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The Disappearance of the Mayan Civilization, 2006.
This paper examines the numerous cultural attributes of the Mayan civilization while focusing on the reasons for its eventual collapse and disappearance.
740 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the disappearance of the Mayan civilization while focusing on the various theories surrounding its eventual collapse. The writer of this brief yet concise paper details the history of the Mayan culture which emerged in 2000 BC. The Mayan civilization gave birth to numerous cultural progresses such as the establishment of a writing system, an organized political council as well as the introduction of organized religion. This paper examines the theories surrounding the dispersal of the Mayan civilization, when at around 800 AD it was purported to have suddenly collapsed. There have been numerous arguments based on archaeological and anthropological evidence that attempted to explain the collapse of this particular civilization. This paper focuses on several theories which may explain the disappearance of the Mayan people which include climatic changes as well as socio-cultural collapse through the population's expansion.
From the Paper
"The theory that argued that a climatic collapse led to the disappearance of the Mayan civilization was based from scientific findings that were caused by a severe drought. As reported by History Today, "[d]rilling samples from the Cariaco Basin off the Venezuelan Coast show there were intensely dry periods between AD 810 and AD 910..." From this finding, it was found that because there had been scarce supply of the people's basic needs, such as water and food supply, Mayan society disappeared, supposedly due to deaths caused by these series of drought. A more specific version of this theory was presented in Kerr's journal article on the scientific evidence pointing at climate changes as the catalyst towards the disappearance of the civilization."
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Imhotep, 2005.
Examines the vast influence that this talented royal advisor had on Ancient Egypt.
1,874 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
Imhotep was a royal advisor, architect, priest, astrologist, sculptor, poet, sage, engineer, city planner and physician, among many other talents. This paper examines Imhotep's contributions to the development of Ancient Egypt in the fields of architecture, medicine, irrigation and philosophy.
From the Paper
"Referred to as "the archetype of the perfect man of learning" (IKOS) with good reason, the list of official titles given to him are numerous and impressive. Found inscribed onto a statue of Djoser, Pharaoh Netjerykhet, Imhotep is identified as a vizier, "Overseer of the Seers," "First for the King," "Director of Public Works in Upper and Lower Egypt," "Keeper of the Seals of Lower Egypt," "Recorder of the Annals," "and "Supervisor of the Great Palace." (Silverman, 178) As an architect and builder, he made a world-changing innovation by building with stone rather than mud bricks, ensuring the longevity of the Egyptian legacy. His construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the first Pyramid ever constructed, earned him a unique place in history as the first architect with a recorded name."
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Religion During the Chalcolithic Era, 2007.
Examines what the archaeological evidence tell us about religion and cult practices in Palestine during the Chalcolithic Era.
2,368 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that archaeological evidence such as cult-based figurines, ossuaries, buildings and structures and the contexts in which they were found demonstrate the religion and cult practices of the Chalcolithic Era in Palestine. The paper examines several of these findings, including the sites of Teleilat Ghassul and Ein Gedi.
From the Paper
"Several of the chalcolithic sites excavated after the 1920's, in which the chalcolithic era was first recognised , are indicative of cult worship and religion, and one of these sites includes Teleilat Ghassul, the first of the period to be excavated . Originally thought to be several settlements because of its scattered mounds indicating settlements , it is now thought by most scholars including Hennessey to be a single, 20 ha site with a religious culture that spread to other settlements in the Palestine region".
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Atlantis - Dream or Destiny?, 2006.
A paper discussing the long-assumed fictional island of Atlantis and whether or not the island actually existed at one time.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explores evidence suggesting that the island of Atlantis, long thought to be a fictional island paradise, may actually have existed at one time. The paper discusses the discoveries of famous explorers of the past and more recent archaeological discoveries in Egypt that all support the idea that the island of Atlantis did indeed once exist.
From the Paper
"Deep in thought, the man leans back in the klismo, shifting his weight and rubbing the small of his back. Although cushioned with fleece and animal skins, the heavy wooden chair is still hard on old bones. At a slight movement to his right, sensed more than seen, he reaches out his hand to steady the tall, thin vase his motions have disturbed. He absently pushes the fragile blue pottery closer to the window and away from the small table and chair. Shafts of late afternoon sunshine stream through the open window, bathing the piece in gold. On any other day, the man might pause to ponder and appreciate the exquisite beauty of this mixture of nature and man's handiwork. This day, however, the moment passes unnoticed. This day the man's thoughts are still at the noisy afternoon agora. The need for basic necessities had drawn him to the market, but it was the conversation which had kept him on the square most of the day. Through the years he had witnessed much strife and conflict as his city and his country fell into disorder and decay. But never had he seen such a cloak of dark despair as the one presently falling over his beloved Athens."
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"The Mummies of Urumchi", 2006.
A review of the book "The Mummies of Urumchi", by Elizabeth Wayland Barber.
1,593 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the finding of mummified bodies near Loulan, on the eastern edge of the Tarim Basin in China. The writer explains that originally the mummies were thought to be connected to Chinese history, however, they had many features of western people and are now thought to be from central Europe. The paper explains that some of Urumchi's mummies date almost 4,000 years old and that they are preserved more beautifully than Egyptian mummies. The writer concludes by explaining that the main theme of Barber's book is to explain that the mummies, even though found in Chinese territory, really belong to the west.
From the Paper
"The mummies were found to be buried in the desert area and probably in winter season due to which it froze or got very cold and dried out before they could start rotting. When the summer season started, the bodies were already changed into the form of mummies. As the bodies were already dried, the summer's heat could cause any harm of deformation.
"These bodies were placed in coffins lacking any bottom which facilitate air to circulate well this allow the bodies to dry out completely, only few of them, found in nearby locality, were most probably buried in summer season, turned them into skeletons. The highly salty desert accelerated the drying out process, as the salt absorbs the moisture.
"The Urumchi mummies include Cherchen Man, his wife, two other women, and a baby girl wrapped in a beautiful brown cloth tied with red and blue ribbons. The infant was buried with a nursing bottle made from a sheep's udder and his both eyes were covered with a blue stones.
"Mummies found in Qawrighul, a little away form the place where Urmchi mummies were found includes the Beauty of Loulan and a few other mummies, among them was an eight-year-old boy covered with a patterned woolen cloth but his both eyes were covered with bone pegs. The cloth covering the Loulan body seems to be considerably less colorful may be the time factor, might faded its beauty, but even then its impressive in its patterns and weaves, it is knitted."
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Greek Mythology, 2006.
Discusses why the Greeks were such devoted believers in their gods.
2,529 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The Greeks were innovators in philosophy, mathematics and medicine, not to mention writing and the theater. The paper questions why, with such seemingly advanced knowledge - even at a time when there already was at least one monotheistic religion (Judaism) prevalent - did the Greeks continue to worship and believe in various gods, prophecies, witches and sorcerers and the inevitable interrelationship among them all with humans? The paper provides an overview of the main gods in Greek mythology.
From the Paper
"Mount Olympus, which would be home to the gods, was then constructed with twelve golden thrones for Zeus, his brothers and sisters, his children and Aphrodite, goddess of love. A quick overview of these various gods and goddesses reveals that Hera, often referred to as the queen of the gods, had a very dark side to her, immensely jealous of Zeus' power, and especially his dalliance with mortal women. He punished her from time to time, but they managed to co-exist."
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Artemis, 2006.
An analysis of the qualities and strengths of the Greek goddess Artemis.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Greek goddess Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo, who was associated with the wilderness, with the passage to adulthood and with childbirth. The author of this paper examines Artemis' strengths and the tension between those strengths and those of her twin Apollo. The paper also studies Artemis' role in various community and individual ceremonies, including right of passage ceremonies, primarily for women, but also for men.
From the Paper
"Artemis is a huntress who delights in killing wild animals. She should be seen, however, not as a model for human hunters, but rather as the embodiment of the predatory aspect of nature. She protects the very animals on which she herself preys with as much jealousy as she guards her own virginity. Indeed, it is in myths of Artemis that the first association between wilderness and virginity is found. The deadly sacredness of the wilderness and the goddess's virginity intermingle in the well-known story of Acteon, a hunter who crossed the threshold of Artemis's "sacred grove" while she was bathing. He was changed into a stag for his transgression and was torn apart by his own hounds. Even where there is no sexual tension, Artemis frequently appears as the protectress of wild beasts. An Athenian ritual in which girls between five and ten years of age disguise themselves as bears and serve Artemis at her temple of Brauron supposedly originated when some Athenian children cruelly tortured a wild bear. As punishment, Artemis demanded that the girls of Athens serve her. "
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Ancient Egyptians and Death, 2006.
This paper explores the ancient Egyptian tradition of preparing for death and the afterlife.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper analyzes the ancient Egyptian view of death as a transitional stage in the process to a superior life in the next world where one reaches their full potential. This paper also details the tradition of preserving the body through mummification and the various rituals performed during the burial ceremony.
From the Paper
"Three other aspects that are just as important are the physical body, the shadow, and the name. Egyptians believed that since the shadow was always present it could not exist without a person and neither could the person exist without it. It is usually shown as a small human figure painted entirely in black. The Egyptians also believed that the name, since it is given at birth could make a person live as long as the name is spoken. This is why such great efforts were made to protect one's name."
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Nationalism and Archaeology, 2006.
This paper focuses on the use of archaeology as a tool for political leaders with nationalistic appeal.
1,740 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper details the fascist regimes in Europe that used archeology as a means to justify and solidify the policies of political leaders and that the abuse of this science continues to this day. This paper centers on Germany's Nazi regime and their manipulation of past history in their rise to power. The research in this paper shows that the Nazis used archaeology not only to justify their claims of superiority but also for oppression and torture. The writer concludes that while archaeology explores the past it will always be subject to manipulation by political leaders who want to legitimize their nationalistic agendas.
From the Paper
"The Nazis did not just use archaeology to justify their claims of superiority, they also used it to oppress and torture other people. They would go on to use pseudo-science to justify their morbid hatred for the Jews. "The Ahnenerbe had a special section known as the Institute for Scientific research for Military Purposes." (Epstein 31) This section carried out horrible experiments on live human prisoners from Dachau and other concentration camps. With these experiments, the Nazis invented anthropological evidence to suggest that it could be proven that Jews were an inferior race by measuring the size of their head. These beliefs combined with Hitler's call for Aryan pride roused a genocidal fury among Germans. For example, the administrator of the Ahnenerbe, Dr. Wolfram Sievers, became heavily involved in medical experiments on Jews who had been thrown in concentration camps. His tests were specifically meant to prove racial differences and the superiority of the Aryan race."
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The Peloponnesian War, 2006.
An overview of the Peloponnesian War, the battles fought, the victories won and the turning point of the war.
1,564 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at one of the greatest wars fought in the history of Greece, the Peloponnesian War. The paper explains that while both the opposing sides, the Athenians and the Spartans, controlled a great deal of land and sea power there were actually rather few direct confrontations and this lack of direct confrontations made the battle of Amphipolis all the more important as well as a turning point in the war. The paper explains the significance of this battle by looking at how the war had progressed up to the point of the battle of Amphipolis, by examining the military strength of the warring Athenian and Spartan factions and by explaining the history of the Amphipolis war and the circumstances that made it so devastating.
From the Paper
"The first major explanation for the battle of Amphilpolis's importance as a turning point is the loss of military leaders during its battle. When Cleon, the commanding general of the Athenian land forces marshaled a massive army outside of Amphilpolis to reclaim the city, Brasida also amassed a large army of almost 2000 hoplites and 300 cavalry inside the walls of Amphipolis. When the battle appeared imminent however, Brasida confused Cleon by withdrawing from battle and refusing to fight on the fields outside of Amphipolis. Thinking that the army of Sparta would not come out to fight, Cleon began to withdraw his troops, only then did Brasida storm out of the walls and attack the hapless soldiers of Cleon. In this attack Cleon was killed by one of the commanders of the Spartan forces and in its escape more than 700 Athenians were killed by the onslaught. This resounding defeat was devastating in its numerical loss because the main force of the Athenian army was devastated, but even worse; the most competent general of the Athenian military staff was also killed."
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