Key Ideas

Think about the following questions as you watch the video

1. 02:50 What do the earliest civilizations have in common? What does food have to do with civilization?
2. 03:24 People often use the term “civilized” to mean having a refined culture. Does John Green agree with this definition? If not, what does he think is a more historically accurate way to understand the concept of civilization?
3. 04:18 What do states have to do with barbarians? As people who live in states, what three things do we tend to assume about states?
4. 05:27 According to John Green, what two things are really important for the power of the state? What’s needed to make sure those two things can happen?
5. 06:46 What is James Scott's “big idea” about people who live in the hills? What other evidence—from other authors—does John Green present which may corroborate Scott’s idea?
6. 07:43 What are some benefits to life in the hills? What are some drawbacks?
7. 09:10 Where is Zomia and how many people live there? What’s unique about this region?
8. 11:33 What makes it difficult for historians to understand people living outside of states?