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Kleisthenes, 2002.
An examination of the life of Kleisthenes, known as the true father of democracy in ancient Athens
1,736 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper covers the history of Athenian democracy, dealing with the foundation of democracy in ancient Athens, from Solon to Pericles. It argues that Kleisthenes should be considered the father of democracy because he did more than any other Greek leader to create a truly democratic state. Using Robert A. Dahl?s five criteria for democracy: effective participation, effective participation of all, control of the agenda, enlightened understanding, and voting equality, along with available archeological evidence, it shows that although there were many Greek leaders who furthered the cause of the Athenian citizen, it was Kleisthenes? reforms that paved the way for a true democracy and an end to the aristocratic rule of Athens.
From the Paper
"Upon assuming power, Kleisthenes instituted a number of reforms. He began by breaking up the old aristocratic power structure which was dominated by the four Ionian tribes of Attica. He replaced these with ten new tribes in an attempt to displace the factional differences that had previously divided Athens politically. The ten tribes would become the cornerstone of Athenian democracy, as they formed the basis for the selection and organization of all political and social structures. Kleisthenes also organized the people into local demes, which became the new basis for Athenian citizenship, and was structured around individual towns or neighborhoods within a city."
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The Seven Wonders of the World, 2002.
This paper looks at what has become the accepted list of the "Seven Wonders of the World", highlighting each one for its outstanding characteristics.
1,074 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
The original list of the Seven Wonders was compiled when the city of Egypt was the center of Western civilization. This paper describes how over time the list of Wonders became regularized, the finalists being the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos, the Mausoleum at Halicamassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos at Alexandria. The writer looks in detail at each wonder.
From the Paper
"The first Wonder of the World is the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The Great Pyramid was built over a twenty year period. The site was first prepared, and then blocks of stone were transported and placed. An outer casing was then used to smooth the surface. Although it is not known how the blocks were put in place, several theories have been proposed. One theory involves the construction of a straight or spiral ramp that was raised as the construction proceeded. A second theory suggests that the blocks were placed using long levers with a short angled foot. The online Wikipedia Encyclopedia says, ?There is enough blocks in the pyramid to build a wall 10 foot tall, all the way
the country of France? (Seven 1). The Great Pyramid is one of the most important because it has withstood weather conditions and aging."
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Colonization of Australia, 2002.
This paper suggests that further exploitation and increased specific data bring to light new patterns in the biogeographic model for the arid region of Australia.
2,753 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 30 sources, MLA, AU$ 110.95
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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)."
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War in Pre-state and State Societies, 2000.
This paper compares the frequency and severity of war in pre-state and state societies.
2,140 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 25 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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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."
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Pristine Virginia, 2001.
This paper looks in detail at the physical landscape of Virginia and how it has changed due to human cultural activity.
1,096 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 42 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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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."
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Development Of Verbal Systems, 2002.
Focuses on the Amarna Letters.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 10 sources, AU$ 160.95
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Abstract
Focuses on the Amarna Letters. Evidence of grammar and syntax of the language of the scribes in Canaan. Their importance in providing information about the early social and political history of Syria and Palestine in the Biblical period. Background and history of the El-Amarna site in Egypt. History of the Pharaoh The written word during the Amarna period. The Armana archive.
From the Paper
"THE AMARNA LETTERS
We do not know, of course, exactly when civilization began, in terms of writing down daily events, creating grammar, fashioning a language that could be understood by the people, and developing a means of informing, educating and unifying ancient people. However, the Amarna Letters, actually grammatically detailed in four intensive volumes by Rainey (1996), provide interesting insight and information about ancient Canaan "on the verbal system in the Byblos letters… and the Akkadian grammar, written by the scribes in Canaan (and) thoroughly treated and usually put in a wider context" (Van Soldt, 1998, p. 1). This stems from a thorough review by Van Soldt of a book by Anson F. Rainey, Linguistic A Analysis of the Mixed Dialect used by Scribes from Canaan (four volumes, 1996)."
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Prepatriarchal Representations of Female Figures, 2002.
An examination of archaeological discoveries of female figures representing cult fertility objects and ancient goddesses.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 9 sources, AU$ 63.95
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Abstract
Archaeological discoveries of female figures representing cult fertility objects an ancient goddesses. Representations of Paleolithic, Neolithic periods. Greek and Roman depictions of goddesses. Feminist ideology & goddess imagery. Patriarchal ideology. Varied views of contemporary ecofeminism in deconstructing patriarchy.
From the Paper
"Contemporary Ecofeminism
Introduction
Prepatriarchal Representations
The earliest interpretations of archaeological discoveries of female figures was that they represented cult fertility objects. However, by the 1970s, there were numerous interpretations of these figures, and others, as representing ancient goddesses.
These representations varied between civilizations and epochs in how they represented goddesses and stories that were told about them. In the Paleolithic period, the representations were the simplest. These are the female figurines that early archaeologists identified as Venus figurines (Eisler, 1987). They were often broad-hipped, pregnant, stylized, and sometimes were missing faces or..."
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Chicheiza, 2002.
An in-depth description of the archaelological site of Chicheiza.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 9 sources, AU$ 160.95
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Abstract
In-depth description of the archaelogical site of Chicheiza. Discusses the discovery of the site. Cataloging its major findings. Contribution of knowledge of Mayan society & the site's role in the future of Mexican archaeology. Its significance as a major MesoAmerican ruin in what was once the greatest Mayan city.
From the Paper
"Chichen Itza is the most famous and well-known Mayan archaeological site. It has astonished visitors for over a thousand years and is a prime example of the glory that was the Mayan empire at its peak. Archaeologists have visited this impressive site for over two hundred years, poring over the many ruins and the impressive castle that is the heart of Chichen Itza. In the last twenty years the site has become a major tourist attraction as well, with over 40,000 people gathering twice a year to see Chichen Itza?s seminal attraction: the snake formed by the sun during the fall and spring equinoxes. When speaking of Chichen Itza, one thing is certain: there may be prettier archaeological sites, there may be better maintained archaeological sites, but there is no archaeological site in the world that is more impressive. This paper will take an in depth..."
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Palenque, 2002.
A discussion of the importance of this Mayan architectural site in Mexico.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 106.95
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Abstract
Discusses the importance of this Mayan architectural site in Mexico. Its variations from the Mayan norm. Its utilization of new forms of architecture and art-forms. Innovations. Describes the site. Composition of its structure. Excavations of the ruin. Discoveries, including a Pyramid. Intricate hieroglyphs found. Historical and cultural value of Mayan glyphs.
From the Paper
"Palenque is the most important Maya architectural site in Mexico, surpassing even Chichen-itza in its grandeur. Discovered by the Spaniards in the late eighteenth century, Palenque has amazed archaeologists for generations. Palenque?s main attraction for archaeologists lies in its many variations from the Maya norm. The Mayas who constructed the Palenque compound utilized new forms of architecture, unveiled new kinds of art-forms, and left behind perhaps the finest sarcophagus in all the Americas. Because of the sheer number and scope of the revelations that Palenque has provided on the Maya who built it, the site stands as arguably the most important Maya architectural site. Regardless of its standing among its peers, Palenque remains unique because of the hauntingly beautiful nature of the site?s plan and scope."
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Mount St. Helen?s, 2002.
A discussion of the volcanic Mount St. Helen's, its history, eruption process and aftermath.
1,621 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by providing a brief geological history of the mountain, seperating it into nine different periods. It then examines various lava types found in the area. The paper moves to modern day when the first actual threat was realized for eruption. It discusses the process of eruption and the different types of blast - lateral blast (direct blast zone, channelized blast zone, seared zone); vertical blast and pyroclastic flows. It concludes with an analysis of the aftermath and its effect on wildlife in the area.
From the Paper
"On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helen?s in southwestern Washington erupted with a massive explosion. Leading up to this day was increasingly intense earthquake activity. There were also lots of relatively weak eruptions and many locations of minuet gas discharge. The devastating impact of the suddenly unleashed volcanic energy caused the worst volcanic and geological disaster in the recorded history of the United States."
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Radioactive Dating, 2002.
An introduction to the history and methods of the various types of radio carbon dating.
1,842 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
Radioactive dating is the process of determining the age of rocks and other specimens from the decay of their radioactive elements. By applying this information, geologists are able to decipher the 4.6-billion-year history of the earth. The paper introduces the history of this type of dating in chronological order. It discusses other issues related to radioactive dating such as Carbon-14 dating, fission track dating, Potassium Argon Dating, the Rubidium-Strontium method, lead-alpha age and debated ideas of radioactive dating.
From the Paper
"Cosmic rays from the sun strike nitrogen 14 atoms in the earth?s atmosphere and cause nitrogen atoms to lose a proton making it a carbon isotope this then turns into radioactive carbon 14, which combines with oxygen to form radioactive carbon dioxide. All living things are in equilibrium with the atmosphere, and the radioactive carbon dioxide is absorbed from the air and used by green plants. Then the radioactive carbon dioxide gets passed on through the plants into the food chain and the carbon cycle. All living things contain a constant ratio of Carbon 14 to Carbon 12 of about 1 in a trillion. The amount of carbon 14 lost in a species is continually replenished as long as it still takes in food and oxygen. At death, the exchange of carbon 14 ceases and any that is left in the tissues of the organism begins to decay to Nitrogen 14, this is not replenished by any new C-14. The change in the Carbon 14 to Carbon 12 ratio is the basis for dating this dating technique. The half-life is so short (5730 years) that this method can only be used on materials less than 70,000 years old. A lot of archaeological dating uses this method. It is also very useful in attempting to date remnants of the ice ages (Pleistocene epoch.)"
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Materials and Technologies used for the Development of Egyptian Art, 2002.
This essay investigates how the natural materials and technologies available at the time influenced the development of Egyptian art.
2,959 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 14 sources, APA, AU$ 117.95
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Abstract
This essay investigates whether the natural materials and technology available influenced the development of Egyptian art. The essay argues that the wealth of natural materials Egypt had in its possession provided the Egyptians with access to a range of mediums with which they could develop art. An argument is put forward that the technology and techniques used by the Egyptians greatly influenced and contributed to the development of Egyptian art. This essay begins by looking at the earliest materials and technologies that were used during the prehistoric period followed by an examination of how these materials and techniques developed over time. Evidence is provided throughout the essay to support these arguments.
From the Paper
"Pottery was also one of the earliest forms of artwork in Egypt dating back to the Prehistoric Neolithic and Predynastic Periods. In 1985 Sir Flinders Petrie discovered a variety of Predynastic pottery vessels ranging from Badarian handmade vessels to decorated pottery from the Naqada Period that showed evidence of ?exquisite craftsmanship? (Romer 1982:38). The natural materials that allowed for the creation of such pottery included Nile river silt clay, limestone and clayey shale from the cliffs (Romer 1982:45). The early technology used to produce pottery included polishing the pottery with a pebble to give a burnished red or black appearance before being fired in a kiln (Shaw & Nicholson 1995:226). Other
decorative characteristics included rippled lines that were produced by running another natural material, fish bones over the wet clay (Hart 1995:30)). Improvements in ceramic technology and the introduction of the potter?s wheel allowed an increase in the range of shapes that could be produced (Quirke & Spencer 1992:178). However J. Romer (1982:70) states that the use of the potter?s wheel led to a decline in the quality of Egyptian pottery. He argues that the potter?s wheel, although allowing larger vessels to be made quickly and easily from clay, ultimately led to pottery becoming more utilitarian and of less artistic quality. Therefore although the standard of art declined, this is still evidence of how the technology available influenced the development of Egyptian art."
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Foucault's Social Science Methodology, 1994.
This paper examines the social science methodology of Foucault: Techniques and theories used to analyze social structure, philosophy of differences, archeology and genealogy, social forms and power relationships.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 117.95
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From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine the social science methodology of Foucault. The plan of the research will be to set forth the general constituents of his method, and then to discuss its details and praxis, including his use of the terms archeology and genealogy, the results of his conception of the relationship between these terms and social structure, and an indication of how one can evaluate their efficacy.
The methodology Foucault uses to analyze social structure can be characterized as oppositional. In the term the philosophy of difference is enclosed the general approach to challenging the traditional understanding of social history and the realities of social structure that the notion of difference implies. Two related concepts that are associated with Foucault's approach to social structure are archeology and genealogy."
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Israelite Conquest of Canaan, 1994.
This paper discusses the Israelite conquest of Canaan: Historical, Biblical, military, cultural and archaeological aspects of the 14th Century B.C. conquest and its significance.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 117.95
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From the Paper
"The period of the Israelite Conquest, the conquest of Canaan, was important as the beginning of the Israelites as a people with roots, with a physical place they could call home. This was not to last as they were driven out of this home and taken into slavery, but Jewish history ever since was intent on the idea of the return, of the revival of Israel as a state, based on the belief that Palestine was inherently the territory of the Israelites and rightfully theirs to be reclaimed. In this century, there has been considerable archaeological evidence to support aspects of the biblical story of the conquest and its aftermath, all offering support for the hypothesis that the Hebrew people possessed Palestine long before those claiming it in more recent history. Yet, the issue remains complex and controversial, as an examination of scholarship on this issue ... "
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Ancient Egyptian Art, 1994.
A look at the evolution of styles, themes, rock paintings, materials and techniques.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 63.95
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From the Paper
"Artistic expression in any given age always develops from works, styles, and themes produced in earlier eras. The further back into history we go, the more difficult it may be to ascertain the source of a given culture and the art it produces. The wonders of Egypt have long fascinated archaeologists, historians, and art experts. This art did not develop out of whole cloth but instead had antecedents which can be discerned elsewhere on the continent of Africa, specifically the rock art of Africa which can be seen as a precursor of the Egyptian civilization that would develop to the north.
The connections between the different cultures of Africa can be seen now as extending back to the beginning of humankind, for recent research seems to indicate that human beings first emerged on the African continent. Cultural development in the area can..."
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Ankh, 1994.
An examination of the ancient Egyptian cross symbolizing the creative energies of the male and female in context of the history of Egyptian art and heiroglyphic symbology.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 63.95
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From the Paper
"The ankh (crux ansata) was an ancient Egyptian T.shaped cross surmounted with a loop. It symbolized the creative energies of the male and female and - most importantly to a civilization obsessed with the afterlife - the essence of life. In this paper, the ankh will be examined in terms of its general place in the history of art and symbols and as it fit in specifically with the art and hieroglyphic symbology of the ancient Egyptians.
As noted above, the ankh has the essential form of a cross. The cross is among the oldest and most universal of symbols. In preliterate societies it often represented a conjunction of dualities, or - as the symbol would quite frequently be viewed literally - as an intersection of two worlds: the human and the divine. These symbols could be quite elaborate, but basically..."
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