements?
8. How does Egyptian civilization develop? How does it differ from Mesopotamian? How is it similar? Explain. How does it change over time and why? Explain Egyptian religion and compare it to other societies' beliefs.
9. What role do rivers and water play in early civilizations? Compare the impact of the Nile with the Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia. Do the rivers influence how these societies develop? Explain. How does the longevity of Egyptian society compare with those states in Mesopotamia.
10. After answering one of the questions above, are there any other issues or questions you would like to your colleagues to consider. Please post here and discuss.