Abstract The paper discusses the significance of the area of the Levant to archeologists and religious scholars who are interested in determining the implications of life during the Bronze Age for history, religion and politics. The paper looks at the wreck of the Uluburun ship and its artifacts, relics and raw materials.
From the Paper "Though it is a small area, the Levant has played host to some of the most monumental events in history. The origin of three of the world's major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the area is of interest to religious scholars and archeologists alike. Archeologists had always suspected that the area was rich in trade, but the sheer number of artifacts on the ship suggest that not only was trade in the area extensive, but also that several of the people groups represented through items on the ship associated socially."
Abstract This paper discusses the historicity of the Biblical story of Joseph and whether it can be placed in the second intermediate Hyksos period (c. 1650-1550 BC). The author describes what is known about the Hyksos peple from written sources and archaeological excavations, and explains why researchers have claimed that the Joseph narrative can be made to fit in this period. The author goes on to show that on a textual basis, there is a growing inconsistency between the Joseph narrative, which contains elements which point strongly to a 7th or 6th century composition date, and the Hyksos period. Further, sufficient archaeological evidence has been presented to suggest, with reservation, a 12th dynasty date for the narrative should the late-dated Joseph narrative and its plausible historic context be discovered.
Outline:
Introduction
'Men of Obscure Birth from the East'
The Joseph Narrative
Excavations at Avaris, Tell el-Dab'a
Does Joseph Belong?
From the Paper "This paper agrees with two of Redford's principle assertions. First, that the Joseph narrative should be treated as a separate entity within the larger patriarchal narrative. Second, that Joseph was compiled in the 7th or 6th centuries BC. It diverges from Redford in questioning whether the narrative should be considered purely fictitious, in light of certain evidence both textual and physical, and that a degree of historicity does exist within the narrative. This paper's primary function, however, is to show whether the Joseph narrative can be placed in the Hyksos period, namely the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BC)."
A discussion of the Moschophoros statue in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, comparing it with other statues in order to support the generally accepted date of its creation.
Abstract This paper discusses the Moschophoros statue in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, which has been dated to around 560 BC by scholars. The writer compares the Moschophoros to a number of representative Kouroi and Korai, whose dates have been more or less determined, and considers how his eyes, ears, mouth, lips and torso compare with the artistic developments in the 2nd quarter of the 6th century BC, demonstrating that a date of around 560 BC is secure within 5-10 years. By also comparing the representation of clothing on the Moschophoros with the Kore form, this date is further reaffirmed. This paper contains figures.
From the Paper "The Moschophoros has suffered some damage over the years, most of which was likely caused by the Persian sacking of Athens in 479/80. Moschophoros' genitals are missing from the sculpture because a good share of the front side of his left leg from roughly the left hip down to the shinbone is gone. His right hand is completely broken off just above the wrist and his left hand is partially broken off. The calf's left hind leg is partly missing in the same breakage as his left hand's demise; the calf's right front leg swings around Moschophoros' neck and is partially lost in the breakage that is centred at the centre of the chest of Moschophoros."
Abstract This paper defines cultural property and the problem of unprovenanced artifacts, which cannot be traced to their countries of origin and therefore have no legal implications as to their acquisitions by private citizens or corporations. The author presents several precedents, which are limiting this unprovenanced artifact loophole as a legal defense for antiquities dealers. The long-term effects of the repatriation of cultural objects to their countries of origin are also evaluated.
Table of Contents:
Defining Cultural Property
The Issue of the "Unprovenanced" Artifact
Precedent-Setting Cases
NAGPRA
Concerns for Preservation in Country of Origin
Negative Effects of War, Positive Effects of the AFCP
Repatriation Creating a "Narrow Cultural Corridor"?
Consequences of Museum Compliance
In Summary
From the Paper "While the process of repatriating objects to Italy was still in progress, in 2005, Marion True, who was then antiquities curator of the Getty museum, Marion True was accused of conspiracy to illegally traffic items looted from Italy with antiquities dealer Robert Hecht. In Rome, the trial against True and Hecht remains ongoing despite the repatriation of objects from the Getty that the prosecution claimed were knowingly obtained from illegal sources. If she is found guilty for the charges pressed against her by Italy, True could face up to ten years in jail."
Tags: unesco tests, native american, iraq, national pride
Abstract This paper describes the life and death of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus who reigned from 211 to 217 C.E., and was known as Caracalla from the Gallic hooded tunic that he wore. The author explains that although he was a ruthless man and authorized many assassinations, even in his own family, he took great care of his army and marched with them, ate with them and fought with them. As a monument to himself, he commissioned the Baths of Caracalla, one of the last major architectural achievements of the Roman Empire, and the largest public bath ever built in ancient Rome. The paper describes them in detail and concludes that although Caracalla's reign was infamous for many reasons, it was not entirely negative, as Caracalla saw to it that the soldiers in the army were treated well and the baths that he had constructed are part of Rome's cultural heritage today.
Outline:
Introduction
The Rise To Power
The Reign Of Caracalla
The Army and the Legacy
The Fall of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla
Dimensions and Layout of the Baths
Conclusion
From the Paper "He was much like his father in that he was a strong and often cruel ruler and did not give others any second chances (Chastagnol, 1994). He had his own agenda that he followed, and he did not deviate from it just because it was unpopular or because others though that he was unfair. Mostly, people kept their opinions of him to themselves so that they could be left alone by the government and remain alive. Not everyone felt that they had to submit to the rule of Caracalla or that he was a fair emperor, and some people were killed because they became too vocal, but many others survived quietly."
Abstract This paper discusses how art is deeply integrated in the object-based paradigm of narrative. It specifically focuses on how through ancient objects found during excavation expeditions, it has become possible to create a visual narrative, particularly of ancient history. The paper concludes that art, culture, narrative and history are inextricably intertwined and that the art critic and historian should both understand the importance not only of science and excavation, but also of recognizing the dynamic nature of history seen through art.
From the Paper "Digitization offers the artist the opportunity to combine art and narrative in a variety of new and creative ways, making art, like history, a dynamic process by means of its audience and its requirements. Art can now be posted on the Internet and emailed to friends. Text and music files can be added to the visual arts. A large amount of followers can discuss the work in real time via their Internet connections. These elements are indicative of the fact that art has become much more accessible to the general public than the case had been before. In this way, artists connect directly with their audience, and feedback helps them to develop and grow in their social and political comment. It is these type of artists that will leave behind the works to indicate to future generations how this generation lived."
Abstract This paper explores the styles of ancient Greek art and the depiction of mythological and heroic images in art. The paper devotes time to describing the Mykonos amphora, the combination of scenes that depicts acts of Greek brutality and violence. The paper also describes many other pieces of pottery and art that are representations of the Trojan War's climactic events and discusses the tendency to merge together disparate episodes of the Iliad narrative. The writer opines that the images and depictions found on a great variety of ancient Greek pottery provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and artistic world of one of the first societies to practice democracy and to explain the natural world in scientific terms.
From the Paper "In essence, the oral history of the Trojan War has come down to us through the epic poem the Iliad by the Greek poet Homer who composed this famous account of the conflict between the Trojans and the Greeks sometime during the 8th century BCE and the Ilioupersis ("The Sack of Ilion") by Arktinos of Miletos which survives only in a few ancient references (Magrath, 2002). The basic tale of the Trojan War relates events that allegedly occurred some five hundred years prior to the writing of the Iliad and the Ilioupersis, circa the 13th century BCE during the Mycenaean Period in ancient Greece."
Tags: Trojan, War, Mykonos, amphora, Achaeans, Helen, Menelaus, Cassandra, Astyanax
Abstract This paper contends that beyond scripture and the Bible, there is also plenty of indisputable and physical evidence for even the most skeptical minds that God and heaven really do exist. To reinforce this contention, the paper cites examples from the Bible, notes the extremely widespread religion of Christianity and underscores the validity of the Bible. According to the paper, regardless of whether society always acknowledges the being of God and heaven, the paper stresses that humanity follows biblical and God-based principals in daily life such as the Ten Commandments.
From the Paper "An even more interesting part about the scriptural evidence is the verses that specifically address issues of believing (or lack thereof)! For example, 1 Cor. 2:14 explains, "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." This verse basically acknowledges the fact that it is difficult for man to believe in something he cannot see or touch."
