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Life After Death in Ancient Egypt, 2004.
The ancient Egyptian belief of life after death in detail and its funerary ceremonies to achieve happiness and harmony in the afterlife.
2,240 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how Ancient Egyptians believed that life was but a passageway to the rest of their lives, only elsewhere. Throughout their lives they prepared for this event. It looks at how they believed that each individual had seven components. It discusses how the ancient Egyptians would protect these components by preserving the body and giving it a proper funerary. These funeraries would include mummification and other funerary rituals described in the paper - everything would make a difference in the afterlife, from the care and dress of the body to the materials within the tomb.
From the Paper
"In ancient Egypt, death was the gateway to immortality. Egyptians never saw death as devastating, for it was merely "an interruption to life in which afterwards would continue 'elsewhere' " (Hamilton-Paterson and Andrews 16). It was necessary, however, to prepare for death, for the deceased would require necessities for the afterlife. Egyptian beliefs on the afterlife required preparation through a funerary process which culminated in a life after death in the tombs (16-17)."
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The Silk Road, 2005.
An in-depth look into the history and geography of this major link between East and West.
5,159 words (approx. 20.6 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 129.95
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Abstract
The Silk Road, the ancient 4,000 mile caravan route, was used primarily for trade and linked East to West, from China to Rome. This paper covers the nearly 2000 years of history of the Silk Road, which served the world's four main civilizations from approximately 500 B.C. to 1500 A.D. as the major highway for transporting material goods and knowledge between Europe (till Rome), the Near East, India, and China.
Paper Outline:
The Geographical Setting
The Silk Road
Travel of Ideas and Techniques
Music of the Silk Road
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The Silk Road - a network of trade routes that connected East Asia to the Mediterranean--was the main conduit for the spread and exchange of goods, ideas, religions, and cultural elements among the many peoples of Eurasia. Along it, Buddhism spread from India to China, Korea, and Japan; Islam from the Middle East to the subcontinent and Southeast Asia; Christianity--particularly Nestorian Christianity--to the Far East. Not only silk and spices but paper, printing processes, gunpowder, the magnetic compass, and prized ceramics and laquerware flowed westward, while glassware and gold and silver metalwork flowed eastward. Developments in mathematics and the sciences--as well as in art and music--coursed back and forth, building upon each other. The legacy of the exchanges enacted along the Silk Road from about 500 B.C. until A.D. 1500 permeates cultures in both East and West to this day."
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The "Elgin Marbles": Greek Property in British Museums, 2003.
An examination of the "Elgin Marbles", ancient Parthenon figures that were claimed by British archaeologists in the 18th century during Greek civil strife, and the debate over whether or not they should be returned to Greece.
3,175 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the controversy that exists over the "Elgin Marbles", which were originally part of the Greek Parthenon's frieze, that were taken by Lord Elgin of England in the late 18th century. The paper takes the position that the statues and other artifacts which currently are housed in English museums, are the rightful property of the Greek people and should be returned to Greece. The paper is divided into several sections. The first gives a history of the Elgin Marbles and how they came into possession of the English in the first place. A brief history of the Parthenon is also given in this section, with a detailed examination of the architecture and the ancient politics that surrounded its construction. The paper then spans the history of the Parthenon up until the 18th century, including the building losing its roof and several architectural designs due to the Ottoman Turks using it as an armory during their control of Greece. The paper discusses how British archaeologists claimed the pieces in the 1800s, fearful that the Greeks could not maintain such classical pieces of work. The paper ends with a section discussing the latest improvements that are underway in Greece to house the "Elgin Marbles" if an international agreement can be reached that will send the pieces of the Parthenon back to Athens. The concept of Greek pride and honor in their ancient ancestry is discussed and how originally, when Greece was unable to maintain such pieces, the idea to keep them in England was the correct decision to be made.
From the Paper
"The mere thought of The Parthenon evokes an image of dignity and pride for not only the current Greek citizens who look upon their ancient ancestors with honor, but for the entirety of Western civilization who view The Parthenon as a representation of the greatness that can be achieved by Western culture. Using this Western concept of pride as a basis, it is clear to see why the British government has its roots in claiming that the treasures of the Parthenon would be better served in a more upscale environment such as The British Museum rather then an unfinished Acropolis museum in Athens. Nevertheless, the removal of The Parthenon artifacts, which are known as The Elgin Marbles since the works of art were "purchased" by the English noble Lord Thomas Bruce of Elgin in 1801, was in essence an infraction upon the Greek populace's right to their ancestors' culture. In large part due to the importance of The Parthenon and the culture that it represents to Greece, the rightful place of the Elgin Marbles is in Athens where the pieces of architecture were always intended to remain when they were completed. "
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Akhnaton: An Artistic Revolutionary, 2005.
An examination of the changes wrought upon Egyptian art during the reign of the Pharaoh Akhnaton.
1,572 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the extent to which, within the ancient Egyptian worldview, art was a religious endeavour and expression. It looks at how Akhnaton's redefinition of religion had a profound impact on ancient Egyptian art, injecting it with a degree of realism never before seen.
From the Paper
"The civilization of the Ancient Egyptians, encompassing art at its very core, was one borne out of religious and cultural beliefs and values. According to numerous art historians, archeologists and Egyptologists, within the context of Ancient Egyptian culture and religion, art was not a luxury or a pastime but, as Leslie A. White states, part and parcel of Ancient Egypt and its religious framework (91-92). Dietrick E. Thomeson explains this view even further, arguing that the fusion between art and religion was such in Ancient Egypt that it was the first, and one of the very few, if not only, countries in history in which artists and architects were state employees and bureaucrats."
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Akhnaton: An Artistic Revolutionary, 2005.
Examines the link between religion and art in ancient Egypt.
1,622 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
The author discusses Ancient Egyptian art as an expression of religious devotion and belief, arguing that the monotheistic revolution spearheaded by Akhnaton led to an artistic revolution.
From the Paper
"The civilization of the Ancient Egyptians, encompassing art at its very core, was one borne out of religious and cultural beliefs and values. According to numerous art historians, archeologists and Egyptologists, within the context of Ancient Egyptian culture and religion, art was not a luxury or a pastime but, as Leslie A. White states, part and parcel of Ancient Egypt and its religious framework (91-92). Dietrick E. Thomeson explains this view even further, arguing that the fusion between art and religion was such in Ancient Egypt that it was the first, and one of the very few, if not only, countries in history in which artists and architects were state employees and bureaucrats. In other words, artistic endeavour was in a permanent and ongoing state of activity and the bureaucratic form that it assumed, allowed for the continuation of that activity insofar as it ensures the constant planning of projects and their execution. However, while that bureaucratic form, on the one hand, and the religious nature of art, on the other, kept Ancient Egypt artistically rich, it ensured a static form to art, preventing development, evolution and change."
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The Siege of Masada, 2005.
This essay examines the reliability of Josephus' account of the siege of Masada.
2,978 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to present an unbiased evaluation of the reliability of Josephus account of the siege of Masada and contends that Josephus account is certainly not entirely false; however the account of the suicide itself is also shown to be a likely alteration of events with a grain of truth.
From the Paper
"Furthermore, the mass-suicide may be seen as one such 'exaggeration' because it was not uncommon for accounts in ancient literature to end in such a manner. Cohen also notes that the ending of a story with mass suicide was evident among many prominent writers. Among those whom he lists is Livy, who has already been shown to embellish his writings in a similar manner to Josephus. In one story, Livy describes how P. Decius Mus devoted himself to the gods of the underworld in return for a Roman victory, and hurled himself into the midst of the enemy battle line as a sacrifice . It is most likely that the devotio of Decius Mus is legendary, and is confused with the action of his son at Sentinum in 295 B.C., who is also reputed to have acted similarly . This is but one of many instances where classical writers conclude a story with suicide. As a result of this contextual examination, it becomes clear that Josephus' story of the mass-suicide has been moulded, if not totally created, as a result of literary traditions of the ancient world."
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Neolithic Art, 2005.
This paper discusses the importance of the Neolithic period to the art historian. It is important because it laid the foundation for all consequent art.
1,735 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, like archaeologists, art historians play the role of detective by studying, analyzing, and interpreting the earliest known works of art not only to explain their aesthetic beauty or significance, but also to demonstrate how they represent the unwritten history of humanity. The author points out that the art from the area called Catal Huyuk demonstrates both figurative and abstract components, showing that art was already conceptual at this time, being about ideas and not things. The paper relates that Cycladic art and the megalithic architecture, which are represented in structures of cromtech design, or circular and spiral arrangements like Stonehenge, reveal the unifying feature of art and its movement from Europe to the Middle East to Europe.
From the Paper
"Only when the context of a work of art is known can we go beyond an appreciation of its formal qualities and begin to analyze its place in the history of art - to trace the evolution of art through the ages" (23). Within this historical goal of the study of art, also being a study of human evolution, the Neolithic period is of great importance. This period of human evolution was among those that witnessed "the birth of art," and lasted from approximately 6000 BC to 3500 BC (25). The Neolithic paintings and artworks illustrate the way in which early man interacted with his environment, his level of development as in the tools he had fashioned, his culture, his vision of himself in relation to the world and other living creatures, and his beliefs, further providing a link between the different stages of human evolution and art development through analysis of the different techniques and materials used, and the different subjects portrayed as well as the differing methods of portrayal."
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The Piltdown Forgery, 2005.
Details the Piltdown Forgery in which an amateur archaeologist planted fake skull and jaw bones and managed to fool the scientific world.
1,013 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
In 1912, Charles Dawson, an amateur archaeologist, revealed to some of his scientific friends that he had found a curious skull in a gravel pit near Piltdown, England. The case of the Piltdown Man turned out to be one of the greatest hoaxes of the 20th century. The paper shows that, allegedly, the unearthing of these fragments was proof that man evolved from apes. The human brain case and the ape-like jaw fit the theory of the day, which held that the brain would evolve faster than the body. The ruse was to create the "missing link" and thus prove Darwin's theory. The paper traces the events of the forgery and its implications on the scientific world after it was discovered to be a hoax. The paper includes illustrations.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, The Piltdown Forgery was a deception with far reaching tentacles. Whether it was Dawson, Hinton, Theilhard or Woodward, the effects of this deception still cast doubts on legitimate archeological finds. This however is advantageous for both the anthropological and archeological communities. It requires science to base its discoveries on pure science rather than raw emotion. The moral of Piltdown is that science is fallible and human passions sometimes overshadow the facts. Occasionally, science does not always take the most direct route in fulfilling its aim of understanding nature."
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Ancient Greek Treasuries, 2003.
An analysis of ancient Greek culture and the practice of housing gifts to the Gods in sacred treasuries.
1,853 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper examines several of the many treasuries found at the sites of Olympia and Delphi. The deeper meaning of these structures is explored, including the motives behind their construction.
From the Paper
"During the eighth century B.C., conditions in Greece contributed to a sense of Panhellenism among the various poleis. There was a general increase in cultural unity, a phenomenon which corresponds to more intense contact with the Eastern world. Such contact would have made obvious the differences between Greek and non-Hellenic cultures. At this time, there was a rise in religious sanctuaries and festivals which, rather than being local, included all Greeks. Two of the most famous Panhellenic sanctuaries were of Zeus at Olympia and Apollo at Delphi. Festivals which were sometimes held at these sites served to enhance the individual poleis by competing against each other in various contests."
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Remote Sensing, 2005.
An overview of Old World and New World remote sensing.
766 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how remote sensing can be broken down to New World and Old World. It looks at how New World involves aerial photography from artificial satellites and how Old World involves procedures like electromagnetic and resistivity surveying.
From the Paper
"The world emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. There are many sources of energy and the most important one is the sun. Satellites mostly portray the land with respect to the electromagnetic spectrum. There can be two types of sensing active and passive sensing. Active sensing involves the satellite to send waveforms that interact with certain parts of the land (including water) and give off different waveforms in the spectrum. The passive sensing involves just reading the waveforms from different sources (like the sun) and portraying them. One advantage of active sensing as opposed to passive is that measurements can be recorded anytime where in passive it has to be done when the naturally occurring energy is available."
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Tacitus and the Reign of Nero, 2004.
Examines the narrative style of Tacitus in his "Annals of Tacitus" and whether Nero's reign was portrayed with historical accuracy.
2,075 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
By examining the "Annals of Tacitus", the paper establishes where Tacitus' sympathies lay and how these feelings colour the text irreversibly with regard to the reign of the notorious Emperor Nero. It explains why these opinions were formed and how far he is likely to have worked with the methods of a modern historian. It discusses the "literary" feel of the writing and the effects this has, but also evaluates Tacitus by the standards of a modern historian.
From the Paper
"The reign of the notorious Emperor Nero comes last in the Annals of Tacitus, with the final part of his reign missing. In this final section of the Annals, Tacitus charts the downfall of the young emperor, from his beginnings as a young man ("still almost a boy") surrounded by manipulative advisers and relatives to his eventual, violent demise as an extravagant, tyrannical madman. The story of Nero's reign is skilfully written in Tacitus' trademark "silver Latin", and quite entertaining. However, it is important to note that Tacitus can scarcely be considered an historian by today's stringent standards, since he does not evaluate source material to give a fair and balanced view of the period of Nero's reign."
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Evolutionary Theory, 2002.
This paper summarizes Riane Eisler's "Cultural Transformation Theory" as presented in her book, "The Chalice and the Blade."
3,275 words (approx. 13.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
The author addresses the arguments within the historical sciences, which include environmental archaeology, over the type of data, qualitative or quantitative, that is most appropriate for advancing knowledge in the field. In light of these controversies, the author suggests an approach that includes a revision of traditional qualitative approaches through the application of Eisler's cultural theories.
From the Paper
"Riane Eisler's The Chalice and the Blade, published in 1988, presents a new theory of human cultural evolution, as well as a new vision of reconstructed history. Eisler draws from archaeological discoveries made in the latter half of the 20th century, as well as from mythology and contemporary feminist re-interpretations of earlier archaeological discoveries and mythology. She develops an idea of cultural evolution based on the "chaos theory", which provides the rubric for her understanding of systems change. She calls her idea "Cultural Transformation Theory". It is based in basic biological principles and presents ideas about the ways in which humans have interacted with their environment over time. Her study is an interesting one for environmental archaeology as a science because it challenges the prevailing cultural theories in the field."
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Archaeological Evidence to Support Mythology, 2004.
Looks at modern archaeological evidence as a possible source for ancient Greek myths and legends.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at specific fossil and archaeological evidence and specimens as possible sources for ancient Greek myths. It explores specific fossil bed sites and their relationship to the ancient world, as well as possible theories of how the ancients must have come across and created legends for various species of pre-historic creatures. The paper includes photographs.
From the Paper
"The ancient scholar Pausanias described some of these bones as "enormous but apparently human" when he visited the sanctuary of Askiepios, a rich fossil bed. Many fossils were claimed by the ancients to be the bones of local heroes, since many of these heroes were said to be of extraordinary height and stature. When these bones were found, they would be reburied in a ceremonial fashion and placed inside large coffins. These sites were then lost to the local's knowledge; so later in time Greeks would dig up large coffins with bones in them and then reclaim to have found the buried remains of local heroes."
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Edward Gibbon, 2004.
A research paper on the famous historiographer who wrote 'The "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire".
2,201 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
A discussion of the life and contribution of Edward Gibbon. The paper gives a brief background of the historian and then summarizes the major points raised in the book, including Christianity, the rise of the empire, the Ceasars and the reasons for the fall of the great empire.
From the Paper
"The British historian, Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) is well-known for his monumental masterpiece, "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire". His major accomplishment in this book was that he articulates the basic causations of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire in his famous book. Many people would argue that Gibbon!-s main point of the causation was the triumph of the barbarism and the church; but according to his writing, although he mentions those two factors a lot, the internal problems, which are the failure of the emperor and the domination of the Praetorian Guards, were the causation to the fall of the Empire. Gibbon has been given credits on his brilliant critiques on the history, and his modern way of writing history, but he has paid too much attention on the wars than the social factors, and he overemphasizes the influence of the historical figures whereas neglected the function of the mass. In addition to it, he condemns too much on the Christianity with out an impartial judgment, which draws him on the waves of the critiques. However, his criticism, his huge references, and his modern way of composing historiography outweigh his weakness in this work, and make him one of the greatest historians in human history."
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Egypt: Achievements and Influence, 2004.
An examination of the greatest intellectual and artistic achievements of ancient Egypt and assesment of their influence upon Western civilization.
3,068 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the Egyptians were a civilization that impressionably influenced Western society and they did so through their artwork, architecture and literature, which permeated Western society's thought and created an architectural intrigue which still exists in present day. Incorporating a vast amount of primary and secondary resources, this paper is a detailed analysis of the Egyptian legacy.
From the Paper
"Egyptian literature varies widely including Pyramid texts, which were named for their location - in the pyramid tombs of the pharaohs, stories, hymns, wisdom texts, poems, love songs, biographical and historical texts, scientific treatises, and mathematical and medical texts. The Pyramid texts are the oldest and most popular form of Egyptian literature. They coincide with the rise of pyramids in the Old Kingdom. They served as a way to guide the tomb owner to the afterlife, enchanting him with incantations to secure his safe passage, sometimes describing his achievements on earth in order to gain favor with the gods."
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