Abstract
This paper attempts to present an unbiased evaluation of the reliability of Josephus account of the siege of Masada and contends that Josephus account is certainly not entirely false; however the account of the suicide itself is also shown to be a likely alteration of events with a grain of truth.

From the Paper
"Furthermore, the mass-suicide may be seen as one such 'exaggeration' because it was not uncommon for accounts in ancient literature to end in such a manner. Cohen also notes that the ending of a story with mass suicide was evident among many prominent writers. Among those whom he lists is Livy, who has already been shown to embellish his writings in a similar manner to Josephus. In one story, Livy describes how P. Decius Mus devoted himself to the gods of the underworld in return for a Roman victory, and hurled himself into the midst of the enemy battle line as a sacrifice . It is most likely that the devotio of Decius Mus is legendary, and is confused with the action of his son at Sentinum in 295 B.C., who is also reputed to have acted similarly . This is but one of many instances where classical writers conclude a story with suicide. As a result of this contextual examination, it becomes clear that Josephus' story of the mass-suicide has been moulded, if not totally created, as a result of literary traditions of the ancient world."

Tags:flavius, jerusalem, jewish, silva, titus, vespasian, war

Abstract
This paper has two purposes, the first provides a collection of otherwise scattered archaeological resource material for secondary education providers and secondly, it considers wider issues inherent in the New South Wales history curricula. The first section of this paper contains archaeological resources for secondary education and includes material from North America, United Kingdom and Australia. While the survey is not definitive, it is designed to highlight current trends in printed matter, visual media and the internet as rapidly evolving resource theatres.
Secondly, the paper provides an overview of the relevant stages and structure of history as presented to Australian secondary students. Description, explanation and illustration of the 'continuum of learning' will assist those uninitiated in educational jargon, and hopefully provide an appreciation of the overall course content. Finally, the paper reviews archaeology as taught in Australian secondary schools.

Outline
Preface
Part 1 NSW Curriculum
1. Introduction
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Stages 1-3
1.2 Stages 4-5
1.3 Stage 6
1.4 Board of Studies Requirements
2. Ancient History Stage 6
2.1 Stage 6 History Course Structure
2.2 Stage 6 History Extension Course Structure
3. Review
3.1 Introduction
3.2 History Syllabus
3.3 Assessment and Examination
3.4 Teaching Archaeology
3.5 History and Archaeology
3.6 Recommendations
Part 2 Resources
1. North America
1.1 Print Resources
1.2 Internet Resources
1.3 CD-ROM
2. United Kingdom
2.1 Print resources
2.2 Internet Resources
2.3 CD-ROM
3. Australia
3.1 Print Resources
3.2 Internet Resources
3.3 CD-ROM
3.4 Video
3.5 HSC - Listed Texts
4. References

From the Paper
"For those considering a teaching career, and possessing an archaeological background or skills, a great deal of scope exists within the syllabus for the inclusion of archaeology. A career in teaching HSIE will require a three years bachelor degree plus either a Diploma of Education (Secondary), or a four year Bachelor of Education, or a four/five year combined degree, such as Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary). Strictly speaking, archaeology is not included in the range of subjects taught in HSIE as listed by the NSW Teachers Association (2003). However, teachers are, 'encouraged to use their special interests and talents to contribute to a wide range of school activities'. Nevertheless, and whilst the course bears the title, Ancient History, a significant body of relevant information comes directly from an archaeological approach, and the archaeological record. "

Tags:students, history, internet, degree

Abstract
This paper considers the symbolic construction of space and the way space is utilised within and around the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is a point and the physical interface where Western and indigenous cultures interact. It looks at how the Uluru provides a unique insight into differences between contemporary society and the mores of an older culture. The paper includes graphics.

Outline
People About the Rock
Arid Architecture and Design
Absence of Monuments
Fashions of Fire
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The sheer size and bulk of Uluru with hundreds of nooks and crannies provides shelter, resources and inspiration to local Indigenous people for thousands of years. The numerous panels of parietal art adorning both living areas and ritual places around Uluru evidence this strong connection. The association of rock art and oral histories make Uluru 'highly identifiable' with a particular group (Burke 1999), the Anangu who are the traditional owners. Anangu creation stories and symbolic art on its surface bears testimony to the central place Uluru plays in Tjukurpa or the law of Traditional Owners."

Tags:art, monuments, mythology, parietal

Abstract
This paper argues that bull-leaping was not an intentional act of human sacrifice, but rather a highly prestigious, overtly religious ritual undertaken by the Minoan elite. It describes bull-leaping as depicted in archaeological evidence, explores to what extent the practice could have resembled the artistic depictions of the act and analyses the danger and possibility of performing such a feat. The paper also considers the controversial evidence of "human sacrifice" at the Anemospilia temple; looks at the other violent sports practiced by the Minoans; emphasises the religious significance of bull-leaping and discusses the necessary skill of the bull-leapers themselves.

From the Paper
"That the Minoans practised human sacrifice was a possibility introduced following the grisly findings at the Anemospilia temple. Inside the temple ruins was, as Castleden1 (1990, 168-73) describes, the remains of a young man, with his legs tightly folded up, upon what appears to have been a sacrificial table. A long bronze blade was found beside him. The excavators, Y. Sakellarakis and E. Sapouna-Sakellaraki, proposed that the youth was sacrificed in order to avert the impending earthquake which destroyed the temple. Castleden not only maintains that human sacrifice was performed in this instance, he insists that it would have been an integral religious practise - enacted on many more occasions. He pushes the concept of the Minoans hidden 'shadow side' - mentioning several other examples."

Tags:Knossos, Minos, Bronze, Age, Goddess, Mycenaean, Anemospilia

Abstract
Recent developments in science completely disprove the theory of evolution. The only reason Darwinism is still foisted on people by means of a worldwide propaganda campaign lies in the ideological aspects of the theory. This essay clarifies the scientific collapse of the theory of evolution for the layman. It reveals the frauds and distortions committed by evolutionists to "prove" evolution.

From the Paper
"The claim of the common ancestry of apes and men, put forward by Charles Darwin in his book "The Descent of Man" in 1871, has since paved the path to today's scientific world. When Darwin proposed his supposed scientific theory in 1859, England, nor any other parts of the world, boasted the discipline of biophysics, genetics or biochemistry to justify his claims. Yet, even today, with the advancement in the scientific fields of genetics, biophysics, and biochemistry, Darwin's unscientific, illogical, and baseless claims still endure to influence to day's science. The justification of the Evolution Theory has been falsely spread through the propaganda of the media, and can be justly compared with the absurdity of the evolution of the fairy-taled frog-prince! There is no scientific evidence that back up the origin of man from apes, and likewise, no scientific evidence that frogs turn to handsome princes! The absurdity of it all is obvious and clear, and yet, is followed by the staunchest followers in the world!"

Tags:anthropology, archaeology, australopithecus, biochemistry, biology, evolution, family, homo, human, neanderthals, paleoanthropology, religion, sapiens, theology, theory, tree

Abstract
Arrival of the original Australians has long been a topic of debate amongst anthropologists and archaeologists. The questions of why, how and when Greater Australia was colonized are often asked. The biogeographic colonization model proposed by Peter Veth has galvanized archaeologists into pursuing specific questions at regional levels. This paper looks at that model using the following format.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Arid Region
Paleoenvironment
Islands in the Interior
Central Refuge
Corridors
Barriers
Dissecting the Islands
Biogeographic Regions
Technology
Social Transformation
Summary
Future Research
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Paleoenvironment information is derived from 'geomorphological and paleoecological research in Australia and New Guinea? (Mulvaney and Kamminga 1999). Sites at Lake Fromme, Lake Eyre and Willandra indicate higher precipitation rates from 40,000 to 25,000 BP, followed by a colder drier climate c. 21,000 - 15,000 BP, known as the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). During the LGM sea levels were 130 metres below present shorelines increasing Australia's overall land area, connecting New Guinea in the North and Tasmania to the South. Mulvaney (1999:116) suggests a reduction in warm surrounding ocean and increased landmass was responsible for creating intense inland aridity. Paradoxically, the intense aridity associated with the LGM palaeoenvironment coincides with human occupation dates for the arid region. Although, Ross et al., (Lourandos 1992) maintains "The arid interior has always been dry, in geomorphic terms." During this period, inland lake levels fluctuated until c. 14,000 BP when most inland lakes became dry, possibly extending the arid area into present day semi arid boundaries (Fig. 1) until "a general climatic amelioration [began] towards the start of the Holocene" (Lourandos 1997)."

Tags:archaeology, geology, biogeographic, arid

Abstract
Violent conflict is well documented in human history and certainly appears in many prehistorical finds. The writer provides a systematic and comparative study of warfare from an archaeological perspective. This paper shows that the frequency and severity of war is commensurate and indeed rises with increased complexity of social interactions.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Definition of War
Pre-state and State Societies
Civilization
Prehistoric War
Hebrews: Pre-Monarchy
Hebrew Monarchy
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Has the frequency and severity of warfare increased? More specifically, have these levels escalated compared to pre-state societies and societies of state? Firstly, in answering this question a definition of war is proposed, followed by a classification of societies, and a definition of the term 'civilization'. Secondly, details of prestate Hebrew society and their early state civilization will be contrasted. Finally, the contemporary Assyrian state that ultimately dominated the Hebrews is reviewed. In this assessment the essay draws on various historical and archaeological accounts that portray the increased frequency and severity of war."

Tags:Hebrew, Israelites, prehistoric, society, civilization

Abstract
The paper gives a very real and accurate description life of Akhenaten. From his seemingly amazing, though heretical, accession to the throne of Egypt, to the establishment of his new city Akhentaten near Tel El Amarna. The paper fully describes the life of Akhenaten, his achievements, the changes he made to the Empire as well as his downfall from the Egyptian throne. All information and hypotheses are accurately justified with prime, confident primary and secondary sources and critically analyzed to achieve a great satisfaction of critical use of sources.

From the Paper
"Akhenaten declared to all Egypt that he was son of Aten and proposed that he was Aten is human form (an incarnation), and to worship Aten, he should be worshiped as a god. Roebuck provides evidence of how Akhenaten considered himself a god, Roebuck (1966) explains "The kings shared a divinity of Aten and spoke of himself as Aten's son and co-regent, but the other gods of Egypt were laid aside." Evidence here sates that Akhenaten saw himself as son of Aten. Throughout upper and lower Egypt, Akhenaten was depicted as a godly figure, portrayed larger than any other person, a clear sign in Egyptian culture and art, that he was more important than any other person and just as important as a god. Bradley (1999) sates "The size and position of the image of the king in scenes was an affirmation of the king's divinity, the king became the focus of worship" The Pharaoh's size and position in art was very important. Before Akhenaten kings were always shown was larger than any other, but not larger than that of a god. This source clearly explains that fact that Akhenaten was just as large as a god, so therefore considered himself a god."

Tags:amarna, amenhotep, aten, delta, disk, egypt, nile, sun, tel

Abstract
Compared to the ancient landmass, humans are a recent arrival to what is considered the state of Virginia. This essay documents the extent to which human land use has impacted the Virginian landscape.

Table of Contents:
Ancient Virginia
Arrival of Humans
Archaic Woodland Period
Europeans
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Undoubtedly, Virginia is old with complex geology, to the west lies the ancient Appalachian and Blue Ridge province, formed on the margin of Laurentia during the Proterozoic over 1,100 million years ago. The largest physiographic province in Virginia is the Piedmont (appendix 1) comprised of weathered bedrock, overlain with saprolite, eroded in stream valleys. The Coastal plain is a terraced landscape, the bedrock consists of igneous and metamorphic rock, with various layers above comprised of sediment deposited in warm shallow seas, and eroded clay, sand, and gravel stripped from the Appalachians (Roberts and Bailey 2001). Remaining temperate forests seen below, possibly began forming about 10,000 years ago, when the Virginian shoreline extended some 30 miles further east onto the continental shelf, and glaciers withdrew as the climate warmed, though temperatures were still much colder than today (Riparian Forest Buffers 1996). The piedmont to the west, and coastal plain to the east is a dynamic environment, continually undergoing change through natural processes."

Tags:archaeology, burial, earthen, extinction, landuse, pollutants

Abstract
This paper focuses on the new evolved state of human beings where we are actually questioning our origins and how we came to be. The paper focuses on the different stages in the evolution of man, providing examples of fossil discoveries to show how humans have changed over time.

From the Paper
"With our knowledge of geological processes we are now able to determine the biological and cultural development of the species "Homo sapiens," or human beings. A large number of human fossil bones and teeth have been found at various places throughout the world along with tools of stone, bone, and wood. As a result of these discoveries, a picture of human evolution during the past 4 to 5 million years has emerged."

Tags:africa, archaeology, creation, darwin, darwinian, development, devloping, evolution, evolve, evolving, fossil, fossils, homo, man, migration, primate, sapien, sapiens, science