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Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Hebrews, 2002.
Traces the development of civilizations from Mesopotamia and Egypt and the influence of the Hebrews on their societies, as seen in historical ancient documents.
1,704 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
Mesopotamia was the land of four primary civilizations: the Sumerian, the Akkadians, the Babylonian and the Assyrians. The paper shows that the Hebrews, like the Akkadians, belong to a group of people known as Semites and from there we can see the influence of Mesopotamian culture in some of the Hebrews traditions. The paper shows that during the same time, civilization began in Egypt. A distinct difference can be seen in the social, religious and political system from Mesopotamia and the link between the two civilizations are the Hebrews. The paper examines historical documents from all three societies - "The Epic of Gilgamesh", first passed on by word of mouth and later recorded by the Sumerians around the third millennium and finally edited and written down in cuneiform by the Babylonians; "Instructions of Kagemni", a set of etiquette amongst Egyptian noblemen and government executives; and finally the Holy Hebrew Bible ("Tanach"). The paper shows how the three societies are linked through proof in these documents.
From the Paper
""Hymn to Aton" reflects the political and social status of the time and adds to the importance of the aid of god to proper management of a territory and the people within. This was the first and only attempt of a Egyptian ruler to a monotheistic society. It could be argued that this could be an isolated attempt or that the Hebrews somehow influenced Amenhotep IV to this change. It is very important to consider this possibility since it would make the transferring of similar traditions between the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians and the Hebrews civilizations understandable.
The role of women is important and well respected in Egyptian civilization, perhaps more than Mesopotamian. The "Hymn to Aton" recognizes the importance of both sexes for procreation. This document is used just as the "Laws of Hammurabi" to better control his territory at a time when the clergy and the multitude of gods and temples are gaining popularity and, obviously, control."
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?Head of the King Wearing the Khepresh Crown?, 2002.
This paper looks at a piece of sculpture dating from the Egyptian reign of Amenhotep III created by an unknown sculptor.
1,058 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The writer discusses the "Head of the King", a statue considered to have been created by a group of artists. This is determined by the style of the sculpture and the material used. The paper shows how statues from this period can be classified as belonging to a single artist or to a group. It is assumed, but not proven, that the works belonging to this ?second style? can be timed to belong to the end of Amenhotep III?s rule.
From the Paper
"The work is a sculpture, depicting the head of the King. Its measurements are: Height, 34 inches; width 22.9 inches; depth, 25.3 inches. It is currently in the Louvre Museum, Paris, France. The head is constructed out of granodiorite, which is a very hard medium. It is interesting that, in spite of the difficulty of working the granodiorite, the artisans that sculpted the head have worked it ?as though it were modeling clay? ( Kozloff, 164).
The work is presently in relatively good condition, for the parts that remain. The evidence shows that it was originally a life-sized statue of the King, with an original height of approximately 160 ? 170 centimeters. This would have been the height without any base or pedestal. Of course, there is no accurate way to determine for sure what the size of the base might have been. Other representative standing statues from this period are known to have been resting on bases of up to 100 to 150 centimeters."
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Greek Stele, 2002.
A discussion on an inscribed stone slab (stele) which depicts several images and texts, found in the Boston Museum of Fine Art.
1,145 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses a Greek stele dating back to the Early Hellenistic Period (about 300?250 B.C.) which depicts various divinities, the ship of the Argonauts and diplomatic text. The paper explains the shape of the stele and discusses the meaning of the text against the background of Greek history, specifically the Peloponnesian Wars. The paper also explores the importance of the dieties depicted on the stele, in relation to the gods and legends of the time period.
From the Paper
"In analyzing and interpreting the text, it is safe to assume that Timeas of Laconia is being given the authority to serve as proxy for the Boiotians. The word ?proxenos? is so close to the English word ?proxy,? meaning someone who has the authority to act on behalf of another, that is nearly impossible that this could be a misinterpretation. Furthermore, this authority will pass on, presumably indefinitely, to his heirs.
Ergoteles, who apparently was in power when this decree was issued, was archon. An archon was a chief magistrate in ancient Athens; that is, a local official exercising administrative and often judicial functions. Therefore, it was Ergoteles? responsibility to make sure that not only was this decree carried out, but also that it was enforced."
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The Architecture of the Maya, 2002.
An examination of the architecture of the Maya and their great contribution to world architecture.
2,888 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper is an examination of Mayan architecture which emerged from the rainforests of Guatemala and Yucatan. The writer maintains that the detailed architecture was a fitting monument to the highly sophisticated civilization that existed in the region before the Spanish arrived. This look at the style of Mayan architecture includes a diagram highlighting the areas of construction in Copan. The paper argues that Mayan culture was more than a collection of buildings in that every aspect of architecture was linked to the sacred world around. In conclusion the writer explains that the temple pyramid which symbolizes Mayan architectural skill is also a statement of their cosmographic ideas. Everything has a beginning and end. Everything is the beginning and the end.
From the Paper
"Deep in the tangled rainforests of Guatemala and the Yucatan, the Maya made some of the greatest contributions to world architecture. Their stone cities complete with temples, palaces, tombs, and ball courts are fitting monuments to the complex, and highly sophisticated civilization that existed in these regions many centuries before the arrival of the Spanish. Mayan priest-astronomers made elaborate calculations to catalog the passage of time. Great warrior kings immortalized themselves and their deeds on stelae, recording for future generations the contributions they had made toward maintaining the cosmic order. The Maya were the only Pre-Columbian people to ever have invented a complete system of writing".
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Etruscan Culture, 2002.
A look at the artistic influence of ancient Roman inhabitants, the Etruscans.
736 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
Before the notoriety of ancient Rome, Italy was the home of a nation called Etruria, whose inhabitants were known as Etruscans. Unfortunately, bitter Roman or ancient Greek historians have misconstrued the Etruscan legacy, in most cases tainting their accounts with a blatant anti-Etruscan bias. This paper considers why there exists such a lack of information about the Etruscans and further illuminates the extent to which surviving artwork offers insights into their culture.
From the Paper
"From excavations at certain Etruscan sites, it is clear that art was a vital part of life. In Murlo, a seventh century Etruscan villa was unearthed revealing that large, painted terracotta panels typically adorned the entrances to buildings. Elaborate polychrome reliefs and frescoes indicate that the Etruscans used colour generously, even from the earliest times (Gore, 701)."
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Greek Archaeological Sites, 2002.
A discussion of Greek archaeological sites and the problem of theft of artifacts.
720 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a brief discussion of Greek history and Cretan art. The paper examines the phenomenon of looters and theft from Greek archaeological sites. The on-going battle against looting and smuggling antiquities is described, including an overview of international laws.
From the Paper
"Looters can be dated as far back as 134 B.C. when the Romans originally stole from the Greeks. Only during the last century did countries such as Greece become concerned about their cultures, since the high prices of the artifacts have lead to more of their treasures being stolen. In the 1960?s, the popularity of marble statues encouraged thieves to loot the Aegean Islands for statues produced by the Cycladic culture during the Bronze Age. The looters destroyed over 12,000 graves in the course of their thefts. While many of these statues are in private collections, few have been recovered by archaeologists."
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Ancient Mesopotamia, 2002.
An introduction to the art and culture of ancient Mesopotamia.
794 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This essay describes how the art and culture of ancient Mesopotamia was defined by its climate and geographical locations. It also shows how the weather and geographical conditions affected wars and power in the region - and the reflection of this fact through art and artifacts found in the region.
From the Paper
"Many believed that the south was the cradle of civilization until settlements dating back to around 5,000 B.C. were found in Northern Mesopotamia. Jarmo was the earliest of these settlements and was superseded by a series of cultures, Tell Hassuna, Samarra, and Tell Halaf. Tell Halaf was the most advanced of the early cultures (Mesopotamia pg). It is famous for Halaf ware, which is regarded as the finest prehistoric pottery in Mesopotamia (Mesopotamia pg). Halaf ware can be found at sites such as Neneveh and Tepe Gawra. While the north was making great advances in culture, ?civilization was just beginning in the south, particularly at Eridu."
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The Scarab of Wah and Heart Scarab of Hatnofer, 2002.
A description of the famous scarabs and a discussion of the significance of scarabs to ancient religion and culture.
2,954 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to understand the Scarab of Wah through examination and by comparison to the Heart Scarab of Hatnofer which are both currently housed in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. It discusses how both scarabs are likenesses of the scarab beetle and how these likenesses are found in abundance in Egyptian archaeology and in ancient myths and cultures.
Table of contents: The History of The Scarab in Ancient pre-Egyptian Cultures
The Scarab in Mythology
Symbolism of the Scarab in Egypt
An Overview of Scarab ArtifactsThe Scarab of Wah
The Heart Scarab of Hatnofer
Discussion
Endnotes
Bibliography
From the Paper
"In the culture of he Chaco Indians, in South America, they believe that the scarab modeled man and Woman from Clay [4]. The scarab is known as the ?potter? for this reason. This same symbolism is found in Egyptian culture as well. Ancient Greek legends say that the beetle plunged down into the original liquid ?chaos? and brought back life to the surface. This myth is also prevalent among people from India and Southeast Asia [5].The Sumatran Toba believed that the big beetle brought a ball of matter from the sky and formed the world. The Egyptian and Greeks believed that the dung beetle could fly while carrying a dung ball. However this is physically impossible in reality."
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Reliquaries, 2002.
An overview of the history and uses of reliquaries, or relics of religious importance to Christianity.
1,812 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the origins of the Christian tradition of reliquaries, more commonly known as capsellas. It shows how these religious relics usually hold the remains of people considered holy to the religion, such as saints, or they hold what is believed to be pieces of the original Cross, traces of holy blood, etc. The paper traces the history of capsellas from the time of the Wandering Jew, through the middle ages until contemporary times. The paper also shows how miracles within communities are attributed to these reliquaries.
From the Paper
"Perhaps the most impressive reliquary still existing is known as The Shrine of the Three Kings, which is located now at the Cologne Cathedral. When Milan was taken in1162, the proclaimed relics of the Magi were brought to Cologne, where they were housed in a body sized finely worked silver casket. In form it appears to imitate the architecture of a church. Another from another date with stonework is supposedly connected to the name of Charlemagne. Charlemagne, himself was a great believer in relics. He wanted the talisman, not for their aesthetic value, but to tap into the power of the relic to help his military campaigns."
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The City of Troy, 2002.
This paper explores the history of Troy and its inhabitants considered mythological until the nineteenth century.
630 words (approx. 2.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 22.95
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Abstract
The paper begins with the discovery of the ancient city of Troy in 19th century Turkey. The archeological process involved in the discovery is discussed. The archeologists? choice of location is studied and the personality of Homer is examined. The paper explores the realities of the Trojan War and concludes by espousing the significance of the discovery for the historical field of study.
From the Paper
"The city of Troy and the Trojan people were always considered mythological until the end of the 19th century. So far the world had come to know Troy through the mythological rendition by Homer. However in 1871, Heinrich Schliemann began excavation in an ancient city of Turkey. Schliemann, who was an American citizen but German by birth, was the first man in history who discovered that there was indeed a city named Troy, though in ruins. The lost city of Troy is also called Ilion or Ilium in Latin (Stearns, 2001). The excavation he began was continued till at least nine cities were discovered at the original site of excavation, layered one on top of the other. It was the seventh city that was found to be Troy. The archeologists agreed that the city was destroyed around 1250 BC and resembled closely the city of Troy as described in Homer?s legends. The ruins could still be seen in the sixteen feet thick towers and walls of the city that was discovered (Luce, 1998)."
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