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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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The Decline in Egyptian Civilization, 2004.
The Egyptian Society declined rapidly from the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty. The relationship between this decline and economic conditions, the position of weakened pharaohs and warfare is examined.
3,451 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the causes of the decline of the ancient Egyptian civilization and argues that a number of factors played a role. Among these are a shift from economic prosperity to poverty, the weakening power of the pharaoh (related to the rise of the priesthood and royal instability) and continuous warfare with neighbouring societies.
From the Paper
"From the Egyptian state?s origins in the Old Kingdom, circa 2575 B.C., it flourished in relative isolation from other civilizations. It was protected by the Mediterranean in the north, the desert in the east and west, and by an ?ethnic frontier? in the south (Adams, 1984, p. 38). During this time of remoteness, the Egyptian state built complex pyramid structures, developed a unique religion and established a political system based on the supremacy of the pharaoh and a hereditary bureaucracy (Fagan, 2004, p. 385). However, the prosperity and stability of the Old Kingdom (circa 2575 to 2180 B.C.) could not last forever, and since several succeeding pharaohs lacked leadership Egypt entered a period in which the central power of the government declined and local leaders became independent rulers within their own territories (Fagan, 2004, p. 389). In conjunction with this decline in power, came a prolonged drought cycle, but this led to improvements in agriculture and eventually to a rapid increase in population, though famines continued to strike for over three hundred years. Trade networks were vastly expanded during the Middle Kingdom (2134 to 1640 B.C.) and parts of the desert lands of Nubia were conquered, the first signs of imperial ambitions (Fagan, 2004, p. 390). The second intermediate period, occurring between 1640 and 1530 B.C., brought political instability and economic disorder to Egypt once again. However, in the same way that the first intermediate period brought improvements to the Egyptian civilization, this new period of instability brought several innovations that preserved Egypt?s role in the eastern Mediterranean world (Fagan, 2004, p. 391). The New Kingdom, 1530 to 1070 B.C., brought with it periods of extensive wealth, an expansive empire, and political stability, though these qualities were quickly dissolved with the last of the long-lived pharaohs Rameses III (Fagan, 2004, p. 391; Ibid, p. 395). The last years of the Egyptian dynasties were marked by a ?succession of short-lived, sometimes competing and generally unremarkable kings?(Rice, 1997, p. 1980). After this time political weakness opened the door to the rapidly evolving civilizations crowding Egypt?s borders. By about 1000 B.C. the country was bankrupt and the influence of other ancient civilizations, Assyrians and Persians followed by the Greeks, came to dominate the Nile Valley (Clayton, 1994, p. 173). The decline of the Egyptian civilization resulted from the complex interplay of several factors including economic conditions, a weakening of the pharaohs? power, and warfare with other complex societies."
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The Persian Wars and Greek Society, 2003.
A look at how the Persian Wars acted as a fulcrum and incentive for change within Greek society.
3,870 words (approx. 15.5 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper explores how the Persian Wars changed the society of the Greeks, with a special focus on Athens. It attempts to compare the Archaic and Classical periods socially and culturally by using the Persian War as the fulcrum between Archaic and Classical. It also addresses the Persian War as the instigator of resistance that prompted changes within the classical period. It examines the changes in politics, art, literature, economics and intra-poleis relations.
Outline
Democratic Expansion
'Poliscentrism' vs. Imperialism ? The Athenian Empire
Economics ? Money, Money Makes a Man
The Progression of the Arts: The ?Explosive? Archaic and the ?Golden Age?
?There is No Growth Without Resistance? ? A Conclusion
From the Paper
"The reforms of Solon did little to advance democratic rights for the Athenians, whilst he certainly took the first step in ending debt-bondage, it can hardly be considered a leaping bound for democracy. In 508 BC, Cleisthenes reorganised political groupings into a great number of tribes so as to break the strength of the clans. Cleisthenes then set about embedding main constitutional power in the Assembly; in spite of this the check of power was still held by elected archons and those of the Areopagus who were almost always of the aristocratic elite. The limitation on how far democracy was allowed to go was always in place. The Archaic Period in regards to the fulfilment or expansion of democracy, and certainly in comparison to the changes to be made in the Classical Period was more the planting of a seed - that would be later cultivated by Pericles."
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Social Status in Ancient Cities, 2004.
A discussion into the contributions of various factors into the determination of social status within the ancient cities of the Romans and Greeks.
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 100.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews gender, class, money, military purpose, citizenship, behaviour - including hubris and sycophancy and patronage, as different facets determining social class in Ancient Greece and Rome. The range of subjects discussed span over the Greek, Hellenistic and Roman periods, including different examples from many different cities.
From the Paper
"Throughout this essay, it is pertinent to realise that the idea of public and private spheres is an 18th Century premise with no basis in the Ancient world where privacy and community overlapped and were not separate ?worlds?, rather, there were degrees of closeness. In establishing those inside and outside of the social hierarchy this overlap causes considerable confusion in evaluating factors for status. It would be remise to view women as lack any social status because of lack of political rights; women still played a very important role within society."
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