The Classic Period

The biggest change that occurred during the Classical Period was the formation of large regional civilizations in China, India, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. For example, the conquest by Alexander the Great and his Greek army started the creation of an empire that stretched from the Mediterranean Empire to Indian Empire. This new empire made contact with the Mediterranean and Indian civilizations, and as a result, trade increased. Through the exposure to new ideas about religion, political systems, and art, each civilization improved its ideas. Even though there were many difference between these classical civilizations, they each had similar beliefs about the status of men and woman, and the elderly and youth. Elders were treated with respect and were looked upon highly by the younger members of the community. Widows and mothers had a high status in the household, even though their sons were considered the head of the house. Elderly men were considered wise and looked to for advance, even though they were also thought of as greedy and needy the older they became. The early ideals were a setting stone for modern civilizations.