Abstract This paper discusses how ancient Egypt was one of these first civilizations and how the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt were the first real kings in the world and because they were so powerful, they had the ability to build such astonishing structures such as the great pyramids. It discusses how the Egyptian pyramids are the oldest stone buildings in the world, standing for nearly 5,000 years and how their size, strength and age is the reason pyramids fascinate people to this day. It describes how the Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs and were said to be the pharaoh's "Castle of Eternity" in order to preserve their bodies for the next life. It examines the architecture, the design, the materials and the strict criteria to which they had to conform as well as the logisitics of how they were built at the time.
From the Paper "The base of the pyramid had to be a perfect square. This meant that all four sides had to be perfectly even in length. All four angles would have to be perfect right angles. This would prove to be difficult for the large distances that had to be measured. Each side of the Great Pyramid is measured at 755 feet in length. The Egyptians didn?t have measuring tapes like we have today. They made these measurements with cords of palm-fiber or flax-fiber, which tended to stretch when used to measure such distances. After this the base would finally be ready for the start of construction. While the base was being prepared and measured stone was already being quarried and brought down the river to be placed near the proposed sight for the pyramid (Pace, Mildred)."
Abstract The Parthenon (447-32 BCE) was a crowning glory of Athenian civilization of the classical era and, what is more important, it was intended as such at the time. Thus, nearly 2,500 years later, it is possible to view the building as incorporating all of what the Athenians saw as beautiful, sacred and of civic importance in architecture. The paper shows that as its overwhelming position and the nature of its sculptural decoration make clear, it was the focal point of the religious-civic identity of the Athenian polis. The paper describes how the Parthenon housed the great statue of Athena Parthenos, was the main building in the complex of temples dedicated to the gods on the sacred rock of the Acropolis, depicted some version of the most important Athenian religious ceremony (the Panathenaic procession and festival) and loomed over the city as a reminder and a promise of Athenian greatness.
From the Paper "But there was also a contradiction in being expected to achieve the perfection of the Doric order on a much larger scale, for which adjustments had to be made to the greater number of columns. As Boardman points out, however, the wider fa"ades lent the building a "reassuring breadth which is enhanced by the way its proportions then seem to match those" of the Acropolis on which it stands (112). But this breadth might have been oppressive in its effects if the architects had not devised a means of avoiding too great a visual equivalence between the rock and the temple. Their solution was a very subtle curvature of the stylobate, and the rest of the floor, which is also reflected in the entablature. This also affects the columns which "lean slightly in while the upperworks [that they support] lean slightly out" (Boardman 112). This gives the entire fa"ade a "pyramiding movement" to which all the external lines contribute; ever so subtly, therefore, the columns' inward inclination lends itself to a slight triangular effect that is enhanced by the surmounting pyramid of the pediment (Martin 292)."
Abstract Ancient civilizations have had a diverse history in respect to homosexuality. Two of the most dominant civilizations of the early Western civilizations were also quite different in how they perceived homosexuality. The Greeks saw a loving, often sexual, relationship between an older man and a younger man or boy to be a nurturing part of citizen-building. The Romans, however, perceived all sex and all male behavior as an opportunity for establishing domination over others. While both cultures accepted homosexuality to differing degrees and for different reasons, it was during the course of the Roman Empire that homosexuality became more frequently unacceptable in an increasing number of contexts. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the differences between Greek and Roman homosexuality.
Abstract In this paper the writer discusses the Mayan and Aztec cultures in a comparative nature to reveal the similarities in their interrelation to each other. By understanding the connectedness of the two cultures, the writer shows why they are so closely related in their art. Further, the writer shows the way that they made their art for life and religion. The writer also demonstrates that through an understanding of the artistic history of these nations, there is a semblance of influence that can be found in both of them.
A discussion of how art in the Olmec world can be used to reconstruct a picture of their way of life, which took place during the Formative period of Mesoamerica.
2,030 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, 2000, $ 64.95
From the Paper "Art along with other activities, such as oral tradition, divination, ritual performance, and city planning reveals a culture's worldview, myths, and ideals of human behavior. These factors make an informed view of Olmec art style quite important especially because their art and architecture are the only surviving artifacts that can give clues to their culture. By analyzing the Olmec-style art it becomes possible to reconstruct a picture of their way of life, which took place during the Formative period of Mesoamerica."
Abstract This paper looks at the findings from the site Olduvai Gorge. Despite the many years since the first discoveries, Olduvai remains an extremely important archaeological site. Debate over the significance of the Olduvai artifacts continues and new information may be revealed as new archaeological analysis techniques come into use.
From the Paper "Olduvai Gorge has been described as the most important Palaeolithic site in Africa (Bray, 1970). Excavations of Olduvai, by Drs. Mary and Louis Leakey after 1931 [although conducted by Hans Reck prior to this (Ecco Homo, 1986)] unearthed a treasure of hominid fossils and stone tools (Potts, 1988). Oduvai has influenced views on evolution and shaped our ideas about the origins of human hunting and gathering (as well as cultural learning) behaviours. (Potts, 1988). Discoveries at Olduvai also include faunal remains, living floors and what is probably the oldest known human structure (Leakey, 1971)."
Abstract This paper looks at the world of the Toltecs, focusing on how they were shaped and how they helped to shape a larger Meso-American cultural grouping that shared a number of salient cultural features. The author also makes particular mention of Toltecs impact on the Aztecs.
From the paper:
"The rise of the Toltec civilization did however mark a distinct turn in some sense because after the rise of the organized Toltec empire the peoples and rulers of this region of Mexico would be more deeply and more consistently marked by a militaristic orientation than those people (culturally related as they were) that preceded them, as Bernal argues".
Abstract Using historical evidence of cannibalism existence, this paper identifies different forms and practices, and explains the motives for such behaviors.
From the Paper "For millions of years, the majority of humans and their ancestors around the world have eaten meat, derived from a countless number of animals. However, the majority of these people have avoided one particular kind of meat: human flesh. For a human to knowingly eat the flesh of his own kind has been taboo to the most extreme definition of the term. Even the thought of it provokes a deep-rooted, enculturated repulsiveness that is so powerful it has actually prevented modern humans from eating remains of dead people for the sole purpose of survival (Barker, Hulme, and Iversen 1998:37). In other words, they would rather die than eat the meat of another person. The general practice of eating human flesh, anthropophagy, commonly referred to as cannibalism, has always been a subject full of controversy and debate. Hundreds of scientific studies have been published on the subject, but few have focused on the anthropological reasons for its supposed occurrence. In order to understand the true nature of cannibalism, it is necessary to examine it from a number of different perspectives. First, the historical evidence indicating that it took place must be carefully analyzed and interpreted. Second, the different forms of cannibalism must be identified and defined, and examples of their historical presence must be cited. Lastly, the motives of each type need to be explained, detailing the various tendencies of cannibalistic peoples and their practices. Only then will the appropriate significance of cannibalism and its existence become clear."
From the Paper "Neanderthals have long been thought of as a very primitive species, but this view is changing as evidence to the contrary emerges. Studies on Neanderthal remains have shown that they were not as primitive as initially thought, and that they possessed the ability for flexible, creative behavior similar to modern man (Brainard, 1998). They have previously been thought of as lacking language skills, foresight, creativity, and other cognitive abilities found in modern humans. In 1977, German anthropologists reported finding aerodynamic wooden spears belonging to ancestors of Neanderthals made 400,000 years ago (Brainard, 1998, p. 72), and stone spearheads have been found at many Neanderthal sites in both Europe and the Middle East (Bower, 1999, p. 4). Scientists investigating Neanderthal remains in a cave in France found evidence of tool marks on the bones..."
From the Paper "The remains of ancient Egyptian civilization speak of a cultural obsession with death and the problem of an afterlife It could be argued that the extent of the Egyptians' interest in the subject is distorted by the fact that most remains simply happen to be related to death. But the tombs have lasted to a great degree because they were carefully isolated and were nearly the only objects that the Egyptians created using permanent materials. This spectacular evidence from the age of the pyramids shows a culture in which the attempt to pass beyond the apparent limits of death was given the highest priority. In the Old Kingdom, 2658-2135 B.C., the pharaohs devoted incredible amounts of time-and resources to the construction of the pyramids in preparation for their passage after death. But evidence shows that graves of humbler sorts also demonstrate a similar concern..."
Abstract This paper begins by providing a brief geological history of the mountain, seperating it into nine different periods. It then examines various lava types found in the area. The paper moves to modern day when the first actual threat was realized for eruption. It discusses the process of eruption and the different types of blast - lateral blast (direct blast zone, channelized blast zone, seared zone); vertical blast and pyroclastic flows. It concludes with an analysis of the aftermath and its effect on wildlife in the area.
From the Paper "On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helen's in southwestern Washington erupted with a massive explosion. Leading up to this day was increasingly intense earthquake activity. There were also lots of relatively weak eruptions and many locations of minuet gas discharge. The devastating impact of the suddenly unleashed volcanic energy caused the worst volcanic and geological disaster in the recorded history of the United States."
Abstract Rituals played a vital role in the wars of the Old Testament: divine consultation, preparatory rites, scare tactics, the herem and purification rites all characterized the Israelite battles. This paper gives a systematic overview of the rituals associated with ancient Israelite warfare in the Old Testament used before, during and after battle.
From the Paper Consultation with God prior to battle was key in the pre-war rituals of the Old Testament. The Israelites would consult God to determine if they would be successful in their battle. Several methods and techniques were used to communicate with God, including simple consultations, omens/signs (sent from God), mediums, and the use of magical articles such as the ephod. An example of a simple consultation can be seen in 1 Samuel 23:2, where a report has reached David that the city of Keliah has been attacked by the Philistines. Not knowing what to do, David prays to God asking if he should go and rescue the city of Keliah. God answers, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keliah" (1 Samuel 23:2). This is the simplest form of consultation that is seen in the Israelite pre-war ritual tradition. Here, God's word is given directly from God and not through any outside source requiring interpretation.
Abstract This paper explains how the belief of the Egyptians and Mesopotamian peoples that their administrative systems had divine origins shaped those systems. Urban areas and architecture are emphasized.
Abstract This paper will discuss a summary of the book "Who Wrote the Bible?" by Richard Elliott Friedman and show his philosophy on archaeological studies which have discovered the 'true' authors of the Bible. Also, a portion of this paper will go into revealing an opinion on the author's validation of his arguments presented.
Abstract This paper will discuss Roman and Greek roles of women in history. By learning the different aspects of their daily lives, as well as some roles that they held in their societies, we can see how they lived. By learning of these kinds of women in history, we can see how they were treated, and under what auspices they were dominated by men.
