Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Life of Monks and Nuns
The life of a monk or a nun can be quite sheltered and lonely, although the people that choose to partake in this type of existence have made a choice to forgo all material or social aspects of a humane society. Monks during the time of early medieval society chose this position for spiritual purposes, not aware that their new practices would establish new ideals, the act of moderation and communal life was also being practiced, and women were choosing to dedicate themselves to God thus becoming nuns.Christian monks practiced the life of a solitary man who sections himself off from society to pursue spiritual aspects of the Christian world. Saint Anthony was one such man who had forsaken all of his possessions to join the monastery, giving all of his land to the poor. Additionally, Saint Simeon lived atop a 60 foot pillar for three years, whereby establishing or setting an example for a new Christian ideal. The new Christian ideals modeled by the monks were clearly different that what earlier Christians had practiced, allowing themselves to be dead to the world and achieving a spiritual life through the denial of common social factors.
Eastern monasticism had a large influence of strict moderation, however due to the beliefs of Saint Benedict, moderation did not preclude a hard and disciplined existence, rather a life of obedience to God. Benedict rules stated that all monks were to complete some type of physical labor every day, as well as pray up to 7 times a day. The Benedictine life stressed community, whereby the monks ate, worked, slept, and worshiped together. Under the rules of Saint Benedict, the vow of poverty was also taken to stress that fact that all must be equal, and overindulgence is unnecessary.
Women during the early medieval middle ages were also trying to find ways to withdraw from the world and dedicate themselves fully to God. During the third centuries women had communed in the deserts of Egypt and Syria, however the first rules for western women weren’t produced until the fifth century. The organization was both rigid and tightly sanctioned to protect the women from outside danger. It wasn’t until the 8th and 9th centuries that both monks and nuns were established in double monasteries allowing then to reside in close proximity and follow the same set of rules.
Monks not only became the heroes of Christian civilization because of their dedication to God, but they also played a significant role in spreading Christianity all over Europe in the way of missionaries and the construction of churches. This in itself allowed for a common worship area for local Christians, spreading the words of God to all who would listen.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday Ground Up: Roman Achievements in Law and Engineering
Although the Romans had depended greatly on the ideals of the Greeks when adopting their art and literature, they themselves developed some of the most innovative of inventions that succeeded Western Civilization. The evolution of Roman law which brought about the idea of a systematic principle for justification, the invention of roads allowed for easier transit for soldiers and citizens, as well as the construction of Roman bridges that still stand today.
(Hadrian began designing a Pantheon reminiscent of Greek temples and far more elaborate than anything Rome had ever seen. )
At the time, Civil law from the Twelve tables was proving to be inadequate at best, and so the structure of the law was open for change by the praetors. Legal principles were put into place including the preparation of edicts which simply outlines how a particular case should be dealt with. Certain aspects of the laws could be used in particular cases, however as the Roman shortly learned, there were exceptions. The implementation of Natural Law and the Law of Nations were one in the same in the eyes of the Romans, giving them an accuse for systematizing Roman law with the use of philosophical ideals.
(Via Appia, a road connecting the city of Rome to the Southern parts of Italy, remains usable even today.)
The inventions of roads composed of five layers and one foot thick were constructed for the army. The roads were made by using cement to bind the polygonal blocks together and were layered with a smooth coating of concrete and fitted flint. If the Romans happened to encounter an obstacle, they would engineer a solution to the issue. Bridges and aqueducts were often constructed with firm foundations which deterred any issues of transport for trade or army regiments.
(Alcántara Bridge in Spain was built by order of Trajan over the Tagus River.)
The Roman bridges were among the first constructed and surprisingly they have been the longest lasting. The bridges were constructed using materials like stone, with the added support of concrete. The largest of the bridges ever constructed was Trajan’s bridge which was also the longest in length. During the Gallic Wars, Caesar's built the two Rhine bridges which were said to be an engineering work of art.
The Roman accomplishments in law and engineering have withstood the test of time and have inspired many other cultures. Pliny the Elder described their achievements as improvements on older ideas, however still unique and inventive. If we take into account the institution of law in the United States, the system was clearly mimicked from the innovations of the Romans, as well as the aqueducts in England, particularly Wales, that look almost identical to the Roman construction.
The Inventions of the Romans
Hadrian began designing a Pantheon reminiscent of Greek temples and far more elaborate than anything Rome had ever seen. His plans called for an entrance portico, a circular domed rotunda or vault, and a connection between the two. The rotunda’s internal geometry would create a perfect sphere, since the height of the rotunda to the top of its dome would match its diameter: 142 feet. At its top, the dome would have an oculus or eye, a circular opening, with a diameter of 27 feet, as its only light source. Hadrian visualized himself enthroned directly under the Pantheon’s oculus – a near-deity around whom not only the Roman Empire but the universe, the sun, and the heavens obediently revolved.
The Colosseum in Rome. At one time, this structure actually had a top that was rolled out for inclement weather or control the climate.
Roman public baths in Bath, England. The entire structure above the level of the pillar bases is a later reconstruction.
Picture Credits
Colosseum Pictures
Pantheon Pics
Thermae
Aqueduct
Roman Engineering
Roman Law
(Hadrian began designing a Pantheon reminiscent of Greek temples and far more elaborate than anything Rome had ever seen. )
At the time, Civil law from the Twelve tables was proving to be inadequate at best, and so the structure of the law was open for change by the praetors. Legal principles were put into place including the preparation of edicts which simply outlines how a particular case should be dealt with. Certain aspects of the laws could be used in particular cases, however as the Roman shortly learned, there were exceptions. The implementation of Natural Law and the Law of Nations were one in the same in the eyes of the Romans, giving them an accuse for systematizing Roman law with the use of philosophical ideals.
Roman Roads
(Via Appia, a road connecting the city of Rome to the Southern parts of Italy, remains usable even today.)
The inventions of roads composed of five layers and one foot thick were constructed for the army. The roads were made by using cement to bind the polygonal blocks together and were layered with a smooth coating of concrete and fitted flint. If the Romans happened to encounter an obstacle, they would engineer a solution to the issue. Bridges and aqueducts were often constructed with firm foundations which deterred any issues of transport for trade or army regiments.
Roman Bridges
(Alcántara Bridge in Spain was built by order of Trajan over the Tagus River.)
The Roman bridges were among the first constructed and surprisingly they have been the longest lasting. The bridges were constructed using materials like stone, with the added support of concrete. The largest of the bridges ever constructed was Trajan’s bridge which was also the longest in length. During the Gallic Wars, Caesar's built the two Rhine bridges which were said to be an engineering work of art.
Final Thoughts
The Roman accomplishments in law and engineering have withstood the test of time and have inspired many other cultures. Pliny the Elder described their achievements as improvements on older ideas, however still unique and inventive. If we take into account the institution of law in the United States, the system was clearly mimicked from the innovations of the Romans, as well as the aqueducts in England, particularly Wales, that look almost identical to the Roman construction.
The Inventions of the Romans
Hadrians Pantheon
Hadrian began designing a Pantheon reminiscent of Greek temples and far more elaborate than anything Rome had ever seen. His plans called for an entrance portico, a circular domed rotunda or vault, and a connection between the two. The rotunda’s internal geometry would create a perfect sphere, since the height of the rotunda to the top of its dome would match its diameter: 142 feet. At its top, the dome would have an oculus or eye, a circular opening, with a diameter of 27 feet, as its only light source. Hadrian visualized himself enthroned directly under the Pantheon’s oculus – a near-deity around whom not only the Roman Empire but the universe, the sun, and the heavens obediently revolved.
Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome. At one time, this structure actually had a top that was rolled out for inclement weather or control the climate.
Thermae
Roman public baths in Bath, England. The entire structure above the level of the pillar bases is a later reconstruction.
Picture Credits
Colosseum Pictures
Pantheon Pics
Thermae
Aqueduct
Roman Engineering
Friday, October 23, 2009
Punic War
Carthage was the richest state in the area, and with the influx of Carthaginians in Sicily, this made the Romans apprehensive about Carthaginian encroachment on the Italian coast. In 264, mutual suspicions drove the two powers into a struggle for the western Mediterranean. This ultimately led to the first Punic War in 264 BC, the Second Punic War with Hannibal Barca which was provoked by the alliance made with Rome and Carthage, and the Third Punic War which was caused by the broken peace treaty Carthage had made with Rome.
First Punic War
The First Punic War (Punic War 1) began because the Romans decided to intervene in a struggle between two Sicilian cities. The Carthaginians, whom taught that Sicily was under their direct influence, were stricken with jealously of the expansion so they saw this as a cause to go to war. Both sides found it difficult to obtain enough troops to continue the fight, however, after a long drawn out struggle, a Roman fleet defeated the Carthaginians navy off Drepana, Sicily in 242 BC and becomes an enormous Mediterranean power.Second Punic War
Three years after the First Punic War (Second Punic War), Rome took advantage of Carthages problems with its mercenaries to seize the islands of Sardinia and Corsica. This act angered the Carthaginians and their leading general Hamilcar Barca, who proceeded to make his nine year old son Hannibal swear that he would hate Rome forever. The Carthaginians built up their forces and found a victory in Spain.Third Punic War
Cato, the conservative politician, decides “Carthage must be destroyed” (Third Punic War) When the Carthaginians break their treaty with Rome by attacking one of Rome’s North African allies, the Romans declare war. The Third Punic War was led by Scipio Aemilianos Africanus who led the Roman forces against Carthage for the last time. Carthage was destroyed and made a province called Africa.The Romans were fanatical about the Carthaginians and so it wasn’t at all surprising after the wars that they looked to the world of Hellenistic politics to advocate the freedom of the Greek states.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
BBC StoneHenge Timewatch Dig
For many of you, the archaeological site of Stonehenge has always been shrouded in mystery and we always want to learn more about its mysterious background. I have found the perfect tool to allow you to stay up to date, as well as entertained by the latest discoveries at the site.Professors Tim Darvill and Geoff Wainwright are the world-renowned archaeologists who believe they have cracked the conundrum of Stonehenge's original purpose. If you's like to learn about about the dig and the research going on at Stonehenge check out this wonderful page at BBC.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Not So Wordless Wednesday: Bongos for Peace By Richard Thripp from Daytona State College
I met Richard Thripp two years ago at Daytona State College where he proceeded to give me a well thought out and inspiring philosophical discussion about religion in this country. He's a genuine person and wonderful photographer.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday Ground Up: The Contributions and Legacy of the Hebrews
I grew up with a great sense of pride in my heritage and my family. My father's side was Jewish and my mother's side was Polish. Of course lately, I have been experiencing a a bit of unrest considering it seems as though I don't know as much about my heritage as I thought I did. It's important for me, and I suspect for you as well, that culture is important to who we are, how we see things, and ultimately how we make decisions. I think that's why I have chosen to focus on the contributions of the Hebrews for this latest edition.
The major contributions of the Hebrews to Western Civilization were the law, philosophy, and the covenant.
Moses with the Ten Commandments by Rembrandt (1659)
The law would not exist without Moses, who leads the Jews out of Egypt and a 40 year tradition of slavery. Moses walks into the mountains of Sinai and then returns with the Ten Commandments, presenting them to the Israelites. At the time, they are partaking in immoral and godless acts. Moses does not turn his back on his children of Israel, rather he makes it clear that the commandments brought to them originally by Yahweh are the law. The first documented and written laws.
Fatalism states that your life is built on fate and can not be controlled, so accept it. Pessimism is the belief that riches, knowledge, and fame are overrated and constant suffering. Moderation, as the Epicureans believed, meant that you restricted the desire to be indulgent or partake in scrupulous acts.
Source
The Hebrews used a monotheistic religion which was governed by the Old Testament. The religion stressed the belief in one God called "Yahweh". This god was reserved for the "chosen people" and came in a physical body with emotions of the common man. Yahweh gave the law to Moses and maintained a sense of moral code.
When Moses gave the Hebrews the ten Commandments there was an agreement, or rather a Covenant, made between God and the Hebrews. As the long as the Hebrews obeyed God through his Ten Commandments and laws, He would promise to protect them.
Between the 7th and 8th centuries BC, the Hebrews were worshiping other gods and thus breaking their covenant with Yahweh. The Hebrew prophets warned the Israelites of God's displeasure, and that he would bring wrath and misfortune upon them.
Archaeological discoveries and the Bible account coincide, adding credibility to the Bible. This is a fantastic account of the discovery by Flinders Petrie in 1896.
Archaeological Finds and Historical Data
Why was the Merneptah Stele a significant archaeological discovery? Merneptah was a Pharaoh who ruled over Egypt in the late 13th century B.C. The son of Ramesses the Great (Ramesses II), Merneptah was the fourth Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty. The “Merneptah Stele” is the name given to a stone slab engraved with a description of Merneptah’s military victories in Africa and the Near East. It was discovered by renowned British archaeologist Flinders Petrie at Thebes in 1896. Read more about the Merneptah Stele
©Tim Bulkeley
The Tombs of the Family in Law of King Herod
Ehud Netzer of Jerusalem's Hebrew University unearthed what he believed were the 2,000-year-old remains of two tombs which had held a wife and daughter-in-law of the biblical King Herod.
The major contributions of the Hebrews to Western Civilization were the law, philosophy, and the covenant.
The Law
Moses with the Ten Commandments by Rembrandt (1659)
The law would not exist without Moses, who leads the Jews out of Egypt and a 40 year tradition of slavery. Moses walks into the mountains of Sinai and then returns with the Ten Commandments, presenting them to the Israelites. At the time, they are partaking in immoral and godless acts. Moses does not turn his back on his children of Israel, rather he makes it clear that the commandments brought to them originally by Yahweh are the law. The first documented and written laws.
The Philosophy
The Hebrews emphasized the use of temperance which resulted in a man being rewarded with prosperity, long life, and a good name. Although, it was up to the individual themselves to maintain these ideals. In addition to temperance, there is mechanism which stresses the power of the universe and the sporadic nature of the machine. The use of skepticism which simply means you question whether true knowledge is possible or what others believe to be true may not be.Fatalism states that your life is built on fate and can not be controlled, so accept it. Pessimism is the belief that riches, knowledge, and fame are overrated and constant suffering. Moderation, as the Epicureans believed, meant that you restricted the desire to be indulgent or partake in scrupulous acts.
The Covenant
Source
The Hebrews used a monotheistic religion which was governed by the Old Testament. The religion stressed the belief in one God called "Yahweh". This god was reserved for the "chosen people" and came in a physical body with emotions of the common man. Yahweh gave the law to Moses and maintained a sense of moral code.
When Moses gave the Hebrews the ten Commandments there was an agreement, or rather a Covenant, made between God and the Hebrews. As the long as the Hebrews obeyed God through his Ten Commandments and laws, He would promise to protect them.
Between the 7th and 8th centuries BC, the Hebrews were worshiping other gods and thus breaking their covenant with Yahweh. The Hebrew prophets warned the Israelites of God's displeasure, and that he would bring wrath and misfortune upon them.
The Bible and Archaeology
Archaeological discoveries and the Bible account coincide, adding credibility to the Bible. This is a fantastic account of the discovery by Flinders Petrie in 1896.
Archaeological Finds and Historical Data
The Merneptah Stela (or stele-places Israelites in Canaan)
Flinders Petrie
Why was the Merneptah Stele a significant archaeological discovery? Merneptah was a Pharaoh who ruled over Egypt in the late 13th century B.C. The son of Ramesses the Great (Ramesses II), Merneptah was the fourth Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty. The “Merneptah Stele” is the name given to a stone slab engraved with a description of Merneptah’s military victories in Africa and the Near East. It was discovered by renowned British archaeologist Flinders Petrie at Thebes in 1896. Read more about the Merneptah Stele
The Old Testament
THE Old Testament is a collection of selected writings composed and edited by members of the Hebrew-Jewish community between the twelfth century B.C. and the beginning of the Christian era. It includes such diverse materials as prophetic oracles, teachings of wise men, instructions of priests and ancient records of the royal courts. Some material is historical, some is legendary; some is
legalistic, some is didactic. For the most part the literature was written in
Hebrew, but a few passages were written in Aramaic, a kindred language which
came into common usage among the Jews during the post-Exilic era (after the
sixth century B.C.). Read more about the Old Testament Life and Literature by Gerald A. Larue
Beersheba Altar
©Tim Bulkeley
As one enters the site today the first stones that one notices are not ancient, but a reconstructed large sandstone horned altar. The stones on which the reconstruction is based were found in the walls of the storehouses from stratum II. Since most of the stone used in these buildings was limestone the excavators noticed the anomalous blocks. Eventually it turned out that three of them had projections (like the "horns" of a horned altar) and a fourth looked as if a horn could have been chipped off. One of these stones had a serpent deeply cut into its surface. Other, similar stones were found in the repairs made to the glacis in this stratum. ~Tim Bulkeley
She-Shaman Burial
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem made a discovery on November 4, 2008 of a pair of tortoise shells. They were part of the funerary offerings recovered from the grave of a she-shaman from the Natufian period, some 12,000 years ago, at the Hilazon Tachtit archaeological site in the Western Galilee in northern Israel. Read more about the She-shamanThe Tombs of the Family in Law of King Herod
Ehud Netzer of Jerusalem's Hebrew University unearthed what he believed were the 2,000-year-old remains of two tombs which had held a wife and daughter-in-law of the biblical King Herod.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Baby Lyuba Goes on Tour Next Spring at the Field Museum in Chicago
The "Titans of the Ice Age" , including a Mastodon and Mammoth exhibit, will take place next Spring at the Field Museum. How jealous am I. The Field Museum was one of my favorite museums growing up.
Baby Lyuda was found close to three years ago, however many are not aware of the discovery.Read more about the exhibit on Page in History
The story of the discovery of the world's most complete baby mammoth, as told by the man who found her. It was mentioned that the finding of this mammoth was a bad omen, however time will tell.
Baby Lyuda was found close to three years ago, however many are not aware of the discovery.Read more about the exhibit on Page in History
The story of the discovery of the world's most complete baby mammoth, as told by the man who found her. It was mentioned that the finding of this mammoth was a bad omen, however time will tell.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Dr. Hawass shows the restorations at the Jewish Synagogue of Moses Ben Maimon
Dr Zahi Hawass takes us on a tour of the restorations taking place at the Jewish Synagogue of Moses Ben Maimon.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great
I was actually shown this video in a history class and I was quite moved and inspired by the reign of Alexander the Great, hence the reason I have been focusing on him the last few weeks.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Machu Picchu on Endangered List
Peru's Machu Picchu ancient ruins, Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona and a New Orleans elementary school are among the cultural heritage sites threatened by neglect or overdevelopment, a preservationist group said Tuesday.
The World Monuments Fund's watch list for 2010 includes 93 sites in 47 countries, ranging from Phajoding, a remote monastery in Bhutan, to the bridges along Connecticut's scenic Merritt Parkway. Read more about the destruction of Machu Picchu
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday Ground Up: The Political, Artistic, and Military State of the Hellenistic World
After the reigns of both Phillip II and his son Alexander the Great, the united empire started to disintegrate. Macedonian leaders were engaged in a struggle of unity, the political and military states of the Hellenistic Kingdom were refusing to accept the new status quo and periodically engaged in wars with each other. Consequently, the new Greco-Macedonian ruling class was under quite a strain.
The Hellenistic monarchies emerged after Alexanders reign. The Antigonid kingdom of Macedonia believed that although control over the Greeks was essential, outright conquest was not necessary.
The Seleucid Kingdom, which controlled much of Alexanders Persian Empire from Turkey to India, found it difficult to control so the Mauryan Empire was established, forcing out Seleucid forces.
The conversion of Greek communities in Northwestern India to the Buddhist religion by Asoka, a Buddhist, was a clear indication that Alexanders ideals for the spread of eastern cultures was still a large influence. It was Pergamum that started to bring Romans into the area seeking aid against the Seleucids and the Antigonids.
Cleopatra Image
The Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, where Alexander was seen as a Pharaoh before Ptolemy took over, was the longest lasting of the monarchies. However, Cleopatra VII allied herself with the wrong side in Roman civil wars allowing Egypt to fall in 30BC.
The use of a phalanx, as well as innovations such as elephants that were procured from Indian and North African allowed the monarchies to learn tricks in the event of war. Alexander was known for this type of machinery to defeat his enemies, as was his father Phillip II whose military reforms transformed Macedonia into a major military power using longer spears and innovative catapults. In the case of the Hellenistic rulers, they had even greater resources to build larger worships and weapons.
Artisans were in high demand in Greek cities, however the Greeks and Macedonians also the opportunities in the Near east. Within the cities, the political institution of the Greek poleis was still in existence. the centers were dominated by the Greeks, so it was difficult for easterners to enter the ranks of the ruling class. In most cases, they had to abandon their own culture, which was far from the visions of Alexander the Great.
The Greeks tried to re-create the poleis of their homeland, however with the constraints of the monarchy, it was no longer possible. During the days of Phillip II of Macedonia the Greek city states had autonomy in domestic affairs, as opposed to a rigid monarchy. Phillip and Alexander both were developing a unified state that would end the destruction of the Greek states by imposing Macedonian rule.
With the decline In political barriers, there was a huge increase in commercial trade. There was still war between the monarchies, however due to the conquests of Alexander and the policies of his successors, greater trade was possible between east and west.
Related Articles
Hellenistic Greek tomb door bas relief, Leeds City Museum.
Macedo-Ptolemaic soldiers of the Ptolemaic kingdom, 100 BC, detail of the Nile mosaic of Palestrina.
Laocoön Group, Vatican Museums, Rome
The golden wreath of Philip II found inside the golden larnax.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace
The Hellenistic monarchies emerged after Alexanders reign. The Antigonid kingdom of Macedonia believed that although control over the Greeks was essential, outright conquest was not necessary.
The Seleucid Kingdom, which controlled much of Alexanders Persian Empire from Turkey to India, found it difficult to control so the Mauryan Empire was established, forcing out Seleucid forces.
The conversion of Greek communities in Northwestern India to the Buddhist religion by Asoka, a Buddhist, was a clear indication that Alexanders ideals for the spread of eastern cultures was still a large influence. It was Pergamum that started to bring Romans into the area seeking aid against the Seleucids and the Antigonids.
Cleopatra Image
The Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, where Alexander was seen as a Pharaoh before Ptolemy took over, was the longest lasting of the monarchies. However, Cleopatra VII allied herself with the wrong side in Roman civil wars allowing Egypt to fall in 30BC.
The Political System
There was a common political system in place in the Hellenistic Kingdom which represented a break from the Greek past. The Greeks believed that a monarchy was barbaric, and although democratic forms were still being practiced, the Greeks had to accept monarchy as a new way of political life. Previously, Alexander the Greats vision was to unite the cultures, as well as the easterners, however the monarchs relied solely on Macedonians and Greeks to form the ruling class. Leadership positions were privileged so non Greeks were excluded from this position. Within these tightly structured monarchies, the kingdoms were being maintained by military force.The use of a phalanx, as well as innovations such as elephants that were procured from Indian and North African allowed the monarchies to learn tricks in the event of war. Alexander was known for this type of machinery to defeat his enemies, as was his father Phillip II whose military reforms transformed Macedonia into a major military power using longer spears and innovative catapults. In the case of the Hellenistic rulers, they had even greater resources to build larger worships and weapons.
The Military Settlements
The Military settlements and cities that Alexander had founded were still meant to maintain order, and the Hellenistic Kings were still quite active in founding new cities for expansion. The Greek columnists were encouraged to spread to the Near east because of their intrinsic value to the new monarchies. Greeks and Macedonians provided a military ground for the army and also contributed to economic development.Artisans were in high demand in Greek cities, however the Greeks and Macedonians also the opportunities in the Near east. Within the cities, the political institution of the Greek poleis was still in existence. the centers were dominated by the Greeks, so it was difficult for easterners to enter the ranks of the ruling class. In most cases, they had to abandon their own culture, which was far from the visions of Alexander the Great.
The Greeks tried to re-create the poleis of their homeland, however with the constraints of the monarchy, it was no longer possible. During the days of Phillip II of Macedonia the Greek city states had autonomy in domestic affairs, as opposed to a rigid monarchy. Phillip and Alexander both were developing a unified state that would end the destruction of the Greek states by imposing Macedonian rule.
With the decline In political barriers, there was a huge increase in commercial trade. There was still war between the monarchies, however due to the conquests of Alexander and the policies of his successors, greater trade was possible between east and west.
Related Articles
One partakes in simple pleasures, by which he meant abstaining from bodily desires such as sex and appetites verging on denial. He argued that when eating one should not eat too heavily, for it could lead to disappointment later such as the grim realization that one could not afford such delicacies in the future. Likewise, sex could lead to increased lust and dissatisfaction with the sexual partner.The Epicureans: In The Pursuit of Pleasure or Just Plain Bums
Saul of Tarsus has recently become a convert of Christ and here we read that he goes up to Jerusalem to attempt to meet the other disciples and join them. This is understandable and perfectly natural. After recognizing Jesus as the Christ and turning from his old life, Saul desires to meet with others who have had the same experiences. Read more about Saul and the Hellenists By teachersmith
The Romans in their inimitable way to copy everything and then change it to their liking picked out one of the Eternals, Ahura Mithra (Mithras) to venerate him as a god, a religion widely spread in legions especially in the third and fourth century AD. Read more about The Eternal Seven By Lucas Dié
Art
Hellenistic Greek tomb door bas relief, Leeds City Museum.
Macedo-Ptolemaic soldiers of the Ptolemaic kingdom, 100 BC, detail of the Nile mosaic of Palestrina.
Laocoön Group, Vatican Museums, Rome
The golden wreath of Philip II found inside the golden larnax.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dinosaur Eggs Found in India
Researchers, archaeologists and geologists of Periyar University in India have found a nesting site of dinosaurs with 20 fossilized eggs. This is probably the first nesting site in southern India. Watch the video for information.
Measuring a Archaeological Dig Site
I recently found this very helpful and useful video about measuring a archaeological site in preparation for digging using pegs, metal tapes, and a 3 4 5 triangle. If you are new to Archaeology, this video is very easy to follow and it will aid you in the near future when excavating. Take a look.
