Isabella Gibson

AP World History

Mr. Malone

September 7, 2018

Causes of Ancient Civilization Expansion

Over the vast timeline of history, one can observe the numerous civilizations that have

emerged in different parts of the globe. The period after 8000 BCE, in particular, had some of the

most distinguished civilizations in history. Some of these prosperous civilizations of that time

include Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Minoan Crete, Ancient Israel, Assyria, and several more.

With the development of these empires came major cultural influence, scientific impacts, forms

of the first written language, social hierarchy and religious traditions that all contributed as a

building block the development of future civilizations. Along with this, they also aided modern

human understanding of the early peoples. However, what originally made these empires so

successful, in both growth and expansion, was a combination of two things. Firstly, the influence

of agriculture greatly impacted the overall expansion of civilizations. Next, the development of

impressive military technologies profusely aided expansion. It was through both of these things

and more that early civilizations began to expand.

Beginning in the Middle East sometime around 8000 BCE, the Neolithic Revolution

brought new ways for early humans to sustain themselves without the unreliability of hunting

and gathering. Due to the dedication required to farm, early peoples began to form permeant

settlements. Due to this settled lifestyle, farmers were able to create a surplus of food which led

to an eventual increase in population in different areas. The increase of populations led the

civilizations to adjust accordingly, further expanding their boarders. The Andeans, for example,
utilized surplus foods by preserving them through freeze drying. This method of food

preservation allowed the Andean civilizations to sustain themselves when crops failed, and

ultimately led to increase of population and expansion of the communities. With the adoption of

agriculture also came the need to keep track of economics within the community. This idea led to

the development of Cuneiform, a wedge-shaped form of writing used originally for keeping track

of farmers’ land, crops, and animals in Ancient Mesopotamia. Over time, this form of writing

was used not only for economic reasons, but for documenting Mesopotamian culture that could

be spread throughout the Middle East. The age-old adoption of agriculture ultimately sustained a

stable population and sparked new ways of spreading cultures that would lead to civilization

growth.

Following the adoption of agriculture, early peoples began to utilize their natural

resources to create new technologies, specifically, military innovations. These military advances

would soon become a major aspect in conquering lands, expanding boarders, and obtaining

resources. Examples such as the civilizations during the Iron Age or Bronze Age show how

influential materials such as bronze or iron can be in all parts of the globe. The Hittites, located

in Western Asia, came to power after exploiting Anatolia’s metal resources that played a major

role in the empire’s wealth. The Hittites were also the first people to make tools and weapons out

of iron, along with the development of the horse and chariot. These newfound technologies

provided them with an advantage against their opponent in war. It was because of these military

technologies that they were able to thrive as an empire and obtain conquered land. The ancient

Assyrians, in addition to iron, also developed conquering tactics of their own. The Assyrians

would dig hidden tunnels under the walls of the city for rapid underground movement, construct

mobile towers for archers, battering rams for the weakened areas in their opponent, and signal
fires. These strategies were all used in ancient Assyrian warfare and ultimately helped them

obtain captives and land. It was through advanced military technologies that many civilizations,

such as the Assyrians and Hittites, were able to expand and grow as successful empires.

The adoption of agriculture and newly developed military technologies ultimately led to

the success and expansions of numerous civilizations. However, these developments permeated

throughout future civilizations as well, and was not just limited to the period before 600 BCE.

Military developments, in particular, was a very important aspect in the successes during World

War II, which occurred in the middle of the 20th century. The most important advancement of

this time was the first atomic bomb. Due to the advancements in creating the first atomic bomb,

the United States of America helped many nations gain back previous boarders and draw new

ones. However, in contrast with ancient civilizations, the people that created this military

technology helped other nations expand boarders rather than helping themselves expand

boundaries. Not only did military advances influence WWII, but agriculture saw an astounding

250% growth in income and produce from 1939 to the beginning of the War. While in contrast to

the ancient civilizations, the War actually helped expand the agriculture business creating more

low-class jobs for struggling Americans during this troublesome time in the world. From the

beginnings of the first ancient civilizations stretching to the beginning of the 21st century, the

adoption of agriculture and military technologies continues to be a vital factor in the expansion

of nations.