The Olmecs and Mayans: Ancient Civilizations of Mesoamerica
The Olmecs
The Olmec culture is considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica due to its importance and the range it reached in the pre-Columbian Mexican art scene. Their culture is characterized by the construction of altars and the carving of colossal stone heads with animalistic features, zoomorphic figurines that reveal a unique realistic style, and jade adornments. The most important center was La Venta, distinguished by its impressive monumental sculptures, low-relief carvings, and the use of
Read MoreThe Rise and Fall of Islamic Civilization: From Mecca to Al-Andalus
1. The Birth and Expansion of Islam
Islamic civilization is inseparable from the religion that gives it its name: Islam. This religion has its origin in the Arabian Peninsula in the early 7th century.
1.1. Tribes
When Islam first emerged, the desert of the Arabian Peninsula was occupied by tribes that often confronted each other and did not have a political power that united them. Their religion was polytheistic. In other words, they believed in many gods. Mecca was a sacred city by this time, as people
Read MorePopulation and Demographics
Is Greater Life Expectancy, Female Workforce Participation, and Welfare State Development Responsible for Tertiary Sector Growth in Developed Countries?
Yes, since the 1940s, increased life expectancy has created more demand for services for senior citizens. The incorporation of women into the labor force has created a need for more childcare and services/products that reduce housework. The development of the welfare state led to the growth and consolidation of social services.
Migration Flows
Migration
Read MoreLife in a Medieval Village: A Glimpse into the 12th Century
The 12th century was a period of expansion in Europe, often referred to as the late Middle Ages. Several societal improvements led to a near doubling of the European population, from 43 million to 73 million. The family unit played a crucial role in this growth.
The Lefèvre Family
– Father Jacques:
Jacques is an efficient farmer working diligently on a modest plot of land. Engaged in the traditional practice of three-field crop rotation, he carefully rotates wheat, barley, and fallow, maintaining
Read MoreEconomic Activities and Systems: A Comprehensive Guide
Economic Activities and Goods
Economic activities are those carried out by human beings to obtain goods (products and services) that they require to satisfy their needs.
Economic goods are products and services generated by economic activity.
Sectors of Economic Activity
Economic activities are grouped into three sectors:
Primary Sector
This sector comprises activities that provide resources directly from nature or raw materials, including:
- Agriculture
- Livestock
- Fishing
- Forestry exploitation
- Mining
Improvements
The Rise of Liberalism: From Old Regime to Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution
Definitions
Old Regime
The Old Regime encompasses the political, economic, social, and cultural characteristics prevalent in 18th-century Europe. It succeeded feudalism as an economic system and maintained an estamental society, with the king holding social power and the church exerting significant control.
Three Estates System
This system, prevalent in the 18th century, divided society into two groups: privileged and non-privileged. The privileged comprised the nobility and clergy, while the non-privileged
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