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Thursday, November 29, 2007

Egypt and the Middle East: Contact with Early Greece

I thought this was a perceptive article. Yet another work of Peter Stearns (see posting "Peter Stearns"). I wonder where our next unit will go? Based on this article, I guess that we will shift our focus from classical Eastern syncretism to look at classical western syncretism.

These are my responses to the questions:
(Note: Do not copy these responses. They are my own intellectual property.)

  1. Thesis Statement: “What is undeniable, however, is that several exchange points did exist during the heyday of the Middle East and Egypt, and that Greeks borrowed extensively but also combined influences with local features in novel ways-and all this well in advance of the rise of more characteristic Greek styles and institutions from about 800 BCE onward”

  2. The early societies of Greece, Egypt, and The Middle East had many interactions. These came in several forms. One major form of interaction was invasion. As one civilization invaded another, it brought with it cultural aspects that then diffused into local society. Another major form of interaction was trade. As merchants traveled with their goods they brought with them cultural aspects which would then diffuse. These factors of trade and invasion constitute the main interactions of these early civilizations.

  3. These societies were greatly impacted by the interactions outlined in #2. As societies interact, cultural diffusion occurs. The areas in which the societies were impacted are, as Stearn's stated, “writing, artistic styles, technology (including weaponry), and some religious elements.” Egyptian and Middle Eastern societies, through interactions and diffusion, helped to shape Greek culture. However, the process was syncretic, and many native elements remained influential. It was more borrowing and blending than wholesale adoption.

  4. The societies involved benefited greatly from these interactions. The direct benefits from trade are obviously the exchange of useful materials. The benefits of being invaded are less apparent. The main benefits come in the form of the cultural diffusion described in the previous response. The exchange of ideas is even more beneficial in the long run than the exchange of materials. The best aspects of both cultures can be picked out (through syncretic cultural diffusion) to make a more advanced culture overall.

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