Lecture 2 - Early Settlements

The Origin of Cities (key points)

The move from hunting-gathering to settled existence (agriculture) was the first big shift

Change in reproductive cycle and increase of population - possibilites of surplus

Flooding meant need for community work and surplus meant a possibilities of specialization-  craftsman, mason, farmer, soldier etc.

The role of the hunter-king in leading the settlement. The birth of administrator

The univeralization of religion by amalgamation of different kinds of practices of local deities (very true for India) into a singular popular religion

The king use religion as an instrument of power- the role of the priest-religion in giving sanctity to the rule of the king family

Autocratic rule, religious ceromonies (invoking the Gods) raids for live sock and more land become a common pattern at many places

Key Characteristics of early city
The presence of a precinct and a drstci change of scale- temple, citadel in the precinct (usually raised plinth)
Ciy wall
Ordinary housing with no heirarchy either in houses or streets
Market spot as part of the temple

Mesopotamian case studies

Ur is a good example of a city near the river with a citadel

Key features were
Presence of a citadel and building of religious importance on raised plinth - Precint
The buildings in the presincts were generous in scale as compared to the residential fabric around. A big contrast

Egyptian case studies

River valley civilization - surplus- community activity- beaurecracy-ruler

Role of the priest in helping the King use religion as an instrument of sanction

Establishment of unified religious ideology by the use of symbols, myths, arts and architecture

Examples are - Amarna, Memphis, Thebes