West, The: Encounters & Transformations, Volume I (Chapters 1-16)

by Levack, Brian P.; Muir, Edward; Maas, Michael; Veldman, Meredith

• ISBN13: 9780673982506
• ISBN10: 0673982505
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: Longman

Summary

The West: Encounters and Transformations takes a new approach to telling the story of Western Civilization. Rather than looking at Western Civilization only as the history of Europe from ancient times to the present, this groundbreaking book examines the changing nature of the Westhow the definition of the West has evolved and transformed throughout history. It explores the ways Western civilization has changed as a result of cultural encounters with different beliefs, ideas, technologies, and peoples, both outside the West and within it. Presenting a balanced treatment of political, social, religious, and cultural history, this new text emphasizes the ever-shifting boundaries of the geographic and cultural realm of the West, with special attention given to Eastern Europe and the Muslim world, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Table of Contents

""What Is the West?""

The Shifting Borders of the West

Asking the Right Questions

The Beginnings of Civilizations, 10,000-2000 BCE

Humans, Nature, and the Role of Culture

Civilizations in the Middle East

New Mesopotamian Kingdoms: Babylonia and Asyria

The Emergence of Egyptian Civilizations

The Transformation of Europe

Conclusion: From Food Production to Civilizations

Justice in History: Gods and Kings in Mesopotamian Justice

The Human Bo

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