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Zoo-Archaeology and Faunal Analysis, 2006.
This paper analyzes how interaction and traces of interactions between humans and animals can aid archaeologists in studying human behavior throughout history.
1,557 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper defines zoo-archaeology and faunal analysis as the scientific study of animal remains from archaeological sites. This paper presents three case studies which illustrate the practical use of animal remains in aiding archaeologists to understand the past. The writer of this paper proves that it is possible via faunal analysis to establish such findings as diet, social status, religion and trade. The writer contends and explains how the study of animal remains is an effective and productive method of discovering more about the interaction between people and animals throughout history. This paper also contains an illustrative graph relevant to this particular topic.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Definition and Background
Case Studies
Conclusion
References Cited
From the Paper
"Hierakonpolis is a collection of sites dating from the Palaeolithic period through to the Roman period with the HK-6 site being a cemetery. It is the HK-6 site Warman investigates with some interesting finds.
The first point Warman makes regarding HK-6 is it appears animal bones have been deliberately preserved and buried at the site alongside human remains. One such specimen found at HK-6 is of a Bos or cow. Information obtained from the remains is of significance when related to past activities of people at HK-6. Warman states it is the manner in which the remains are preserved and buried that is of special interest in relation to the religious significance past people placed on the site."
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Cycladic Religion and Marble Figures, 2005.
Attempts to penetrate the mystery of marble figures from the Cyclades and their relation to the religious beliefs of those ancient people.
3,125 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 113.95
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Abstract
This essay surveys the literature for opinions on the purpose of the mysterious and appealing marble figures of the Bronze Age in the Aegean islands of the Cyclades. Since the sculptors left no writing, scholars are left to speculate based on evidence from nearby cultures. Arguments from many scholars are compared to try to find the best solutions to the problem. The paper includes photographs of the figures.
From the Paper
"Van Schaik points to the fact that too few of the figures were found outside of burial contexts for the figures to be a assigned to a cult of the Mother Goddess like the one in Anatolia. However, as stated earlier, the similarity in form of the Cycladic figures to those of Anatolia cannot be discounted, whether or not one believes that they serve the same purpose".
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Urbanization in Mesopotamia, 2005.
This paper discusses a program of urbanization in Mesopotamia, which was implemented to ensure the stability and security of the empire.
2,825 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 11 sources, APA, AU$ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that urbanization, the arrangement of the design of the private and public buildings of a city and that of the intra-city arteries of communication and fortifications, reflects the needs and aspirations of the community within the existing frame of the ecological and technological areas of the period. The author points out that during the last phase of the Assyrian empire, beginning with the reign of Ashur-Dan II (934-912 BC) and lasting until almost 600 BC, when the Assyrian empire dominated most of Mesopotamia and parts of Palestine, Egypt, Media and Anatolia, the Assyrian kings radically transformed the cultural, political and geographical landscape of Upper Mesopotamia by the implementation of the processes of urbanization. The paper stresses that the Chaldean tribal groups, a loosely connected with prominent chieftains opposing urbanization, shifted allegiance according to the distribution of military strength, refused to pay taxes or to render services to the government, waylaid caravans and to attack and plunder settlements and small cities.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Program of Urbanization
Administrative Restructuring
Capitals
Economic Foundation
Southern Societies
Uruk and Ur
Anti-Urban Bias
Citizenship
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In these Mesopotamian cities, there grew a concept of citizenship that was the result of the driving force of the urbanization process. The old and important cities enjoyed certain privileges and exemptions with respect to the king and his power. They had a legal status that differentiated in essential points from that of any other community, In Babylonia, these cities were Nippur, Babylon, and Sippar, in Assria, the old capital Asur, and later, Harran in Upper Mesopotamia. In principle, the inhabitants of these free cities claimed freedom from work, freedom from military service, as well as a tax exemption. These privileges were neither new nor exception, Certain persons with restructed libery, in the Sumerian empire of Ur were said to be exempted from carrying earth, and inhabitants of Nippur were exempted from military service and paying tribute in silver and gold. This shows that the resistance against the claims of a central authority for services of its subjects is characteristics not only of a non urbanized group, but also one of the aspirations of city-dwellers."
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Theories about "Atlantis", 2001.
This paper discusses various theories surrounding the myth of Atlantis written by the Greek scholar Plato in 400 B.C., even today captivating the minds of archaeologists and philosophers.
2,160 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the most "extreme" theories say that either Atlantis was no more than a figment of Plato's vast imagination or that the "lost city" was real in every respect. The author points out that the lost city has been rumored to have existed in the Caribbean Sea, in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, in the Aegean Sea and even in the Arctic Ocean. The paper supports another theory, which seems more than likely, states that Plato's epic story was little more than an exaggeration of an historic event: the sinking of Thera, a small island in the Aegean Sea, after a series of massive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
From the Paper
"Thera is again likened to Atlantis through its technological level, which was supposedly much more advanced than other civilizations of the era. According to Plato's Critias (which was actually named after his grandfather), Atlantis was "set apart from other [civilizations] with their countless new contrivances and concepts." This technological power made Atlantis a ruling class, and closely resembles the Minoan culture. The Minoans were a supposedly advanced people who were some of the first to make many uses of the wheel and keystone concepts."
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Human Civilization, 2005.
A discussion of three important developments for human civilization.
778 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 34.95
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Abstract
Many developments throughout history have had a great impact on human civilization. Some developments have had a positive effect and some have had negative effects. This essay discusses three developments or revolutions that have positively affected the history of humans: The agriculture revolution, scientific evolution and the evolution of writing. It explains how all have significantly affected human civilization and changed the way humans ate, thought, communicated and lived.
From the Paper
"The Agriculture Revolution, which took place during the Neolithic Age, is a positive development throughout history because it allowed humans to settle down and live a sedentary life. Before agriculture, humans relied on hunting and gathering, or raising animals for their food. Both created a nomadic lifestyle because hunters migrated with the animals and herders would have to move with their animals when grazing was exhausted (Adler 9). The shift to sedentary life was slow but ultimately led to a larger population and human civilization. This change created villages and towns where people lived and worked. The villages and towns, in turn, created culture. These villages allowed specialization of other occupations because it was not necessary for every individual to farm. The textbook says, "Efforts were more productive for the entire community if people specialized" (Adler 9). This revolution also created the idea of privately owned property and systematized regulation. Farmers wanted "permanent possession" of their land and systematized regulation enforced these rights (Adler 9). Another positive effect from the Agriculture Revolution was the growth of public role for women. These dramatic changes in human life were very gradual. Even though it took 200 to 400 years to complete this development, the Agriculture Revolution forever changed human life."
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Australopithecines: The Origins of Man, 2005.
This paper identifies the Australopithecines as hominids and explores the relationship between this species and modern man.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 48.95
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Abstract
The Australopithecines constitutes a group of extinct hominids that are closely related to humans. The Australopithecines were believed to be bi-pedal organisms, making them an integral link in the chain of evolution leading to modern man. This essay explores the evolution from ancient primates, to bi-pedal australopithicenes, to modern man. It includes several cited sources.
From the Paper
"The word "hominid" refers to "any of a family (Hominidae) of erect bipedal primate mammals comprising recent humans together with extinct ancestral and related forms" (Merriam Webster). Hominids are included in the super-family of apes, the Hominoidea, in which the members are referred to as hominoids. Though the fossil record of hominids is currently fragmented and incomplete, there is enough material present to provide a healthy sketch of the evolutionary history of homo sapiens. Inasmuch as the Australopithecines were "bipedal primate mammals," they can be classified as ancient hominids (Merriam Webster). Many changes in the physical environment contributed to the evolution of these early humans."
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Life After Death in Ancient Egypt, 2004.
The ancient Egyptian belief of life after death in detail and its funerary ceremonies to achieve happiness and harmony in the afterlife.
2,240 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how Ancient Egyptians believed that life was but a passageway to the rest of their lives, only elsewhere. Throughout their lives they prepared for this event. It looks at how they believed that each individual had seven components. It discusses how the ancient Egyptians would protect these components by preserving the body and giving it a proper funerary. These funeraries would include mummification and other funerary rituals described in the paper - everything would make a difference in the afterlife, from the care and dress of the body to the materials within the tomb.
From the Paper
"In ancient Egypt, death was the gateway to immortality. Egyptians never saw death as devastating, for it was merely "an interruption to life in which afterwards would continue 'elsewhere' " (Hamilton-Paterson and Andrews 16). It was necessary, however, to prepare for death, for the deceased would require necessities for the afterlife. Egyptian beliefs on the afterlife required preparation through a funerary process which culminated in a life after death in the tombs (16-17)."
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The Silk Road, 2005.
An in-depth look into the history and geography of this major link between East and West.
5,159 words (approx. 20.6 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 161.95
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Abstract
The Silk Road, the ancient 4,000 mile caravan route, was used primarily for trade and linked East to West, from China to Rome. This paper covers the nearly 2000 years of history of the Silk Road, which served the world's four main civilizations from approximately 500 B.C. to 1500 A.D. as the major highway for transporting material goods and knowledge between Europe (till Rome), the Near East, India, and China.
Paper Outline:
The Geographical Setting
The Silk Road
Travel of Ideas and Techniques
Music of the Silk Road
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The Silk Road - a network of trade routes that connected East Asia to the Mediterranean--was the main conduit for the spread and exchange of goods, ideas, religions, and cultural elements among the many peoples of Eurasia. Along it, Buddhism spread from India to China, Korea, and Japan; Islam from the Middle East to the subcontinent and Southeast Asia; Christianity--particularly Nestorian Christianity--to the Far East. Not only silk and spices but paper, printing processes, gunpowder, the magnetic compass, and prized ceramics and laquerware flowed westward, while glassware and gold and silver metalwork flowed eastward. Developments in mathematics and the sciences--as well as in art and music--coursed back and forth, building upon each other. The legacy of the exchanges enacted along the Silk Road from about 500 B.C. until A.D. 1500 permeates cultures in both East and West to this day."
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The "Elgin Marbles": Greek Property in British Museums, 2003.
An examination of the "Elgin Marbles", ancient Parthenon figures that were claimed by British archaeologists in the 18th century during Greek civil strife, and the debate over whether or not they should be returned to Greece.
3,175 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 114.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the controversy that exists over the "Elgin Marbles", which were originally part of the Greek Parthenon's frieze, that were taken by Lord Elgin of England in the late 18th century. The paper takes the position that the statues and other artifacts which currently are housed in English museums, are the rightful property of the Greek people and should be returned to Greece. The paper is divided into several sections. The first gives a history of the Elgin Marbles and how they came into possession of the English in the first place. A brief history of the Parthenon is also given in this section, with a detailed examination of the architecture and the ancient politics that surrounded its construction. The paper then spans the history of the Parthenon up until the 18th century, including the building losing its roof and several architectural designs due to the Ottoman Turks using it as an armory during their control of Greece. The paper discusses how British archaeologists claimed the pieces in the 1800s, fearful that the Greeks could not maintain such classical pieces of work. The paper ends with a section discussing the latest improvements that are underway in Greece to house the "Elgin Marbles" if an international agreement can be reached that will send the pieces of the Parthenon back to Athens. The concept of Greek pride and honor in their ancient ancestry is discussed and how originally, when Greece was unable to maintain such pieces, the idea to keep them in England was the correct decision to be made.
From the Paper
"The mere thought of The Parthenon evokes an image of dignity and pride for not only the current Greek citizens who look upon their ancient ancestors with honor, but for the entirety of Western civilization who view The Parthenon as a representation of the greatness that can be achieved by Western culture. Using this Western concept of pride as a basis, it is clear to see why the British government has its roots in claiming that the treasures of the Parthenon would be better served in a more upscale environment such as The British Museum rather then an unfinished Acropolis museum in Athens. Nevertheless, the removal of The Parthenon artifacts, which are known as The Elgin Marbles since the works of art were "purchased" by the English noble Lord Thomas Bruce of Elgin in 1801, was in essence an infraction upon the Greek populace's right to their ancestors' culture. In large part due to the importance of The Parthenon and the culture that it represents to Greece, the rightful place of the Elgin Marbles is in Athens where the pieces of architecture were always intended to remain when they were completed. "
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Akhnaton: An Artistic Revolutionary, 2005.
An examination of the changes wrought upon Egyptian art during the reign of the Pharaoh Akhnaton.
1,572 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the extent to which, within the ancient Egyptian worldview, art was a religious endeavour and expression. It looks at how Akhnaton's redefinition of religion had a profound impact on ancient Egyptian art, injecting it with a degree of realism never before seen.
From the Paper
"The civilization of the Ancient Egyptians, encompassing art at its very core, was one borne out of religious and cultural beliefs and values. According to numerous art historians, archeologists and Egyptologists, within the context of Ancient Egyptian culture and religion, art was not a luxury or a pastime but, as Leslie A. White states, part and parcel of Ancient Egypt and its religious framework (91-92). Dietrick E. Thomeson explains this view even further, arguing that the fusion between art and religion was such in Ancient Egypt that it was the first, and one of the very few, if not only, countries in history in which artists and architects were state employees and bureaucrats."
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Akhnaton: An Artistic Revolutionary, 2005.
Examines the link between religion and art in ancient Egypt.
1,622 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
The author discusses Ancient Egyptian art as an expression of religious devotion and belief, arguing that the monotheistic revolution spearheaded by Akhnaton led to an artistic revolution.
From the Paper
"The civilization of the Ancient Egyptians, encompassing art at its very core, was one borne out of religious and cultural beliefs and values. According to numerous art historians, archeologists and Egyptologists, within the context of Ancient Egyptian culture and religion, art was not a luxury or a pastime but, as Leslie A. White states, part and parcel of Ancient Egypt and its religious framework (91-92). Dietrick E. Thomeson explains this view even further, arguing that the fusion between art and religion was such in Ancient Egypt that it was the first, and one of the very few, if not only, countries in history in which artists and architects were state employees and bureaucrats. In other words, artistic endeavour was in a permanent and ongoing state of activity and the bureaucratic form that it assumed, allowed for the continuation of that activity insofar as it ensures the constant planning of projects and their execution. However, while that bureaucratic form, on the one hand, and the religious nature of art, on the other, kept Ancient Egypt artistically rich, it ensured a static form to art, preventing development, evolution and change."
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The Siege of Masada, 2005.
This essay examines the reliability of Josephus' account of the siege of Masada.
2,978 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 109.95
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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."
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Neolithic Art, 2005.
This paper discusses the importance of the Neolithic period to the art historian. It is important because it laid the foundation for all consequent art.
1,735 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, like archaeologists, art historians play the role of detective by studying, analyzing, and interpreting the earliest known works of art not only to explain their aesthetic beauty or significance, but also to demonstrate how they represent the unwritten history of humanity. The author points out that the art from the area called Catal Huyuk demonstrates both figurative and abstract components, showing that art was already conceptual at this time, being about ideas and not things. The paper relates that Cycladic art and the megalithic architecture, which are represented in structures of cromtech design, or circular and spiral arrangements like Stonehenge, reveal the unifying feature of art and its movement from Europe to the Middle East to Europe.
From the Paper
"Only when the context of a work of art is known can we go beyond an appreciation of its formal qualities and begin to analyze its place in the history of art - to trace the evolution of art through the ages" (23). Within this historical goal of the study of art, also being a study of human evolution, the Neolithic period is of great importance. This period of human evolution was among those that witnessed "the birth of art," and lasted from approximately 6000 BC to 3500 BC (25). The Neolithic paintings and artworks illustrate the way in which early man interacted with his environment, his level of development as in the tools he had fashioned, his culture, his vision of himself in relation to the world and other living creatures, and his beliefs, further providing a link between the different stages of human evolution and art development through analysis of the different techniques and materials used, and the different subjects portrayed as well as the differing methods of portrayal."
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The Piltdown Forgery, 2005.
Details the Piltdown Forgery in which an amateur archaeologist planted fake skull and jaw bones and managed to fool the scientific world.
1,013 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
In 1912, Charles Dawson, an amateur archaeologist, revealed to some of his scientific friends that he had found a curious skull in a gravel pit near Piltdown, England. The case of the Piltdown Man turned out to be one of the greatest hoaxes of the 20th century. The paper shows that, allegedly, the unearthing of these fragments was proof that man evolved from apes. The human brain case and the ape-like jaw fit the theory of the day, which held that the brain would evolve faster than the body. The ruse was to create the "missing link" and thus prove Darwin's theory. The paper traces the events of the forgery and its implications on the scientific world after it was discovered to be a hoax. The paper includes illustrations.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, The Piltdown Forgery was a deception with far reaching tentacles. Whether it was Dawson, Hinton, Theilhard or Woodward, the effects of this deception still cast doubts on legitimate archeological finds. This however is advantageous for both the anthropological and archeological communities. It requires science to base its discoveries on pure science rather than raw emotion. The moral of Piltdown is that science is fallible and human passions sometimes overshadow the facts. Occasionally, science does not always take the most direct route in fulfilling its aim of understanding nature."
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Ancient Greek Treasuries, 2003.
An analysis of ancient Greek culture and the practice of housing gifts to the Gods in sacred treasuries.
1,853 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper examines several of the many treasuries found at the sites of Olympia and Delphi. The deeper meaning of these structures is explored, including the motives behind their construction.
From the Paper
"During the eighth century B.C., conditions in Greece contributed to a sense of Panhellenism among the various poleis. There was a general increase in cultural unity, a phenomenon which corresponds to more intense contact with the Eastern world. Such contact would have made obvious the differences between Greek and non-Hellenic cultures. At this time, there was a rise in religious sanctuaries and festivals which, rather than being local, included all Greeks. Two of the most famous Panhellenic sanctuaries were of Zeus at Olympia and Apollo at Delphi. Festivals which were sometimes held at these sites served to enhance the individual poleis by competing against each other in various contests."
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Remote Sensing, 2005.
An overview of Old World and New World remote sensing.
766 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how remote sensing can be broken down to New World and Old World. It looks at how New World involves aerial photography from artificial satellites and how Old World involves procedures like electromagnetic and resistivity surveying.
From the Paper
"The world emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. There are many sources of energy and the most important one is the sun. Satellites mostly portray the land with respect to the electromagnetic spectrum. There can be two types of sensing active and passive sensing. Active sensing involves the satellite to send waveforms that interact with certain parts of the land (including water) and give off different waveforms in the spectrum. The passive sensing involves just reading the waveforms from different sources (like the sun) and portraying them. One advantage of active sensing as opposed to passive is that measurements can be recorded anytime where in passive it has to be done when the naturally occurring energy is available."
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