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The Difficulties in Archaeological Investigation, 2006.
This paper examines archaeological methods for identifying sites of imperial control in the ancient world.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In "Dimensions of Imperial Control: The Vijayanagara Capital," Carla Sinopoli and Kathleen Morrison confront this difficulty in archaeological investigation, attempting a more cautious and evidence-based analysis of the sites of power in and around the capital city of the Vijayanagara empire. They begin their assessment, rightly, with a basic ideological assumption about the nature of archaeology of ancient empires: overarching models that describe imperial control and loci of power that are relatively useless.
From the Paper
"Archaeology can be a frustrating discipline. The scholars who form the ranks of the world's archaeological institutions spend lifetimes sifting through scant clues to reconstruct the intimate details of civilizations long gone. Mistakes are easily made. Evidence is easily misinterpreted. It takes years of pointed training to develop the practical and intellectual skills to draw some meaningful conclusions regarding the characteristics of the ancient world. It's somewhat akin to trying to solve a murder mystery with only the briefest of clues that happened thousands of years prior. (In fact, Bob Brier--a famous Egyptologist--did just that, working to solve what he concluded was the murder of Tutankhamen)."
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Michael S. Nassaney, 2006.
An assessment of "An Epistemological Inquiry into Some Archaeological and Historical Interpretations of 17th Century Nation American-European Relations" by Michael S. Nassaney.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper assesses Michael S. Nassaney's article, "An Epistemological Inquiry into Some Archaeological and Historical Interpretations of 17th Century Nation American-European Relations" showing that objective interpretations are based on the current society. According to the paper, Nassaney's article discusses the archaeological records of the Narragansett Native American tribe. His thesis states "I will show that 'objective' interpretations of the archaeological record are ideologically charged while serving to empower those with access to the record".
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Huntington's Clash of Civilizations, 2006.
A review of "The Clash of Civilizations and the Making of the World Order" by Samuel Huntington.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how in "The Clash of Civilizations and the Making of the World Order", Harvard political scientist Samuel Huntington argues that the modern world should be viewed not as bipolar, or as a collection of nation-states, but as a set of seven or eight cultural civilizations. The paper further discusses how, according to Huntington, these cultural entities are distinct and large enough to be called civilizations, and are fated to interact in terms of their respective civilizational identities, which may lead to a clash of civilizations.
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The Beginning of Civilization, 2006.
This paper looks at what the field of archaeology can tell us about the beginning of civilization.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
Mesopotamia is a region between the Tigris and Euphrates which rose significantly in terms of urbanization in the Old World. Archaeologists, anthropologists, sociologists and Near Eastern historians have shown us how ceremonial, commercial, and redistributive concepts developed in this region. This paper discusses archaeological perspectives on the beginning of civilization.
From the Paper
"For example, arguments from Paul Wheatley asserted that the ceremonial centers drew people to listen to the religious texts within temples, which primarily began urban generation. Fustel de Coulanges revived the same idea that Wheatley comprised. In essence, ceremonial centers were definitely established before obtaining economical roles, which took centuries later. Religion provided the authority to bring forth agricultural goods or other resources (Wieroop 24)."
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Eratosthenes and Measurement, 2006.
A biographical account of the life of Greek scholar Eratosthenes and his many contributions to the sciences.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This six page paper looks closely at the ancient and historical figure of Eratosthenes, who died around 195 BC. He made many significant contributions to the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy, geography, and many others. His discovery of the diameter of the earth has been proven to be highly accurate today. As thus, his work is of lasting importance.
From the Paper
"Eratosthenes, a Greek scholar from about 276-195 B.C, is remembered chiefly for his scientific measurements of the earth's circumference. His work, albeit somewhat unacknowledged by his contemporaries, resulted in fantastic scientific experiments which are comparably accurate even today. By looking briefly at his biography, and then the results of his experiments, Eratosthenes will be shown to be both a highly important as well as a highly innovative thinker of his age, regardless of how he was considered at the time of his life work. Born in North Africa, Cyrene, Eratosthenes spent much of his educational time in Athens. In Athens he received the education..."
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Carneiro's Coercive Theory, 2006.
This paper examines the Carneiro's anthropological theories of South American archaeology in light of David J. Wilson's recent additions to his research.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the necessity of ongoing research as a tool for building knowledge in all scientific fields. The example of Carneiro's anthropological theories from the 1970's is used in light of new research in the field by David J. Wilson. Wilson's methods of testing previously held theories and building on them is highlighted.
From the Paper
"Carneiro's Coercive Theory: In any of the sciences, previously published and discussed theories are important for the continuation of growth and discovery within the field of study. In the social science of anthropology, this manner of building upon previous scholarship is no different than in any other science. Previously held theories are reviewed with and applied to current studies by current anthropologists. One recent example of this can be found in the work of David J. Wilson as he studied archaeology in South America. Wilson tested the hypotheses that were laid out by 1970s American anthropologist Robert Carneiro. This paper shall deal with how Wilson's work related to and built upon Carneiro's Coercive Theory, first defining and laying out just what this theory is, and then studying how Wilson's work added to scientific thought by using said theory. In the 1970s, anthropologist Robert Carneiro was investigating..."
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Archaeology, 2005.
A discussion on archaeology and their interpretations of history.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 10 sources, $ 133.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the relationships between archaeologists and the descendants of those they study, particularly in the North American southwest desert. The paper specifically looks at the Anasazi and their Hopi and Zuni descendants and the differences between the archaeologists' interpretation of history and that of the native people. The paper also looks at the role of Pan-Indian identity and ethnicity.
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Greek Krater, 2005.
An analysis of the Greek vase or bowl, the krater.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper describes and discusses a Greek krater. A krater is an ancient Greek vase or bowl. The paper looks at how kraters were originally used for mixing wine with water at banquets and describes its specific style. The paper introduces the geometric style Krater with an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It also analyzes how the geometric style evolved and the issues with dating these works.
From the Paper
"A krater is a Greek vase or bowl. It has a wide mouth, handles on either side, and a foot on which it stands. These bowls were used to mix wine with water at banquets in ancient Greece. These vases are often adorned with scenes from Greek mythology or scenes of banquets like the one at which the krater would be used. Many of the kraters found in Greece reflect what is called the geometric style, an example of which is the Terracotta Krater, ca. 750-735 B.C., found today in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The geometric style this krater represents is an early form that evolved into more advanced forms of Greek vase painting, and dating such works can be an issue because the geometric style often persisted beyond its early date and so co-existed with more advanced styles."
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The Leakey Family and Paleoanthropological Research, 2005.
An analysis of the accomplishments and contributions of the Leakey family to paleoanthropological research.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the contributions of the Leakey family. The paper discusses Louis Leakey, the British-Kenyan archaeologist and paleoanthropologist who gained world-renowned fame and professional prestige for his academic studies of human origins. It then goes on to enumerate the successes and contributions of other members of the Leakey family.
From the Paper
"The Leakey Family: An Analysis of Accomplishments The British-Kenyan archaeologist and paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey gained world-renowned fame and professional prestige for his academic studies of human origins. Leakey, his wife and professional partner Mary, and their son Richard made key paleoanthropological discoveries that dramatically enhanced our understanding of humanity's earliest ancestors. Richard Leakey and his wife, Maeve, continued their family's legacy of paleoanthropological research and inspired their daughter Louise to become a paleoanthropologist as well. (Kirjasto 2005) This generational dedication to the study of anthropology began when Louis Seymour Bazett Leakey was born in Kenya on August 7, 1903 to Harry and Mary Leakey, who were English missionaries."
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The Problem of Noah's Ark, 2005.
An analysis of the story of Noah's ark in the Bible, in relation to the context of modern scientific and archaeological research.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 10 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at important elements of the Bible, specifically the story of the flood and Noah's Ark as well as other related aspects of Genesis in the context of archeology. The paper examines problems with the creationist explanation of the Noah's ark story and why it doesn't fit with modern scientific and archaeological research, as well as discussing some reasons why people prefer the Creationist approach.
From the Paper
"Everyone in the western world knows what they're looking at when they see a representation of an old man, a boat and a pair of animals, whether they be giraffes, rabbits or elephants. One doesn't need to be an active believer in any of the Biblical faiths to identify Noah and his Ark. In fact, the old man with a boat and some animals would probably have been an identifiable figure in the ancient world as well, from the Mediterranean to Indonesia, but especially in the middle east, where creation stories have included a divine salvation from a flood since the second millennium B.C. (Thompson 15; Bright 33)."
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The Study of History, 2005.
A discussion on methods of interpreting history and historical objects.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 6 sources, $ 133.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, in the study of history, the "ways of knowing" the past of an object, a culture, or an event is a difficult and highly subjective challenge. The paper examines how the historian's methods are characterized by their own perspectives and objectives, and this quite often occurs in ways that are not consciously recognized by the historian. The paper further examines how this distortion is a highly problematic issue, for the study of history is essential to the understanding of both the past and the present, and also to shed light on many possible futures. This paper approaches the issue of multiple "ways of knowing" as applied to the study of history, with the purpose of clarifying the need for minimized personal perceptions and interpretations within the context of historical research and the teaching of social studies to the next generation.
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Ancient Observatories, 2005.
A discussion of ancient civilizations and the connection between astronomy and archeology.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how, through the ages, it has become evident that ancient civilizations had methods of creating structures that are unexplained, even to this day. The paper discusses how the manner in which astronomy affects archeology verifies this contention. The paper examines ancient observatories such as Chaco Canyon, Machu Picchu, and Chichen Itza, which have given science the means to explore the methods practiced by ancient societies in correlating the existence of their societies with the heavens.
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Wright and Cultural Stagnation, 2005.
A discussion of Ronald Wright's book "A Short History of Progress".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes Ronald Wright's book "A Short History of Progress", 2004. The paper discusses how Wright examines the history of civilizations in terms of cultural stagnation by tracing examples from the Stone Ages, to the Middle Ages, to Contemporary society. He looks at how civilizations today are not much different in terms of evolution and progression.
From the Paper
T"he book "A Short History of Progress" written by Ronald Wright discusses the patterns of progress and disasters in humanity since the Stone Age and examines the inherent dangers of cultural stagnation. Wright traces the progression of civilization throughout the years from the Stone Ages to today. His book provides evidence from history that is compelling and thought provoking. Wright's central argument is based on the notion that rise and fall of civilizations past demonstrate self-destructiveness, thus provides a glimpse into the future for civilizations to come."
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The Role of Greek and Roman Imperial Cults, 2005.
Examines the impact of imperial cults on Greek and Roman society.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
Whatever the degree to which individual people embraced their leaders as literal gods or divine fountainheads, it is clear that such cults played a tremendous role in the religious and political development of ancient societies. The paper shows that this was especially true for Hellenistic Greece and the Roman Empire, both of which existed under these cults - the former providing much of the historical and ideological groundwork for the latter.
From the Paper
"The ruler cults of ancient Greece and the later imperial cults of ancient Rome are much-debated topics in classical studies. Historians have long struggled to understand the role that these cults played in the construction of these societies both at the ideological and practical, day-to-day levels. The debate most often revolves around the degree to which these cults could be considered religious institutions at all (Harland par. 1-2). Many critics feel that these cults were little more than opportunistic attempts to manipulate politics in these societies. Others argue that these cults, whatever their political machinations, actually did have religious basis."
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Ancient to Early Mediterranean History, 2005.
An overview of this time period in history.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The ancient empires of the Mediterranean were the Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. The desire to control the world was one of the leading factors in the downfall of different Mediterranean empires. The paper shows that three specific political trends that led to the decline of the Mediterranean empire and the rise of the Western European hegemony are related to religion, cultures, and military.
From the Paper
"The Mediterranean region is one of the most important in world history and it is the origin point of Western Civilization" (History Mediterranean p. 1). The ancient empires of the Mediterranean were the Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. The desire to control the world was one of the leading factors in the downfall of different Mediterranean empires. Three specific political trends that led to the decline of the Mediterranean empire and the rise of the Western European hegemony are related to religion, cultures, and military. The Persian Empire Who were the Persians? What roles did they play in ancient empires of the Mediterranean? What caused their downfall? These questions are important in the study of ancient Mediterranean history and what were the causes of their downfall. "The Persians created an empire, the largest yet seen in the ancient world, 3,000 miles."
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