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The History of Printing in Ancient China, 2008.
An analysis of the history of printing during the Tang Dynasty and the Sung Dynasty in Ancient China and its relationship to Buddhism and Confucianism.
1,726 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper shows the important role that Buddhism and Confucianism played in the development of printing. It then shows the important role that printing played in the development and history of these two religions. The paper particularly discusses the history of printing from the time of the Tang Dynasty and the Sung Dynasty in Ancient China.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Very Beginning of Printing - Tang Dynasty (618-906)
Reasons why Printing was Invented - Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty
The Diamond Sutra
Buddhist and Confucian Books Printed in the Sung Dynasty
Importance of Printing to Buddhism and Confucianism
Commercial Uses for Printing
Conclusion
From the Paper
"As has been shown above, the Ancient Chinese were the first to develop printing, during the Tang Dynasty and the Sung Dynasty. The main reason they did this was because printing was needed to produce and distribute more religious texts. In particular, Buddhist texts were the reason why early printing was developed. Printing then made possible the production of the first complete Buddhist canon. So, it must have been very important in spreading and developing Buddhism in China. Although printing was soon used for commercial applications, it continued to be important for religious literature. During the Sung Dynasty, it was used to produce Confucian books. Thanks to the invention of printing, a fair amount of early religious works still exist today."
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Confucius and Ancient China, 2002.
Anlalyzes "Analects" of Confucius and his perceptions of ancient China.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the works of Confucius, primarily his "Analects", with respect to his belief about the structure of China's past. This is supported through references to the work, "Mencius".
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Political Power in Ancient China, 2002.
Looks at the criteria for political authority in the ancient Chinese world, using K.C. Chang's "Art Myth and Ritual" as a reference.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
K.C. Chang's book, "Art Myth and Ritual" is an in-depth study and analysis of the development of political power in Ancient China through the foundations of myth, art, and architecture. Through a combination of archaeology, classical studies and anthropology, Chang sets out the specific criteria for the rise of political authority in the Ancient Chinese world and places them in the context of the mythological, artistic and ritualistic realities of the tradition itself.
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Virtue in Ancient China and Athens, 2004.
An examination and comparison of the way Confucius and Aristotle viewed the concept of virtue.
1,136 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
Although both have present-day renown as ancient apostles of the virtuous life, in truth, the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, and the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, cannot be strictly and coherently contrasted in their points of view on virtue in a traditional sense of comparison. This paper explains that both philosophers have such substantially different definitions of what ?virtue? may be defined, as within their respective historical, political, and societal circumstances, one cannot elide ?virtue? within the same definitional framework of ancient China and ancient Greece. It shows how both philosophers conceptualized the notion of what constitutes virtue in completely different ways. For Confucius, virtue was a code of conduct, a law or rule of life that ought to be obeyed to create a more harmonious and perfect society. For Aristotle, virtue was a philosophical ideal that attempted to provide human beings with a definition that enabled them to conceive of their lives in a more philosophically efficacious way.
From the Paper
"The different definitions of virtue between Confucius and Aristotle arise not simply because of difference of temperament or even translation, but of what both saw as their roles as thinkers. Confucius was primarily preoccupied with improving government and society. He was convinced that the problem with his current government and the current state of Chinese society was what he defined as a lacking of virtue or a lack of obedience to the rule of what was good. A truly good public servant, for instance, ?who on confronting danger is prepared to lay down his life, who on confronting gain concentrates on what is right, who when sacrificing concentrates on reverence, who when mourning concentrates on grief should definitely be all right,? as opposed to a self-interested or non-virtuous public servant, only interested in self-gratification. (19:1, Analects) The absence of good public servants in China had led to an absence of good governance."
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Comparison of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, 2004.
An examination and comparison of famous ancient Greek and Roman writers.
1,613 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
The ideas, attitudes, and issues of Greek and Roman life can be compared by considering some of the major Greek and Roman writers and what their work focuses on. This consideration provides the details that allow their ideas to be compared and the problems they were focused on to be compared , as well as the characteristics of the societies they lived in. This consideration begins by describing the Greek writers Socrates, Plato, and Thucydides. This is followed by a consideration of the Roman writers Polybius, Suetonius, and Aurelius.
From the Paper
"Socrates was born in Greece in 469 B.C. and died in 399 B.C. Socrates writings are based on a philosophical approach and one of his major concerns was how to achieve virtue. This includes his statement that nobody every knowingly does wrong, and that any wrong action is a result of people not knowing enough to make the right decision. This thinking is based on a consideration of the nature of life for the individual, and is not concerned with more practical issues. Socrates also considered the natue of the state in some of his works and battled between wanting to accept the leadership of the state, and not believing that the state should have the ultimate power. In the end, Socrates decided that even when an individual is not treated justly, it is not justifiable for them to disobey the laws of the state. This represents a general belief in the system of government of the time."
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Influences of Ancient Egyptian Art on Ancient Greek Art, 2005.
A paper on how Egyptian art influenced Greek artists.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a discussion of the long tradition of the influence of ancient Egyptian art on ancient Greek artists. The paper looks at how the art of both are affected by their societies' world views. The paper discusses the primary functions of Egyptian art and the different style of Greek art, particularly in relation to depiction of figures.
From the Paper
"This paper compares ancient Egyptian art with ancient Greek art and considers the ways in which the Greeks were influenced by Egyptian art. Egypt established a long and enduring artistic tradition. Greek art drew heavily on that background, using many of the same kinds of subjects and incorporating many similar symbols but then reinterpreted them through very different eyes and a strikingly different cultural perception. Both visions continue to have a profound impact on artists in modern cultures from their representation of everyday life to the varied..."
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The Shape of Things to Come: The Han and Sui Dynasties, 2006.
Traces similarities and contrasts between Han and Sui dynasties in ancient China.
1,217 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the Sui and Han dynasties of ancient China. The paper notes their differences and similarities, placing particular emphasis on the differences in legalist thought.
From the Paper
"To even a casual observer, there is much in common between the Han and Sui Dynasties of ancient China. Both represent turning points in Chinese politics and culture. The creation (and to a degree the downfall) of each entails a fierce battle between old and new, the aristocratic and the peasant, and scattered power bases versus a unified state. Each was to leave a lasting impression on those that follow, indeed many of the elements of Sui success were merely a repackaging of Han innovation. So how then do we compare the two? With so much in common, the merits of each must be found in their differences rather than their commonalities. Perhaps one of the more telling contrasts is to compare the extent to which each Dynasty integrated its cosmology into its legalist structure."
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Chinese History, 2004.
A brief history of ancient China, starting with the Shang Dynasty and ending with the T'ang Dynasty.
1,649 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly traces the history of ancient China. The paper talks about the key elements of the Shang Dynasty, the Chou Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, and the T'ang Dynasty. Also discussed is the historical significance placed on the family, the architectural and artistic developments, military conquests, and the Golden Age under the T'ang Dynasty.
From the Paper
"The Chinese, under the Chou dynasty, were known for its use of jade, bronze, horse-drawn chariots, ancestor worship, highly organized armies, and human sacrifice. Cities were organized and built enclosed by protective walls rather than allowing the people to continue to exist as loosly knit tribes. Archeological records have found one city surrounded by a wall 30 feet high, 65 feet thick, and 4 1/2 miles long. The greatness of the architectural achievements was a drastic change for a mostly agrarian society. The feudal lifestyle of 1000 BCE china were typified by military squabbles over natural resources and land. By organizing large portions of Chinese citizens inside the walls of a city, the life in daily life in china changed significantly, and changed for the first time in many centuries. Inside the walled cities lived the rulers, priests, and warriors. Similar to the medieval societal structure which evolved in Europe almost 2000 years later, merchants and craftsmen lived in houses built up against the outside walls of the cities. Farmers lived near their fields in nearby villages which afforded them the protection of the city. During the Zhou dynasty, chopsticks were invented, which changed the way people ate their food."
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Understanding China, 2006.
This paper examines the rich history, economy and culture of China as depicted in John Bryan Starr's "Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History and Political Structure."
1,414 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews "Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History and Political Structure" by John Bryan Starr. This paper discusses China's ancient culture and its emergence as one of the foremost powers in the modern world. This paper focuses on China's recent admission to the World Trade Organization and as well as its economy which is set to become the largest in the world within the next few years. The writer of this paper examines China's political history and contends that in spite of the country's numerous transformations, the structure of the government is today fundamentally identical with what it was under the later imperial dynasties. Today, there is no emperor at the top, but instead a small committee of the leading members of various political parties who hold much the same position. Although there had been significant changes in China's economy, few political changes transpired. The communists still hold a monopoly of power and although its economic policies scarcely seem to be communist anymore, it does not intend to relax its political grip.
From the Paper
"Starr contends that China remains one of the most self-contained and hence inscrutable countries in the world. It has an ancient culture of major historical importance, and has been emerging as one of the foremost powers of the modern world. It is the third largest country in the world and certainly the most populous, with about one-fifth of the world's total population. Modern communications make it as easy to reach Beijing from London or New York as it is to get to Singapore or Nairobi. Yet China remains little known and poorly understood; few foreigners learn its language or study its history and culture. Although foreign trade and tourism have increased dramatically in the last decade, they are only very slowly leading to any changes in foreign perceptions of China."
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The Ancient Olympics, 2005.
This paper evaluates four websites, which describe the Ancient Olympic Games: "The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games", "The Ancient Olympics", "Archaeology's Ancient Olympics Guide" and "The Olympics: The Ancient Olympics".
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that the website "The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games" describes how politics, nationalism, commercialism and athletics were related intimately in the ancient Olympic Games and how today's games are surprisingly accurate re-creations of the ancient Olympic Games in relation to climate and circumstances. The author points out that the website "Ancient Olympics Guide" is short on graphics; however, this does not detract in any way from the visual appeal of the site because the lack of graphic fillers allows room for a wealth of scholarly information concerning the ancient and modern Olympic games. The paper relates that the website "The Olympics: The Ancient Olympics" is a very comprehensive website, which provides informational links to the history, origins and events of the ancient Olympics.
From the Paper
"The home page of Tufts University's site "The Ancient Olympics" (http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/) has five oblong circles centered on the top half of the page that provides links entitled Ancient and Modern Olympic Sports, A Tour of Ancient Olympia, The Context of the Games and the Olympic Spirit, Athletes' Stories and Frequently Asked Questions. In the center of each circle is an ancient Olympic scene. The bottom half of the home page gives a brief description of the Perseus Project, which in 1996, created this exhibit on the ancient Olympics as a tribute to the Centennial Olympic Games. This exhibit allows one to compare ancient and modern Olympic sports, tour the site of Olympia as it looks today, learn about the context of the Games and the Olympic spirit, or read about the Olympic athletes who were famous in ancient times."
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Traditional China, 2004.
An exploration of the history and power of China from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Han.
1,615 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how China has seen a number of changes in terms of history and power over the years. It examines the changing nature of these associations and explores the relationship between history and political authority from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Han. It also shows how that, while changes occurred in the political-administrative area of China?s history, many of the philosophies established were instrumental in setting a pattern for future empires.
Outline
Introduction
Political Power
The Shang Dynasty
Western and Eastern Zhou Dynasties
First Imperial Period
The Han Dynasty
Shamans and Ancient China
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Daoism, or the study of nature?s patterns, has been in existence since the earliest Chinese eras. Historians and scholars dispute the concept that ?these ideas did not evolve with time like human beings are supposed to have, but that they sprung, full-formed, in a culture that long preceded the historical land of ?China,? even the early China that scratched their versions of these earlier ideas into the famous ?oracle bones? (home.attbi.com/~piannone/o-s/ch-innerhist.html).? Feudal governments in North China, which existed during the era of the oracle bones, were different from the original daoists. During this era, fortune telling was popular among kings and queens, and their court sorcerers were educated in rumor."
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Ancient Greeks and Hebrews, 2005.
A comparison of the ancient Greeks and ancient Hebrews, in terms of size, religion and philosophy.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses similarities between the ancient Greeks and the ancient Hebrews. It discusses the similarities in terms of both being relatively small kingdoms, both being centered on a few autonomous cities, both with a well-developed religious mythos, and both given to philosophical writings. The paper then compares the ancient Greeks and Hebrews to the ancient Romans.
From the Paper
"Ancient Greece and the ancient Hebrews had similar civilizations in many respects, both being relatively small kingdoms, both being centered on a few autonomous cities, both with a well-developed religious mythos, and both given to philosophical writings. Neither civilization was as grandiose or widespread as the Roman civilization that followed, and both were shaped around smaller groupings of warring cities or tribes. The tribes of Israel were unified and held together first by their beliefs, but they clearly lacked many of the elements considered essential to the concept of a nation. The tribes of Israel never acted long as a unit prior to the time of the rise of the monarchy in Palestine. There was before that time only single tribes, and occasionally small groups of tribes intervening in historical events. The term "nation" used to refer to the Israelites cannot be seen as having the same sense when used for other nations."
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The Role of Women in Ancient Times, 1999.
A look at the roles of women in ancient times through an examination of ancient literature by Hesiod, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Homer, Virgil, and Aristotle.
3,470 words (approx. 13.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes several pieces of ancient literature in order to shed some light on the roles that women played in ancient times and how they were viewed by society. The paper examines Hesiod's "Theogony" and "Works and Days", Sophocles' "Antigone", Aristophanes' "Lysistrata", Homer's "Odyssey", Virgil's "Aeneid" and Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics". The paper concludes that, while the heroines and major female characters in these ancient works are certainly worth examination and study, it must be remembered that they are unrealistic in the light of normal ancient life, and that in reality women were barely given any attention at all.
From the Paper
"In ancient times, and in ancient Greece most of all, women were usually treated almost as less than human. Men seemed to deal with them as a necessary evil that was kept around for the sole purpose of providing sons. As F.G. Naerebout says, "Whatever else [they] may do - weaving, spinning, directing the female staff - is a pleasant extra (Naerebout 124)." Yet this was not always the case. There are cases in ancient writings where women are shown in a positive light, even cases where women are heroes. Here we shall examine separately each work in which women played a major role, either positive or negative."
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Ancient History, 2004.
Explores ancient Greek and ancient Egyptian history.
1,846 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the influence ancient Greece and ancient Egypt have had on different aspects of today's culture and civilization. The paper also compares and contrasts the architecture, government, and social status of each society.
From the Paper
"The ancient Greeks had ?city-state democracies where all the citizens assembled and a majority ruled and the government was ?of the, by and for the people (Rosenfeld, Democracy).? A city-state was comprised of the city, as well as the land and small villages around it. Athens and Sparta were the largest of these city-states. Sparta was concerned with its military force. The males were ?trained to be soldiers and lived in military barracks until they were 30 years old (unknown, Greece).? In contrast, Athens was a cultural and art center, producing ?architecture, drama, sculpture, and poetry still admired today (unknown, Greece).? Athenians were looked upon with resentment and jealously by other Greek city-states when they ?developed a system of government known as democracy, which gave every free man a vote and the right to hold office (unknown, Greece)."
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Underworld and Afterlife, 2006.
This paper compares the underworlds of Eastern China and of ancient Greece.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
It is occasionally said that one can gain a deep understanding of a culture by looking at its legends and beliefs. In the case of Ancient Eastern China and ancient Greece, there is much truth in that statement, inasmuch as the preoccupations, fears and values of both cultures are expressed by their depiction of the underworld or afterlife as some might call it. The paper explores the purpose and/or function of the underworld in both ancient Eastern China and in ancient Greece and the paper also looks at the major Gods and Goddesses of each mythic realm.
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