Uruk and the Dark Side of Civilization
In Uruk and the Dark Side of Civilization, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains how the first cities brought advancement as well as progress and oppression. As people specialized their skills, civilization became more stratified. Miles examines the archaeological evidence that violence occurred in one of the first Mesopotamian cities, Uruk. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Lesson Express
Q: What were the downsides of civilization? How do we know these existed in Uruk?
A: Violence and oppression; we can see the violence in the artifacts from the period.
Q: How did agriculture impact society?
A: As agriculture got organized, people became more stratified and specialized. As people gained specific skills, cities continued to grow.
Q: How do we see stratification and specialization in today’s society?
A: Student responses will vary.
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