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Originally posted by Hanslune
reply to post by cloudyday
You might find this of interest
Copper
Copper and Bronze
I'd say that obsidian, flint and ocher were probably more strategic earlier on, at least they were widely tradededit on 7/3/12 by Hanslune because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by cloudyday
reply to post by Hanslune
O.k. maybe bronze is not the right resource. But here is my real question: Did empires happen in the bronze age because of some new capability that made imperialism less costly or did empires happen because they became more necessary (e.g. protecting trade routes to new strategic resources)?
Originally posted by Hanslune
Originally posted by cloudyday
reply to post by Hanslune
O.k. maybe bronze is not the right resource. But here is my real question: Did empires happen in the bronze age because of some new capability that made imperialism less costly or did empires happen because they became more necessary (e.g. protecting trade routes to new strategic resources)?
Why did empire happen?
imho
Because city states happened, and were organized to control agricultural irrigation. It was found that others were a military threat and the easiest way to end the threat was to conquer them - which was found to add benefits to the conqueror in the way of security and tribute plus ego enhancement for the King
Originally posted by DISRAELI
reply to post by Hanslune
I think, with regard to Mesopotamia, we can detect different stages.
First, competition with neighbouring states about irrigation rights, which ends up as a unification process.
Then fighting off raiders from less settled areas, like the hills to east and north, and invading their home territories in an attempt to subdue them.
Then, later, the drive north-west and west for sources of metal etc, as mentioned in the OP, and this is developed in the Bronze age.
Originally posted by cloudyday
(I would say something in response to what you wrote, but unfortunately I think I'm not getting what either one of you is saying exactly.
Originally posted by DISRAELI
Originally posted by cloudyday
(I would say something in response to what you wrote, but unfortunately I think I'm not getting what either one of you is saying exactly.
If I'm explaining my points badly, which is very possible, I won't be upset if you ask me to clarify.
My main theme has been that your insight in the OP hit the nail on the head (once "bronze" was corrected to "raw materials for bronze"), and I've been expanding on that point.
edit on 8-3-2012 by DISRAELI because: (no reason given)