Abstract This paper examines the Greek goddess Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo, who was associated with the wilderness, with the passage to adulthood and with childbirth. The author of this paper examines Artemis' strengths and the tension between those strengths and those of her twin Apollo. The paper also studies Artemis' role in various community and individual ceremonies, including right of passage ceremonies, primarily for women, but also for men.
From the Paper "Artemis is a huntress who delights in killing wild animals. She should be seen, however, not as a model for human hunters, but rather as the embodiment of the predatory aspect of nature. She protects the very animals on which she herself preys with as much jealousy as she guards her own virginity. Indeed, it is in myths of Artemis that the first association between wilderness and virginity is found. The deadly sacredness of the wilderness and the goddess's virginity intermingle in the well-known story of Acteon, a hunter who crossed the threshold of Artemis's "sacred grove" while she was bathing. He was changed into a stag for his transgression and was torn apart by his own hounds. Even where there is no sexual tension, Artemis frequently appears as the protectress of wild beasts. An Athenian ritual in which girls between five and ten years of age disguise themselves as bears and serve Artemis at her temple of Brauron supposedly originated when some Athenian children cruelly tortured a wild bear. As punishment, Artemis demanded that the girls of Athens serve her. "
Abstract The Greeks were innovators in philosophy, mathematics and medicine, not to mention writing and the theater. The paper questions why, with such seemingly advanced knowledge - even at a time when there already was at least one monotheistic religion (Judaism) prevalent - did the Greeks continue to worship and believe in various gods, prophecies, witches and sorcerers and the inevitable interrelationship among them all with humans? The paper provides an overview of the main gods in Greek mythology.
From the Paper "Mount Olympus, which would be home to the gods, was then constructed with twelve golden thrones for Zeus, his brothers and sisters, his children and Aphrodite, goddess of love. A quick overview of these various gods and goddesses reveals that Hera, often referred to as the queen of the gods, had a very dark side to her, immensely jealous of Zeus' power, and especially his dalliance with mortal women. He punished her from time to time, but they managed to co-exist."
Abstract The paper describes the finding of mummified bodies near Loulan, on the eastern edge of the Tarim Basin in China. The writer explains that originally the mummies were thought to be connected to Chinese history, however, they had many features of western people and are now thought to be from central Europe. The paper explains that some of Urumchi's mummies date almost 4,000 years old and that they are preserved more beautifully than Egyptian mummies. The writer concludes by explaining that the main theme of Barber's book is to explain that the mummies, even though found in Chinese territory, really belong to the west.
From the Paper "The mummies were found to be buried in the desert area and probably in winter season due to which it froze or got very cold and dried out before they could start rotting. When the summer season started, the bodies were already changed into the form of mummies. As the bodies were already dried, the summer's heat could cause any harm of deformation.
"These bodies were placed in coffins lacking any bottom which facilitate air to circulate well this allow the bodies to dry out completely, only few of them, found in nearby locality, were most probably buried in summer season, turned them into skeletons. The highly salty desert accelerated the drying out process, as the salt absorbs the moisture.
"The Urumchi mummies include Cherchen Man, his wife, two other women, and a baby girl wrapped in a beautiful brown cloth tied with red and blue ribbons. The infant was buried with a nursing bottle made from a sheep's udder and his both eyes were covered with a blue stones.
"Mummies found in Qawrighul, a little away form the place where Urmchi mummies were found includes the Beauty of Loulan and a few other mummies, among them was an eight-year-old boy covered with a patterned woolen cloth but his both eyes were covered with bone pegs. The cloth covering the Loulan body seems to be considerably less colorful may be the time factor, might faded its beauty, but even then its impressive in its patterns and weaves, it is knitted."
Abstract This paper explores evidence suggesting that the island of Atlantis, long thought to be a fictional island paradise, may actually have existed at one time. The paper discusses the discoveries of famous explorers of the past and more recent archaeological discoveries in Egypt that all support the idea that the island of Atlantis did indeed once exist.
From the Paper "Deep in thought, the man leans back in the klismo, shifting his weight and rubbing the small of his back. Although cushioned with fleece and animal skins, the heavy wooden chair is still hard on old bones. At a slight movement to his right, sensed more than seen, he reaches out his hand to steady the tall, thin vase his motions have disturbed. He absently pushes the fragile blue pottery closer to the window and away from the small table and chair. Shafts of late afternoon sunshine stream through the open window, bathing the piece in gold. On any other day, the man might pause to ponder and appreciate the exquisite beauty of this mixture of nature and man's handiwork. This day, however, the moment passes unnoticed. This day the man's thoughts are still at the noisy afternoon agora. The need for basic necessities had drawn him to the market, but it was the conversation which had kept him on the square most of the day. Through the years he had witnessed much strife and conflict as his city and his country fell into disorder and decay. But never had he seen such a cloak of dark despair as the one presently falling over his beloved Athens."
Abstract This paper shows that archaeological evidence such as cult-based figurines, ossuaries, buildings and structures and the contexts in which they were found demonstrate the religion and cult practices of the Chalcolithic Era in Palestine. The paper examines several of these findings, including the sites of Teleilat Ghassul and Ein Gedi.
From the Paper "Several of the chalcolithic sites excavated after the 1920's, in which the chalcolithic era was first recognised , are indicative of cult worship and religion, and one of these sites includes Teleilat Ghassul, the first of the period to be excavated . Originally thought to be several settlements because of its scattered mounds indicating settlements , it is now thought by most scholars including Hennessey to be a single, 20 ha site with a religious culture that spread to other settlements in the Palestine region".
Abstract Imhotep was a royal advisor, architect, priest, astrologist, sculptor, poet, sage, engineer, city planner and physician, among many other talents. This paper examines Imhotep's contributions to the development of Ancient Egypt in the fields of architecture, medicine, irrigation and philosophy.
From the Paper "Referred to as "the archetype of the perfect man of learning" (IKOS) with good reason, the list of official titles given to him are numerous and impressive. Found inscribed onto a statue of Djoser, Pharaoh Netjerykhet, Imhotep is identified as a vizier, "Overseer of the Seers," "First for the King," "Director of Public Works in Upper and Lower Egypt," "Keeper of the Seals of Lower Egypt," "Recorder of the Annals," "and "Supervisor of the Great Palace." (Silverman, 178) As an architect and builder, he made a world-changing innovation by building with stone rather than mud bricks, ensuring the longevity of the Egyptian legacy. His construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the first Pyramid ever constructed, earned him a unique place in history as the first architect with a recorded name."
Abstract This paper discusses and evaluates the Peloponnesian War through an examination of the individuals involved in the war, the circumstances surrounding the war, the culture of the time and the legend of the war.
From the Paper "Although Athens was on a course of reconstruction and economic development the between Sparta and Athens began to deteriorate. In a rather small war between Corcyra (supported by Sparta) and Corinth (supported by Athens), Athens became subjected to a Spartan siege or a participant in the great Peloponnesian War or wars from 431BC to 404BC. Not only was Athens under continual attack from Sparta but also in 430BC Athens was beset with a plague that lasted several years and consumed almost 25% of the Athenian population. However, even with the plague Sparta was unable to pierce the defensive walls of Athens that linked Athens to Piraeus and as such foodstuffs managed to be brought into the beleaguered city Warner, 1954). As a sidebar note, and absent of any recorded historical evidence, the plague that nearly crushed Athens was thought to be the work of the Spartans - by catapulting their own plague afflicted soldiers over the walls into Athens. In an attempt to rid their city-state area of Spartans Athens sent an enormous army of soldiers (415BC) against the Spartans. As a direct loss of the in the battlefield Athens suffered political uncertainty and in 411BC democracy was officially dismantled and the system was replaced by a council of 400 men who attempted to assert control over all Athens."
This paper analyzes how interaction and traces of interactions between humans and animals can aid archaeologists in studying human behavior throughout history.
Abstract This paper defines zoo-archaeology and faunal analysis as the scientific study of animal remains from archaeological sites. This paper presents three case studies which illustrate the practical use of animal remains in aiding archaeologists to understand the past. The writer of this paper proves that it is possible via faunal analysis to establish such findings as diet, social status, religion and trade. The writer contends and explains how the study of animal remains is an effective and productive method of discovering more about the interaction between people and animals throughout history. This paper also contains an illustrative graph relevant to this particular topic.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Definition and Background
Case Studies
Conclusion
References Cited
From the Paper "Hierakonpolis is a collection of sites dating from the Palaeolithic period through to the Roman period with the HK-6 site being a cemetery. It is the HK-6 site Warman investigates with some interesting finds.
The first point Warman makes regarding HK-6 is it appears animal bones have been deliberately preserved and buried at the site alongside human remains. One such specimen found at HK-6 is of a Bos or cow. Information obtained from the remains is of significance when related to past activities of people at HK-6. Warman states it is the manner in which the remains are preserved and buried that is of special interest in relation to the religious significance past people placed on the site."
Abstract This paper has two purposes, the first provides a collection of otherwise scattered archaeological resource material for secondary education providers and secondly, it considers wider issues inherent in the New South Wales history curricula. The first section of this paper contains archaeological resources for secondary education and includes material from North America, United Kingdom and Australia. While the survey is not definitive, it is designed to highlight current trends in printed matter, visual media and the internet as rapidly evolving resource theatres.
Secondly, the paper provides an overview of the relevant stages and structure of history as presented to Australian secondary students. Description, explanation and illustration of the 'continuum of learning' will assist those uninitiated in educational jargon, and hopefully provide an appreciation of the overall course content. Finally, the paper reviews archaeology as taught in Australian secondary schools.
Outline
Preface
Part 1 NSW Curriculum
1. Introduction
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Stages 1-3
1.2 Stages 4-5
1.3 Stage 6
1.4 Board of Studies Requirements
2. Ancient History Stage 6
2.1 Stage 6 History Course Structure
2.2 Stage 6 History Extension Course Structure
3. Review
3.1 Introduction
3.2 History Syllabus
3.3 Assessment and Examination
3.4 Teaching Archaeology
3.5 History and Archaeology
3.6 Recommendations
Part 2 Resources
1. North America
1.1 Print Resources
1.2 Internet Resources
1.3 CD-ROM
2. United Kingdom
2.1 Print resources
2.2 Internet Resources
2.3 CD-ROM
3. Australia
3.1 Print Resources
3.2 Internet Resources
3.3 CD-ROM
3.4 Video
3.5 HSC - Listed Texts
4. References
From the Paper "For those considering a teaching career, and possessing an archaeological background or skills, a great deal of scope exists within the syllabus for the inclusion of archaeology. A career in teaching HSIE will require a three years bachelor degree plus either a Diploma of Education (Secondary), or a four year Bachelor of Education, or a four/five year combined degree, such as Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary). Strictly speaking, archaeology is not included in the range of subjects taught in HSIE as listed by the NSW Teachers Association (2003). However, teachers are, 'encouraged to use their special interests and talents to contribute to a wide range of school activities'. Nevertheless, and whilst the course bears the title, Ancient History, a significant body of relevant information comes directly from an archaeological approach, and the archaeological record. "
Abstract This paper discusses a sculpture from the Hellenistic period of Greek art called the "Kritios Boy" (artist unknown), which was discovered in the late 1800s by archaeologists in the ruins of the Greek Acropolis in Athens. The paper examines how this statue represents Greek culture, especially the Hellenistic period, in a variety of ways and styles.
From the Paper "This sculpture clearly illustrates how Hellenistic culture was evolving and changing. The statue includes movement, which makes it a more natural and realistic rendition of people and life of the time. Rather than appearing stylized and even overly rigid, this figure seems as if it could easily come to life, and that represents a great change in style and purpose of Greek sculpture."
Abstract This paper considers the symbolic construction of space and the way space is utilised within and around the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is a point and the physical interface where Western and indigenous cultures interact. It looks at how the Uluru provides a unique insight into differences between contemporary society and the mores of an older culture. The paper includes graphics.
Outline
People About the Rock
Arid Architecture and Design
Absence of Monuments
Fashions of Fire
Conclusion
From the Paper "The sheer size and bulk of Uluru with hundreds of nooks and crannies provides shelter, resources and inspiration to local Indigenous people for thousands of years. The numerous panels of parietal art adorning both living areas and ritual places around Uluru evidence this strong connection. The association of rock art and oral histories make Uluru 'highly identifiable' with a particular group (Burke 1999), the Anangu who are the traditional owners. Anangu creation stories and symbolic art on its surface bears testimony to the central place Uluru plays in Tjukurpa or the law of Traditional Owners."
Abstract This work examines the valuable role that stable isotope analysis plays in the reconstruction of past diets. The methods used to isolate and subsequently analyse stable isotopes obtained from skeletonized remains is explored. An in-depth discussion of carbon and nitrogen demonstrates their usefulness in distinguishing individuals who had a diet high in either plants, land-based animals, or marine food. To further illustrate the benefit of isotopic analysis, a case study regarding the adoption of maize in South and North America is discussed.
From the Paper "Due to its use in radiocarbon dating, methods of isolating collagen had already been developed before its importance in stable isotope studies was realized (Katzenberg, 2000). There are three common techniques employed in the extraction of collagen from bone. The first method is best utilized on fresh and well-preserved archaeological bone. Initial preparation of the material involves the sample being ground and then soaked in hydrochloric acid (HCl). At this stage, the sample is composed primarily of bone organics and soil contaminants and must be placed in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (Schwarcz & Schoeninger, 1991). Unfortunately, some collagen is lost when soaked in NaOH but this process is necessary as it has been demonstrated that contaminants may skew 13C values (Katzenberg, 2000). "
Tags: carbon, maize, nitrogen, osteology, skeleton, dating
Abstract This paper examines how the prehistoric human background of Europe began tens of thousands of years ago in the latter part of the Stone Age. It looks at how ancient man, beginning roughly during the Upper Paleolithic Period, circa 32,000 B.C.E., evolved from a primitive and animal-like being into one that could construct and use tools, build shelters and create early forms of societal structures that eventually led to the rise of towns and cities along the rivers and coastlines of ancient Europe.
From the Paper "The Stone Age is usually divided into the Paleolithic ("Old Stone") and Neolithic "New Stone") Ages; the end of the Paleolithic and the beginning of the Neolithic is thus placed about ten to twelve thousand years ago. During the long Paleolithic Period, human beings roamed throughout Europe, searching for food as hunter-gatherers, and often migrated great distances in order to follow large game animals or locate more abundant sources of wild plants. At least as early as 50,000 years ago, the type of Paleolithic human beings known as Neanderthals, named from the remains found in the Neanderthal Valley in Germany, spread over Macedonia and then into Greece as far south as the Peloponnese peninsula."
Abstract The paper begins with an introduction then moves on to discussing the bathhouses of Pompeii, the Frigidarium, Caldarium and Tepidarium and their significance. Then the paper moves into the subject of the public baths and the associated extravagance, excess and theft. The paper also includes a discussion of Bath, England and concludes with the effects that Christianity had on the baths and the effects of the fall of Rome.
From the Paper ""The gong that announced the opening of the public baths each day was a sweeter sound, than the voices of the philosophers in their school" (Roman Baths, par. 2). This was written by Cicero to describe just how important the baths were to the ancient Roman people. The Ancient Roman Empire was extremely vast; at its peak the Empire controlled much of Europe, along with Asia Minor and Northern Africa. They were extremely innovative people who built many structures, as well as infrastructure, some not surpassed until the mid twentieth century. Public toilets were installed to help keep the empire clean and sanitary while sewage systems were constructed to carry waste and water away from the cities (public health par. 4). Living in relative comfort, ease, and cleanliness was important to the citizens of Rome consequently; the Romans built a large system of public health works. The Romans had no concept of germs but they still tried their best to keep themselves clean. The Romans were also practical people and believed that the prevention of disease was just as, if not more important than, the cure of disease itself, an example of this are the swamplands in Rome (public health par. 1). The Romans found that environment plays an important role in health, when they observed that people who live nearer to swamps and marshes contract disease more often then those who live in grasslands or cities (public health par. 2). A result of this would be the draining of many swamps and the subsequent building of temples to the Gods in close proximity to the swamps in order to appease the Gods (public health par.3). The great public bathhouses of the Roman Empire were important social structures as well as a place to keep disease at bay."
This in-depth paper analyzes the prehistoric development of the African continent while focusing primarily on the development and evolution of man in this particular region.
Abstract This paper examines the published archaeological evidence and research that proves humans lived in Africa more than 3 million years ago. The writer of this paper traces the origins of the first humans in prehistoric Africa to the grassland regions in the east. The writer delves into the prehistoric cultures of Africa while also discussing the cultural and linguistic evidence that shows that certain societies such as the Bantus and Zulus came from the north and migrated southwestward to set up their own communities. This paper explores the development that occurred during the late Stone Age era which brought about additional settled societies throughout the continent. This paper analyzes the manner in which prehistoric cultures and societies functioned in Africa. The writer stresses that during the evolution of man evidence of specialized tools were found to have been created to cope with a new range of environments and circumstances which are clearly detailed in this paper. The writer also examines how the issue of gender was viewed during the prehistoric era. The writer contends it was likely that the traditional division of labor was evident during this particular era in which men hunted while women defended the camp and cared for the family.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Part of the reasons, for some of the methods adopted, were geographic in origin. At the same time, the country is now broken up in 50 different countries and there is a wide difference in sizes among them, both in terms of area as also in terms of population. At the same time, the continent is huge enough to contain United States, China, India and Argentina together. The diversity and difference from other continents is sustained by the fact that it is bisected by the equator. There are many different types of lands, but the greatest portion of it is either desert or open plains. The continent also has snow capped mountains in Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro. The continent also has four different river systems of the Nile, Niger, Congo or Zaire and Zambezi. As was the situation in other world regions, human development in Africa also first took place in areas where there was good availability of natural resources in the form of soils and required water supply."
