Abstract
This paper briefly examines the roots of democracy in ancient Greece. It specifically focuses on the role of Solon, the appointed leader and looks at his contributions to the early development of democracy.

From the Paper
"At the beginning of the sixth century BC, Athens was badly in need of political and economic reforms. To stop aristocratic enmity and alleviate the grievance of the peasants increasingly subjugated by large landowners, Athenian nobles appointed Solon as mediator.

As a young Eupatrid, Solon had gone into trade and returned with a flair of economics; an unusual characteristic for men of his class. He had an aristocratic moral code, and regarded the abuse of wealth as the "root of all evil". In effect a tyrant, Solon's mission was to fix the deadlock between the well-off land owners and the poorer peasants. "

Tags:reform, ancient, civilization

Abstract
This paper discusses how Greek myths are seen by western civilization as great works of art and beauty. It attempts to analyze why there is a continued fascination with them. It looks at how myths are the basis of our societal and religious practices and are therefore intrinsically treasured institution. It shows how philosophy has contributed to the understanding of the myths by interpreting them as universal allegories about humanity and existence, thus ensuring the continued fascination. It also examines how through psychoanalysis the characters in myths serve as examples of the human?s unconscious desires. Myths are true works of art that can infinitely adaptable and infinitely important as we change our values.

From the Paper
"Psychoanalysis is another field that has adopted the universalthemes and stories of the myths this time to explain the inner workings of our consciousness and thought processes. Sigmund Freud and then later Carl Jung both used the Greek myths to elaborate on their own theories of the mind. Myths according to the strain of psychoanalysis preached by Freud can explain unconscious desires; the characters in myths serve as examples of the human's unconscious desires. The Greek myths served as a good universal basis for the experience of the human condition, thus allowing them to be useful in psychoanalysis."

Tags:freud, jung, art, religion

Abstract
This paper provides a detailed account of how Judaism interacted with the Greco-Roman socio-religious milieu after Alexander the Great's conquest of Judea in the third BCE. It discusses Hellenism and its effect on Judaism, more specifically, the creation of Jewish sectarianism in the form of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. It explores the nature of these separate sects and the ways in which Jewish lore and culture were affected and interpreted anew through such changes. The Maccabean revolt is mentioned, as are several other primary-sourced events that can be seen to have directly affected the theocratic nature of Judea. It also examines how the admission that, although Hellenization affected Judaism and changed it beyond all hope for original reclamation, without sectarianism and the Hellenization of Judaism, Jewish culture would not be in existence today.

From the Paper
"Another cultural influence to affect Judaism as a result of its encounter with Hellenism is reflected in the material culture of the time. Three of the four apocrypha books of Maccabees mention, in negative terms, the erection of a gymnasium in Jerusalem , a Greek center for exercise, conversation and discussion. The erection of such a building was viewed differently throughout the Jewish community, but many felt that it indeed threatened Judaism; the idea of embracing Greek culture to such an extent entailed for them the idea of abandoning the holy covenant. The adoption of Hellenistic values was therefore seen as a having a destructive and threatening effect on Judaism by even the Jews themselves during these times."

Tags:essenes, greco, judea, pharisees, sadducees, sectarianism

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
In the history of human civilization, no one has attained greater popularity in the realm of conquest of great human civilizations in the world than Alexander the Great. This great leader, general and conqueror of early Western and Eastern civilizations in the world is renowned for his extraordinary ability to conquer and administer numerous cities and kingdoms. He is also regarded as the Great Emperor of human civilization during his time because of his ability to lead his military troops and maintain order and stability in his land despite various revolts and antagonism about his conquests, leadership abilities and decisions as a ruler. This paper presents a general biography of the life of Alexander the Great as the great leader of human civilization. However, the focus of this paper shows Alexander the Great not only as the conqueror of Western and Eastern kingdoms, but also as an individual dedicated to the cultivation of Hellenistic Civilization, which was the prevailing culture and society in his kingdoms during his time of reign.

From the Paper
"Aside from his title as King of Macedonia, he was also given the title of being the Emperor of Persia, and the son of Amon-Ra, the Sun god of the Egyptian mythology. Although he acquired numerous titles under these different cultures, Alexander the Great remained faithful to the cultivation of the Hellenistic Civilization that started during the reign of his father, King Phillip II. During his reign, Alexander the Great contributed significantly to the Hellenistic Civilization through the cultivation of Greek culture, society, and politics. In Greek politics, the conquests that Alexander conducted, his method of conquering kingdoms and vast lands, as well as his leadership skills, had been the model of what politics is like during the Hellenistic civilization. The conceptualization and emergence of the great and central city of Alexandria is a perfect example of the society and culture that Alexander the Great cultivated during his reign as Emperor of these conquered kingdoms."

Tags:Phillip, II, Macedonian, Pharos

Abstract
This paper examines how Alexander III (or 'the Great') conquered the land starting from Greece in the west to India in the east to create the largest empire the world had seen until that time. This was achieved in just thirteen years between his ascension to the Macedonian throne at age twenty to his death at Babylon on 10 June 323 BCE. One of the issues surrounding Alexander's reign that has long been discussed by historians is whether he planned his conquest of Asia or if he made it up as he went along. This paper evaluates and discusses both possibilities by taking a somewhat chronological approach to Alexander's life.

From the Paper
"Alexander was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and Princess Olympias of Epirus. Both his parents had strong personalities and influenced their son in different ways. Olympias had a fiery temperament and did not tolerate Philip having other wives and lovers. As Alexander was close to his mother, this bred further discontent between himself and Philip, who had a difficult relationship right up until Philip was murdered. Most importantly however, Philip was someone Alexander could emulate and because of his "passionate desire for fame," Alexander would attempt to surpass his father wherever possible. Philip II reinvigorated a formerly weak kingdom in Macedon to create the most powerful state in Northern Greece . From his childhood, Alexander had a legacy to continue and he was eager to prove himself in any way. Even Philip himself noted his son's great aspirations and perhaps put ideas in Alexander head; "My boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions. "

Tags:Macedon, empire

Abstract
This paper examines how the three great civilizations of Persia, Greece and Rome relied heavily on the strength and success of their armies. It looks at how each nation, during its time of reign, trained and equipped their armies to better their chances on the battlefield. It discusses how the Persians with their vast numbers of troops armed with bows and sword and how he Greeks and Romans with their superior weapons and war strategies, earned the reputation of the most feared and respected armies in the known world.

From the Paper
"A large portion of the foundations of any successful army relied upon the type of weapons each soldier was armed with and how effective the arms were against the enemy. It did not take long for an army equipped with the best weaponry and siege weapons to completely slay an entire opposition that was armed with mere sticks and clubs. During their reign of power, the Romans had over time devised new weaponry technology, which continued to make their weapons ever increasingly more effective killing machines in battles. Each legionary was equipped with a spear amongst their other surplies and tools."

Tags:advantages, battles, civilisations, history, others, over, stratergies, time, weapons

Abstract
This paper examines how, as the most important power for over 1000 years, the Romans brought stability, prosperity and order to the civilized West. In addition it shows how Julius Caesar, in particular, stimulated the transition of the Roman Republic. It analyzes how Caesar's measures on taxation and citizenship and many of his policies were set out protect the ordinary people against the self-interested nobles and how his government, with minor changes, continued for centuries.

From the Paper
"The Roman Republic had been led to un-thought of prosperity by the Senate and Assembly and was believed in by many senators, however corrupt. But managing and controlling the Empire was getting tougher for this small group of men as other groups wanted a larger share of the success; yet those who had tried had failed. As the desire within the nobles to protect their investments was increasing, and with too much traditionalism, complete breakdown of law and order was predicted; and so the stage was therefore set for a Roman of ambition; aggression and energy who could, through pure strength and personality, seize control (see Appendix One for the Timeline of the End of the Republic). Caesar was to be that Roman."

Tags:roman, republic, taxation, citizenship, government

Abstract
This paper addresses the argument of whether Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus was a success or a failure as an emperor. It analyses his unfortunate childhood as well as his reign and attempts to explain the reasoning behind his actions as emperor. It concludes that he was in fact an intelligent and successful Roman Emperor.

From the Paper
"The idea that the power of Rome lies in her Army, has been proven time and time again by figures such as Marius and Sulla. Claudius likewise was no stranger to this fact and, as a result, many of his first actions as Emperor were to secure the loyalty of the army and to establish some much needed military-credentials. Hennessy (1990) explains that following Claudius' rise to power with the support of the Praetorian Guard, he promised each guard 150 gold pieces with the intention of buying their allegiance and hence his protection. Claudius then went to plan and execute a campaign to, as Fagan (2004) argued, secure both military distinction and the respect of the Army. This, of course, came in the form of the famous invasion and annexation of Britain. To keep this strong military image throughout his reign, he added to the Roman Empire: Mauritania, Thrace and Lycia (BBC 2004). By the end of his reign, Claudius had been hailed Imperator twenty-seven times and had won a triumph (Fagan, 2004)."

Tags:ancient, britain, caligula, drusus, germanicus, invasion, nero

Abstract
The author wrestles with Alexander the Greats' inclinations towards both good and evil in an attempt to show that he deserved the title: "Great". By comparing and contrasting, she is able to build a case that he was, indeed, as his name implies, 'Great'. With some interesting quotes from people that knew Alexander the Great personally.

From the Paper
"Alexander the Great was a charismatic person who won the heart of the people he ruled throughout his short reign. He led them to victory against their enemies and had a generous nature. There was another side to Alexander though; he could be cruel, irrational and was known for his drunken rages. Despite his faults, Alexander's conquests, achievements and personal traits made him worthy of the title, "the Great." "

Tags:alexander, ancient, great, greece, greek, history, macedonia, military