State Level Societies

Question 1

Characteristics of state level societies

Answer 1

Centralized hierarchically organized government, large societies with social stratification, state exerts control over specific territory, state has monopoly over legitimate use of force. Productive agricultural economies. Settlement hierarchy with tiers based off size. Centralized wealth from taxation, imposing monumental architecture, writing or record keeping system.

Question 2

State Development Theories

Answer 2

1. Hydraulic Theory- states emerged to intensify agriculture, water must be controlled as well as rights to water. Construction of elaborate irrigation systems led to full time managers.
2. Trade - Control and organization of power, to control and regulate trade when it reaches a certain level
3. Circumscription and Competition - Growing populations are hemmed in by other populations and geological structures. This hemming leads to in fighting and warfare, so powers emerge to keep the peace.

Question 3

Empire Examples

Answer 3

Roman, Aztec, Inca, Mayan, Mongol

Question 4

Monte Alban

Answer 4

Capital of Mexico City, 500BC-AD 700. Significantly larger than other settlements, violent carvings on public buildings. Also found glyph depicting site of human decapitation.

Question 5

Inca

Answer 5

Capital at cuzco stretching down coast covering most of leftern south America, 1400-1532, massive agricultural investment, forced to move by Spanish conquerors, rope bridges, had people relay messages on foot. Conquered easily by Spanish because of civil war.

Question 6

Teotihuacan

Answer 6

Near Mexico city, 2000 Bp/1 AD, Enormous, used grid system , over 2000 apartment complexes, specialized artisans, hierarchy, no art of individuals, city with lots of immigrants , settlement hierarchy. Collapsed cause of decline in trade.

Question 7

Zapotec

Answer 7

Oaxaca Valley, Mexico. Zapotec state was from 2500-500 BC. Capital city is Monte Alban.