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Research at the Site of Ur, 2002.
A paper which explains research findings at the archaeological site of the city of Ur.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
The site of Ur, an ancient city in Mesopotamia, is an archaeological site rich in findings of the Sumerian culture and history. This paper explains how the city of Ur was discovered in the mid seventeenth century and details some of the fascinating findings of the place such as the Royal Cemetery and a detailed burial chamber.
From the Paper
"At the end of the pit, the team found the king's tomb chamber. A second stone chamber was built up against it, with the tomb of the queen, who owned the chariot and other offerings found in the upper pit. Her name, Shub-ad, was inscribed on a cylinder seal. Her body was still in the tomb. The upper part of her body was completely hidden by a mass of beads of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, agate, and chalcedony. Her headdress was a more elaborate version of the ones found on the remains of the court ladies.
"This discovery showed that the graves of the king and queen had been exactly alike but that the queen's chamber had sunk below the ground level of her grave pit. According to Woolley, they were probably husband and wife, and the king had died first. The queen, wanting to lie as close to him as possible, had been buried next to him."
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Egyptian, Greek and Roman Sculpture, 2002.
A comparison of Egyptian, Greek and Roman culture through sculpture.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how a society's ideals are reflected in its sculpture, through the example of comparing Egyptian, Greek and Roman Sculpture. The author describes the characteristics of these societies as seen through their art and that their sculptures are a reflection on the perspective on the same world.
From the Paper
"Different cultures see the world in different ways. Religion, society, and even politics, shape our views, and give form to our human environment. Architecture, music, literature, dress - all are visible manifestations of a people's values. This is no less true in the realm of sculpture. A religious people will create works of art that express its most deeply held spiritual beliefs; a cerebral people, sculptures that capture humankind's highest ideals, while the politically minded turn out statues and busts that represent their world's movers and shakers. Styles can range from the formal and the symbolic, to the ideal and the real. Each serves its cultural purpose. As all peoples have done, the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans produced sculptures that testify to the beliefs of their respective societies."
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Egyptian Art, 2002.
This paper looks at different aspects of Egyptian Art.
2,385 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper is an examination of the artwork of ancient Egypt. It looks at the paintings of ancient Egypt and explores the different messages that they hold within. Some of the themes found in these paintings include god, life after death and the actual process of dying. In many cases, the paintings are a personal history of the individual that is now preserved for future generations. The author shows how animals played an important role in their life and how many animals hold special meaning for these ancient Egyptians. The author goes into great detail about the materials used in these paintings, including the type of paints, brushes, colors, canvases and surfaces used by the Egyptians to paint these magnificent pieces of art.
From the Paper
"The artwork of ancient Egypt remains a never-ending source of fascination for many living in the modern world. Painting is perhaps the most intriguing and perceptive medium of expression used by the Egyptian artisans. The subject matter, materials used, techniques, and style reflected in the paintings mirror the time period in which they are painted. The paintings produced in Egyptian antiquity are insightful windows into the culture, beliefs, and ideals of the dynamic ancient civilization."
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Medicine and Health Care in Ancient Mesopotamia, 2002.
An analysis of health care systems, medicine and civil medical liability in Ancient Mesopotamia.
1,845 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
An examination of the health and medical systems of Ancient Mesopotamia. The concept of sickness is defined for this time period and those who treated the sick, the medical practitioners, are discussed. The paper also looks at the monetary payment structure for medical services and the subsequent penalty structure if payment was not made.
From the Paper
"During the past century, the rise of modern medicine and biotechnology has been astronomical. Scientists have engineered artificial limbs and organs, developed vaccines for numerous diseases, discovered preventative medical strategies, and created procedures to deal with most known ailments. Specialists have arisen in many fields and a complex payment structure involving insurance and HMOs has been established in modern times. Given this, it is interesting to notice that several of these same features were present in the medical world of ancient Mesopotamia. Of course, the Mesopotamians did not have the levels of understanding that exist today, but it appears that their knowledge was much greater than one would initially assume."
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Neanderthal Subsistence Patterns, 2001.
A discussion of new isotopic evidence along with other new data which is leading the way in painting a new picture of the Neanderthal man and his subsistence patterns.
4,025 words (approx. 16.1 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 108.95
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Abstract
This paper presents detailed descriptions of previous evidence and theory for neanderthal subsistence pattern of a scavenger plus an attempt to topple that theory in light of the new evidence at hand. This new evidence includes isotopic data that suggest a meat only diet and other studies that suggest wide spread active hunting through wear patterns on tools. These point to a subsistence pattern of a top level predator not that of a lowly scavenger.
From the Paper
"Of any ancient fossil hominid it's a hands down, no contest winner for the prize of best known and understood1. Say "Neanderthal", and archaeologist and laymen alike would not have to work hard to conjure up the classical short stocky body frame, the indicative brow ridge and the protruding facial features of the Neanderthal people. But it is not all that simple, while we may have a plethora of faunal and lithic remains including those of the skeleton, the pictures of life style, diet, culture, and land use for example that these paint are not as complete as one might think. Often times the pictures one can paint from these remains are very cloudy take Neanderthal subsistence patterns and diet for instance. Neanderthal subsistence has been under heated controversy from its infancy. The two camps have their talons well immersed in the flesh of the faunal and lithic fossil records. The prevailing theory has been that Neanderthal subsistence and acquisition of foodstuffs as primarily a scavenging life style. However, in light of recent discoveries and new isotopic analysis a review of the lithic and faunal evidence is necessary and many are revising their previous theories. The picture is dramatically changing, isotopic data along with Neanderthal contemporaries at the KRM site in Africa are providing archaeologists with a picture of an organized people who were at the top of their environments trophic pyramid. Recent research on hominid strategies for meat procurement has focused on the interpretations of bones recovered from archaeological sites. Binford's 1984 analysis of faunal collections from Middle Stone Age deposits of the Klasies River Mouth Cave in South Africa identified carnivore activity and hominid scavenging of carnivore kills as major sources of the large mammal remains at the early Late Pleistocene site. From the skeletal parts represented and patterns of cut-marks on the bones, Binford concluded, "in short, there is nothing in the data from Klasies River Mouth to suggest technologically-aided hunting, or even tactical hunting, as such" (1984). Although this interpretation of the Klasies River Mouth fauna is disputed by Klein (1986), Binford's conclusion has been extended to the whole of hominid subsistence prior to the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition of the Late Pleistocene (Binford 1984). For the sake of argument and our purpose of substantiating Neanderthals as top-level hunters, Binford's extension will serve to illustrate the faunal evidence for scavenging vs. hunting."
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History of the Marksville culture, 2002.
An examination of the findings of early American archaeologists.
2,665 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the discoveries of archaeologists of the first civilization in the Louisiana area. It discusses the geography of the time, the history of investigation, influences from other cultures, ceremonial findings and material culture that have been discovered by archaeologists.
From the Paper
"It is thought that man first arrived in Louisiana around 10,000 B.C. The delta of the Mississippi River began to form around 5,000 B.C., and man did not arrive in present day Jefferson Parish until about 500 B.C. The pre-history of human habitation in the delta region can be divided into five major cultural periods: Tchefuncte, Marksville, Troyville, Coles Creek, and the Plaquemine Period. In the lower Mississippi valley, all cultural activity on a Hopewellian horizon is historically subsumed under the term "Marksville". Beginning somewhere around 100 B.C., the resident Tchefuncte cultural system began to spread around the lower Mississippi valley. The Marksville Period overlaps with the end of the Tchefuncte spanning from around 200 B.C. to around 100 A.D. The Marksville culture spread into Louisiana from the Ohio Valley bringing primitive agriculture. The cultural changes are best seen in ceramics, which closely represent certain Hopewellian pottery of the Illinois valley, and mortuary practices, such as burial mounds. These cultural changes are from which the Marksville culture came to light. The time frame of the culture is 100B.C. to A.D. 400. The Troyville period succeeded the Marksville period from about A.D. 500 to about A.D. 1100. The Troyville culture is somewhat indistinctly defined and represents a transition between the Marksville Period and the later Coles Creek and Plaquemine Periods."
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The Search for Answers, 2001.
This essay looks at the relationship between archaeology and forensic crime scene investigations.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed discussion about the forensic sciences when it comes to the process and philosophy regarding archaeology and crime scene investigations. The writer examines terms and processes to answer questions about criminal investigation from an archaeological point of view.
From the Paper
"Turn on the television on any night around the nation and one can find a crime show. We are inundated with crime shows, real time shows and law and order shows. Each show has a victim, suspects, a search scene and then the trial all wrapped up in a neat little time frame. If we watch closely we often see elements of the forensic science in action but mostly its pan shots, evidence found and bagged then on to the next scene. In real life however the discovery and search of a crime scene is much more involved. There are laws that must be followed and procedures that are handled with care to insure the scene nor the evidence becomes tainted or destroyed."
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Wells' Fiction to Fantastic Reality, 2001.
This paper is a transcript of an audio recording of Wells' fiction to fantastic reality.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper is a first person transcript about the Aztec culture. It is a journey through time describing in-depth the speaker's findings about the Aztecs. It also details the speakers' journey to Tenochtitlan and Nahautl, Mexico. It is an historical documentation of this journey through time and cultures which took place in 1438 AD.
From the Paper
"I am now preparing to travel to the year 1438 AD to gain a more personal knowledge of Aztec culture. I have long been fascinated with Aztec civilization, and because of the advanced technology of this incredible machine, I will now be able to see for myself what life was like in the time before the Conquistadors. I have preset my destination to a small secluded valley outside of Tenachtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire, and what will eventually become Mexico City.
"As I wait for the complicated systems of my craft to cycle through their stages, I let my mind drift back to when I was a child, enthralled by the science fiction novel The Time Machine. "If only you could have known, Aitch Gee", I muse to myself.
"All systems are now cycled up and ready to engage.....Signed Off."
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Stonehenge, 2001.
A look at the legend of Stonehenge.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines in brief the history of this monumental stone circle, its construction and the myths that have grown up around it especially during the 20th century. The paper concludes that the monument remains so compelling in large measure because we know so little about it.
From the Paper
"Stonehenge, a monumental circular setting of large standing stones surrounded by a circular earthwork, was constructed in several phases about eight miles north of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England. It was begun as long as 5000 years ago with the outer bank, the ditch, and the Aubrey holes encircling the main construction dating from probably the late Stone Age or early Bronze Age (circa 2000BC). The main structure dates from between the early Bronze Age and the end of the Iron Age. The sarsen - or sandstone - stones date from the about 1500BC (Chippindale 18)."
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Mayans, 2001.
This paper looks at the history of the Mayan culture.
2,125 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the field of archeology and how it has evolved over the years. The author uses Mayan culture as a case study in order to illustrate the advances that have been made in archeology over the centuries. A brief history of archeology in North America is given before detailing the process that the archaeologists used in uncovering the history of the Mayans. It discusses the tools the archaeologists have changed because of scientific advances, and how this has disproved many of the early theories about Mayan culture.
From the Paper
"Early excavators and scholars of Mayan life also determined that intimately linked to Mayan religion was the impressive development of astronomical studies ans mathematics, including the use of zero. Mayan astronomy underlay a complex calendrical system that featured an accurately determined solar year (18 months of 20 days, plus an unlucky 5-day period), a sacred year of 260 days (13 cycles of 20 named days), and a variety of longer cycles culminating in the Long Count, based on a zero date in 3114 BC. Mayan astronomers compiled precise tables of positions for the Moon and Venus and were able to predict solar eclipses."
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Temple Of Pharaoh Ramesses I, 2001.
This paper is an historical and archaeological evaluation of the reign of Ramesses I.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the temple of Pharaoh Ramesses I built by his son Seti I. Some of the areas discussed include the Temple of Osiris and its significance in history. Special attention is given to the figures carved into the walls of the temple, as they are examined in detail in order to give us a better understanding of their importance in Ramesses life and times. The hieroglyphics found on the walls are also detailed and analyzed.
From the Paper
"The largest figure is Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris, with a falcon head. He holds an ankh, in one hand, which is a sacred representation of life, often associated with Isis and Osiris. Some call it "the original cross." (Okara, 2001). He also holds up his hand as if to protect his father. Horus ruled the world of the living, so he's here to watch over the living as they give their gifts to his father. Horus is larger than the cult figures of Osiris, but there are two figures of Osiris, and only one Horus, which again brings out Osiris' dominance."
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Archaeological Dating Methods: A Case Study, 2002.
This paper discusses four major methods of archaeological dating: stratigraphy, dendrochronology, obsidian hydration dating, and radiocarbon dating.
2,380 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces archaeology, and explains that the concept of dating is central to the science of archaeology. Two broad categories of dating, relative and absolute, are introduced, and four major specific types of dating are presented to the reader; stratigraphy, dendrochronology, obsidian hydration dating, and radiocarbon dating. Each of the four methods are discussed in great detail, each with a closing paragraph devoted to the underlying problems with that particular method. For example, the section on stratigraphy begins with a brief history of the method itself, and introduces such concepts as the law of superposition, temporal sequences of data within stratified deposits, context evaluation, and determining age through the relative position of superimposed artifacts. The negatives of stratigraphy are then discussed, and include deformation, overlapping and reverse stratigraphy, and the method is evaluated on the whole. This format is then applied to the other three types of dating discussed. Finally, a concluding paragraph states that although the four types of dating discussed are infinitely valuable to archaeologists all over the world, there are still problems associated with each that need to be accounted for when using them to address the age of fossilized remains and other artifacts.
From the Paper
"Archaeology is the study of past human cultures, and archaeologists must uncover and interpret material remains in order to reconstruct past ways of life. To understand the purposes of these remains, Archaeologists have the task of constructing a chronology of prehistory, using various dating methods. "Without knowing the age of materials, little can be said about the activity that made them part of the site (David L. Webster, Susan Toby Evans & William T. Sanders, 1993: 128)." Dating is defined as the placement in time of events relative to one another or to any established scale of temporal measurement (Jeffrey S. Dean, 1981: 375). Dating methods used by Archaeologist incorporate the scientific method and have the advantages of objectification, application to isolated cultural sequences, and an expanded span of human prehistory for which an absolute chronology can be built (Keith Brannigan, 1974: 100-101). Scientific methods of dating are invaluable for the prehistoric periods and have revolutionized the archaeologists' ideas about the absolute chronology of the prehistoric culture sequence (Brannigan, 1974: 101), yet each of these scientific methods has many difficulties. Dating techniques fall into two categories-relative and absolute-and include the following: seriation, ceramic dating, potassium argon dating, thermoluminescence dating, archaeomagnetic dating, fission track dating, stratigraphy, dendrochronology, obsidian hydration dating, and radiocarbon dating. This paper will discuss the latter four methods, with an emphasis on the shortcomings of each."
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Scientific Artifact Analysis, 2002.
This paper describes various scientific means of examining archeological artifacts.
1,810 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Petrographic analysis, microscopy and radiography, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IR) in examining archeological remains. The author includes an application of these methods. Pictures and graphs are included.
From the Paper
"There are many ways one can study archaeological materials. This paper will focus on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Petrographic analysis, microscopy and radiography, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). All are part of a process that helps to identify many materials, which in turn provide answers to parts of the past. They are all very useful tools for the examination of archaeological artifacts and many other things."
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Systems Theory and Archaeology, 2002.
This paper looks at the movement towards a post-modern construction of landscape, feminism and capitalist research in archaeology.
1,465 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the history of archaeology, and the impact that social historians have had in shaping its direction and definition. In order to present his case, the author looks at three different books on archaeology, both ancient and modern, by social historians. The author points out the strengths and weaknesses of these publications, which in some cases, are long on speculation, and short on facts.
From the Paper
"This is not to say the Patterson's book is completely skewed, however. He situates archaeology into a wider historical context and acknowledges the influence of outside society- that, archaeology as a field did not, in fact, 'pull itself up by its own bootstraps. As an example of this he sites the first impact of the WPA during the great depression, and the larger affect it had after World War II when the GI Bill allowed many soldiers who had previously worked with the WPA to pursue a full career in Archaeology. He also traces the class structure of archaeology from its beginning as an aristocratic and upper middle class phenomena to its situation in middle class academia in the 1950's. Finally, he follows the fields movement from private collectors, to universities, to Federal government, and its final gradual privatization under the expanding clauses of United States historic sites protection."
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The True Nature of Cannibalism: A Tribute to the Deceased, 2001.
This paper examines the historical realities and significance of cannibalism and cannibalistic peoples.
2,085 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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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."
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