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Task 1: Geography and the Development/Diffusion of Human Societies

In: Historical Events

Submitted By lilmizzmuffin
Words 408
Pages 2
Part A
The Andean civilizations was a significant geographic factor that shaped the development of South America. The Andes Mountains extend from Venezuela to the southern tip of the continent and considered to be some of the largest as well as the longest chain of mountains (Encyclopedia of Everything Mountains, 2016) in the world. They stretch along the entire west coast of South America from Cape Horn to Panama, a distance of 4,500 miles. Only the Himalaya Mountains and their adjacent ranges such as the Hindu Kush are higher than the Andes range.) The mountains not alone provided boundaries and beauty but it is rumored that the word Andes come from the word Anti which means copper in the Quechuan language. This metal is one of many resources found in this mountain cluster. Found also is gold, silver, tin, lead, iron, platinum, and quicksilver. It is home to many different species of animals, active and non-active volcanoes, great rivers, and glaciers that cover the high peaks of the mountain tops even close to the equator. (Encyclopedia of Everything Mountains, 2016).

Part B
An example of diffusion that is constant throughout world history is the spread of religious beliefs and practices. These travelled with traders, migrants, and warriors, just as much as with missionaries. For example, Arab traders brought Islam to the north and east of Africa, India, and southeast Asia long before their warriors followed. On the other hand, long before Protestants and Catholics immigrated to the Americas bringing Christianity, Crusaders and Conquistadors carried their beliefs onto the battlefields. Missionaries like Rabban Bar Sauma travelled from China to Europe during the 13th century, while Matteo Ricci travelled from Europe to China in the 16th century. What really makes the diffusion of religion so fascinating (and complicated!) is that one religion rarely replaces other beliefs, but synthesizes and transforms existing beliefs and practices. Some good examples of this include Sikhism, which has historical characteristics from both Islam and Hinduism, and Mayan Catholicism which combines many elements of ancient Mayan practices with elements of Spanish Catholicism.
Part C

References
Encyclopedia of Everything Mountains. (2016, March 15). Retrieved from Mountain Professor: http://www.mountainprofessor.com/highest-mountains.html
History of Andean Civilization. (2016, March 15). Retrieved from History World: http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?ParagraphID=eyx
Llamas South America. (2016, March 15). Retrieved from Quatr.us answers questions: http://quatr.us/southamerica/before/1500/environment//llamas.htm

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