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Virginia Tech Paul W. Strait

Florida State University

James E. Straukamp

California State University–Sacramento

Brian E. Strayer

Andrews University

Fred Suppe

Ball State University

Roger Tate

Somerset Community College

Tom Taylor

Seattle University

Emily Teipe

Fullerton College

David Tengewall

Anne Arundel Community College

Jack W. Th acker

Western Kentucky University

Thomas Turley

Santa Clara University

John G. Tuthill

University of Guam

Maarten Ultee

University of Alabama

Donna L.Van Raaphorst

Cuyahoga Community College

J. Barry Vaughn

University of Alabama

Allen M.Ward

University of Connecticut

Richard D. Weigel

Western Kentucky University

Michael Weiss

Linn-Benton Community College

Arthur H.Williamson

California State University–Sacramento

Daniel Woods

Ferrum College

Katherine Workman

Wright State University

Judith T. Wozniak

Cleveland State University

Walter J. Wussow

University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

Edwin M. Yamauchi

Miami University

Robert W. Young

Carroll Community College

The following individuals contributed suggestions for the eighth edition:

Owen Bradley

Columbia College at Coast Guard Island

Daniel Bubb

Gonzaga University

Jane Laurel Carrington

St. Olaf College

Elizabeth Collins

Triton College

Michael Dolski

Ball State University

Hugh Dubrulle

Saint Anselm College

Carla Falkner

Northeast Mississippi Community College

Jennifer Foray

Purdue University

Carol Herringer

Wright State University

Martin Menke

Rivier College

Wyatt Moulds

Jones County Junior College

Ted Petro

New England College

Kevin Robbins

Indiana University

Purdue University–Indianapolis

Eric C. Roberson

Wake Technical Community College

Matthew Ruane

Florida Institute of Technology

Mark Edward Ruff

Saint Louis University

Thomas J. Schaeper

St. Bonaventure University

Sergei Zhuk

Ball State University

The editors at Cengage Wadsworth have been both helpful and congenial at all times. I especially wish to thank Clark Baxter, whose clever wit, wisdom, gentle prodding, and good friendship have added much depth to our working relationship. Margaret Beasley thoughtfully, wisely, efficiently, and pleasantly guided the overall development of the eighth edition. I also thank Nancy Blaine for her suggestions and valuable insights. I also want to express my gratitude to John Orr, whose good humor, well-advised suggestions, and generous verbal support made the production process easier. Pat Lewis, a truly outstanding copy editor, continued to teach me much about the fine points of the English language. Abigail Baxter provided valuable assistance in suggesting illustrations and obtaining permissions for the illustrations.

Above all, I thank my family for their support. The gifts of love, laughter, and patience from my daughters, Jennifer and Kathryn; my sons, Eric and Christian; my daughters-in-law, Liz and Laurie; and my sons-in-law, Daniel and Eddie, were enormously appreciated. I also wish to acknowledge my grandchildren, Devyn, Bryn, Drew, Elena, Sean, Emma, and Jackson, who bring great joy to my life. My wife and best friend, Diane, contributed editorial assistance, wise counsel, good humor, and the loving support that made it possible for me to accomplish a project of this magnitude. I could not have written the book without her.

INTRODUCTION TO STUDENTS OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION

* * *

CIVILIZATION, AS HISTORIANS define it, first emerged between five and six thousand years ago when people in different parts of the world began to live in organized communities with distinct political, military, economic, and social structures. Religious, intellectual, and artistic activities assumed important roles in these early societies. The focus of this book is on Western civilization, a civilization that many people identify with the continent of Europe.

Defining Western Civilization

Western civilization itself has evolved considerably over the centuries. Although the concept of