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Ancient State Systems, 2004.
Examines the evolution of state systems in the Mesopotamian region between 3500 BC and 330 BC: Sumeria, Persia, and Assyria.
3,186 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 139.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the nature of the early state systems of Sumeria, Persia, and Assyria, the first region to experience the development of organized states based on urban civilization. The paper examines their internal structures and relationships with the societies around them, the ways in which they laid the foundations for each other, and the external factors that influenced their development.
From the Paper
"Perhaps most important as a determining and unifying theme in the evolution of state systems in Mesopotamia is the geography of the region. It is significant that it was in the area of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, forming wide fertile valleys enclosed by mountains, that the first urban civilization developed; and the topography, resources and economic potential of the Mesopotamian landscape was crucial in influencing the character of the societies that flourished there."
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Ancient Greek Art, 2004.
This paper discusses ancient Greek art in the period between about 580 B.C. and 450 B.C. with examples of pottery and statues from this period.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 104.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that during this period both deities and ordinary mortals were depicted, but there was no homogeneity of technique, which ranged from a very natural and sculptural pottery in amphorae to a more studied and artificial style. The author points out that three of the objects represent tools. The amphora stored wine, the lekythos was used during religious ceremonies, and the krater was used to serve punch made from wine. The paper relates that, unlike the amphora, the lekythos style has only one handle, a more slender neck than an amphora, with a wider mouth, and probably held oil or perfumes, a claim that is advanced because they were often found in and around tombs that were excavated from ancient homes.
Table of Content
Background
Pottery
?The Bateman Amphora ?
?The Dipylon Amphora?
?Douris Lekythos?
?Bell Krater?
Statues
?Athlete Making an Offering?
?Kouros?
From the Paper
"A late example, this torso--which is all that is left?is actually less well modeled than the "Athlete". The belly and rib cage, in fact, appear to be stylized, almost abstract. It may be that the work has weathered. But probably, the more geometric, and less curvilinear, detailing on this statue was the result of a transition between the drapery and highly stylized posing of earlier eras, including the ?dark times? and the early Archaic period, to the more abundantly natural depictions of the statuary of the Classical period. Kouri, which means ?youths,? was an art form that didn?t last very long, only about a hundred years. It is thought, nonetheless, that they represented gods, warriors and, of course, athletes."
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Chinese History, 2004.
A brief history of ancient China, starting with the Shang Dynasty and ending with the T'ang Dynasty.
1,649 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly traces the history of ancient China. The paper talks about the key elements of the Shang Dynasty, the Chou Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, and the T'ang Dynasty. Also discussed is the historical significance placed on the family, the architectural and artistic developments, military conquests, and the Golden Age under the T'ang Dynasty.
From the Paper
"The Chinese, under the Chou dynasty, were known for its use of jade, bronze, horse-drawn chariots, ancestor worship, highly organized armies, and human sacrifice. Cities were organized and built enclosed by protective walls rather than allowing the people to continue to exist as loosly knit tribes. Archeological records have found one city surrounded by a wall 30 feet high, 65 feet thick, and 4 1/2 miles long. The greatness of the architectural achievements was a drastic change for a mostly agrarian society. The feudal lifestyle of 1000 BCE china were typified by military squabbles over natural resources and land. By organizing large portions of Chinese citizens inside the walls of a city, the life in daily life in china changed significantly, and changed for the first time in many centuries. Inside the walled cities lived the rulers, priests, and warriors. Similar to the medieval societal structure which evolved in Europe almost 2000 years later, merchants and craftsmen lived in houses built up against the outside walls of the cities. Farmers lived near their fields in nearby villages which afforded them the protection of the city. During the Zhou dynasty, chopsticks were invented, which changed the way people ate their food."
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Evolution of the Domestic Dog, 2004.
Discusses how the domestic dog evolved, based on Darwin's theory.
1,910 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
Although the ideas behind evolution were discussed much earlier, Charles Darwin was the first to present a coherent scientific theory of the process. Since then, due in large part to genetic science, Darwin?s theory has been revised. However, theories are constantly subject to testing, modification, and refutation as new evidence and ideas emerge. This paper discusses how scientists are debating the evolution of the domestic dog, since new propositions are being suggested. The paper shows that the true derivation of this animal, which has so greatly impacted the lives of humans, remains to be seen.
From the Paper
"The debate on the evolution of dogs is going to continue until enough evidence arises that gives most credence to a particular theory. In the meantime, scientists will continue to collect information and data. For example, Israeli archaeologists recently found a woman who was buried 12,000 years ago with what many believe is a puppy in her hands. Nearby, archaeologists found a man from the same era buried with two small canids, also presumably dogs. Coppinger is not swayed by this latter find because the bones are too wolflike. Yet Tamar Dayan, an archaeologist at Tel Aviv University, points out that the specimens have some key dog characteristics, such as crowded teeth and shorter jaws (Pennisi, 1540)."
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Prehistoric Cave Art, 2004.
Discusses the discovery of cave art in Europe and Africa.
951 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the relatively recent discovery of cave art and how many experts were, at first, skeptical of its authenticity. The paper describes some of the art found and how it was accidentally discovered, as well as how it finally came to be recognized as authentic Paleolithic art.
From the Paper
"Despite being the most ancient of all human artistic forms, cave art was discovered only within the last one hundred years or so, usually by accident and by amateurs. In 1879, near Santander in northern Spain, Marcelino de Sautuola was exploring with his little daughter the Altamira caves on his estate. Since the ceiling of the debris-filled cavern ?was only a few inches above Marcelino?s head, it was his daughter who was first able to discern the shadowy forms of painted beasts on the cave roof? (Berenquer, 25). De Sautuola was the first modern man to explore this cave and he was certain that the paintings dated back to prehistoric times. Archeologists, however, were highly dubious of their authenticity, but in 1880 the Altamira paintings were officially dismissed as forgeries. In 1896, at Pair-non-Pair in the Gironde district of France, more paintings were discovered that were partially covered by calcareous deposits that would have taken thousands of years to accumulate and soon after, these paintings were recognized as authentic by the experts. The caves at Lascaux near Montignac in France were discovered accidentally in 1941 by two young boys who were playing in a field. Their dog chased a ball down a hole and disappeared, and the boys then followed the dog down into the caves."
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Plato's "Trial And Death of Socrates", 2004.
Analyzes the two dialogues in Plato's "Trial and Death of Socrates".
2,332 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 107.95
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Abstract
This paper is on Plato's "Trial And Death Of Socrates" and analyzes the two dialogues in the book, namely, "The Apology" and "The Crito", in reference to Socrates's claims. This paper also attempts to identify Socrates as a man of honor with strong moral ideals. Evidence is provided that shows how Socrates attempted to guide his fellow men on the path of righteousness.
From the Paper
"Socrates bravely defends himself by suggesting that he had never attempted to corrupt the youth or cause them to become non-believers. He states, ?What has caused my reputation is none other than a certain kind of wisdom. What kind of wisdom? Human wisdom, perhaps" (Benjamin Jowett, The Trial And Death Of Socrates). He then relates the story when he and his friend, Chairephon went to Oracle in their youth. The Oracle claimed that no one was wiser than Socrates was and since then Socrates made it his duty to find any man who had greater wisdom than him. In his quest, Socrates questioned the beliefs of poets, politicians and theologians, only to find that they were not as wise, as they had appeared to be. Socrates proclaimed, ?In my investigation in the service of the god I found that those who had the highest reputation were nearly the most deficient, while those who were thought to be inferior were more knowledgeable? (Benjamin Jowett, The Trial And Death Of Socrates). This act obviously exposed many highly ranked men and earned Socrates a bad name. Socrates believed that an unexamined life was not worth living, and if he had agreed to accept the right of the court to judge his thoughts than he had indeed lost his honor. He openly professed that his followers represented his ideas for him."
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Ancient History, 2004.
Explores ancient Greek and ancient Egyptian history.
1,846 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the influence ancient Greece and ancient Egypt have had on different aspects of today's culture and civilization. The paper also compares and contrasts the architecture, government, and social status of each society.
From the Paper
"The ancient Greeks had ?city-state democracies where all the citizens assembled and a majority ruled and the government was ?of the, by and for the people (Rosenfeld, Democracy).? A city-state was comprised of the city, as well as the land and small villages around it. Athens and Sparta were the largest of these city-states. Sparta was concerned with its military force. The males were ?trained to be soldiers and lived in military barracks until they were 30 years old (unknown, Greece).? In contrast, Athens was a cultural and art center, producing ?architecture, drama, sculpture, and poetry still admired today (unknown, Greece).? Athenians were looked upon with resentment and jealously by other Greek city-states when they ?developed a system of government known as democracy, which gave every free man a vote and the right to hold office (unknown, Greece)."
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Rameses II and the Hittites, 2004.
An examination of the Battle of Kadesh, a major battle that took place in the ancient Egyptian era, and its significance.
4,587 words (approx. 18.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 180.95
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Abstract
The Battle of Kadesh, undoubtedly one of the most important military campaigns in world history, was generally fought between Rameses II and the Hittites, then under the rule of Muwatallish, and other interested parties. It was primarily focused on the control of Syrian territory. In order to fully understand this great conflict, this paper examines the events that led up to this battle, due to the fact that it took hundreds of years for this event to become part of Egyptian history.
From the Paper
"During the years of the 19th dynasty in ancient Egypt, Rameses II, the son of Seti I, ascended the throne and reigned for sixty-seven years, the longest period of Pharaonic rule in the ancient kingdom bound by the great River Nile. As was typical of this and other reigns, the threat of foreign invasion was always of great concern, for the enemies of the state believed that it was their duty to test the strength and domination of any new Pharaoh; it was also the duty of this Pharaoh to demonstrate his superiority through a display of his strength, usually in war, in order to maintain the peace. Thus, in his fifth year as Pharaoh, Rameses II waged a series of campaigns against his enemies the Hittites and all those who supported them. The Hittites, however, proved to be a very powerful enemy, and Rameses II, by no means a weak and inefficient ruler, was determined to subdue his foes in the north. His military campaign against the Hittites lasted for twenty years, but in the end, Rameses II prevailed and proved his worth to not only his own people but to those who sought to destroy him and the Egyptian empire."
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The Dead Sea Scrolls, 2004.
A book review of Hershell Hanks's ?The Mystery and Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls."
1,852 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
A look at the origins of the Dead Sea Scrolls and who actually found them, as discussed in Hanks's book. The paper provides a history of Palestine at the time and the sociological and historical implications of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It looks at how their revelation became a political issue.
From the Paper
"Hershell Hanks begins his book ?The Mystery and Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls,? (Shanks, 1998) with a startling revelation. Despite numerous treatises, articles and books on the subject, it is still unclear who found The Dead Sea Scrolls. An Arab shepherd boy or maybe two shepherd boys searching for their lost sheep close to the banks of the Dead Sea discovered the ?Scrolls? in 1947 in a cave in Qumran?though the date varies depending on the source. In an effort to look for the lost sheep, the Bedouin shepherd began throwing stones into nearby caves. An unexpected cracking sound of earthenware inside the cave encouraged him to explore further. Muhammad Ahmad el-Hamed of the Ta?amireh tribe is assumed to be the shepherd who found the scrolls. This fact has however been constantly debated and interviewing and identifying the right individual who found the scroll was never possible at the time."
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How to Present the Study of Ancient History, 2004.
Oral presentation on how best to study ancient history in America.
1,651 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper offers a plan on how to best teach the subject of ancient history. The author states that it would be nearly impossible to present every aspect of human culture and civilization up to 1650 in a single course and that it would, therefore, be wiser to emphasize those events in history that are most relevant to today?s society. The paper then states that the most effective way to present these events is chronologically and that, since the course is designed for American students, a great deal of the course should be spent on the study of American history. According to the author, the topic of early American history would address the discovery of America, original explorers, and their interactions with Native Americans, such as Aztecs, Incas, and Maya Indian groups, and the subsequent European settlements.
From the Paper
"I, however, think that a chronological study of history is most effective for a number of reasons. Firstly, time, not geography, is the basis for how civilizations develop. In other words, almost every civilization has been influenced by one of the past, regardless of how different in scope they are. For example, the United States? primary influence was that of Colonial England, but it does not end there. Colonial England has influences that date back to the times of Rome, and maybe even Ancient China. Civilizations, no matter what the time period, were not formed within a vacuum?they all had influences, whether directly or indirectly. For that reason, it is best to analyze history through time, and through the developments of the human race as a whole. By examining the entire history of man, we can put the regional developments into context."
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A Glimpse into Neanderthal Culture, 2004.
A look into the development of Neanderthal culture by examining their language use, tool usage, and other daily functions.
4,875 words (approx. 19.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, AU$ 187.95
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Abstract
When people think of the Humanoid genus, Homo Sapiens neanderthalensis (HSN), they picture a very primitive creature, simplistic in nature, with few social complexities.This paper explains that, upon close examination of several Neanderthan archaeological sites, one will find the Neanderthal man had all of the necessary elements for the beginning of the formation of modern society. It was once thought that these elements were only present in Neanderthan culture after contact with Home Sapiens sapiens (HSS). However, evidence now exists that suggests that Neanderthals were already well on their way to developing a formal, but rudimentary, culture well before contact with HSS. This research examines these findings using evidence gathered from the Petralona, Larga Velhol, St. Cesaire, Shanidar, and Arago sites. This research supports the thesis that Neanderthals had the beginnings of an advanced society prior to contact with Home Sapiens sapiens and that the disappearance of the Neanderthan culture was a result of the intermixing of HSN species with HSS species.
From the Paper
"The use of language by Neanderthal man has been as issue of contention since the first discoveries of the culture. Some archeologists paint the picture of Neanderthal man as a highly advanced mammal with little or no language capability. However, this is inconsistent with other findings. One of the keys to deciphering these arguments is to be careful in the definition of language. There are many aspects to the term ?language?. One might consider language to consist of a series of non-verbal cues and sounds that to modern man would not seem like a language, as we know it today. The silver-backed gorilla and chimpanzee have been found to have an advanced language of this type and have even been able to learn out language by way of sign language in some cases. Neanderthal man was more advanced in other areas than these other primates in tool usage and manufacture, and other areas of advanced culture. It would stand to reason then, that they had a language, at least as advanced as that of the more advanced primates of today. Perhaps the language of today?s advanced primates is more complex than we are aware and it is simply a case of us not being able to understand or to pick up on subtleties known only to native speakers. Let us now examine the evidence."
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Ptolemaic Egypt/Hellenistic European Period, 2002.
Discussion of the the rise and fall of Ptolemaic Egypt.
4,215 words (approx. 16.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 169.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a chronological look at the Hellenistic kingdom of Ptolemaic Egypt from its founding to its eventual end and integration into the Roman Empire under Caesar. It also looks at the succession of Ptolemaic rulers, the Ptolemy governments, and the infrastructure and economy established under these rulers. Included are descriptions of the significant aspects of the culture and religion of that era. The paper also covers the fall of the Ptolemaic empire and the events and characters in history that contributed to the fall.
From the Paper
"After entering Egypt with no resistance, Alexander the Great stayed in Egypt about six months. (Platt and Ashwani 1985) From there he marched east into Asia and onto the plains of Indus, (modern day India). Before departing for points east Alexander appointed a nobleman from Macedonia satrap, (governor), of Egypt. His name was Ptolemy. In 306 B.C. having been part of ongoing civil wars with the other generals from Alexander?s campaigns, Ptolemy declared himself king, and later god-king, of Egypt. Thus began the Hellenistic kingdom of Ptolemaic Egypt."
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Artifactual Communication, 2002.
Explores the history and origins of artifactual communication.
762 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly discusses the origins of artifactual communication in Mesopotamia about 10,000 years ago. It explains how researchers believe that this form of Mesopotamian communication eventually evolved into the alphabet and how the artifactual media were used to communicate a message. Also noted are the different types of artifactual communications that have been used over time and which are still in use.
From the Paper
"The Persian Gulf nation of Iraq may be widely known today for war, for oil, and for Sadaam Hussein?s alleged weapons of mass destruction. But very few people likely know that in fact, Iraq played a pivotal historical role in the development of non-verbal, or artifactual, methods of communication. About 10,000 years before the 2003 U.S. attack on Hussein?s regime, the very first human-made artifactual communication system was created in what was then Mesopotamia ? and today is Iraq. According to the University of Texas Professor of Art & History, Denise Schmandt-Besserat, the Mesopotamian people developed a system of clay tokens ? used for accounting purposes ? around 8,000 B.C. These clay tokens were utilized for about 5,000 years, and though they had little to do with speech, it is believed the original alphabet evolved from the tokens."
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Cut Marks on Human Bone, 2002.
This paper presents the debate about the archaeological meaning of cut marks found on human bone.
4,941 words (approx. 19.8 pages), 33 sources, MLA, AU$ 189.95
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Abstract
This paper stresses that, even when speaking of the natural processes, it has been difficult to determine whether alterations to bone were by burning and heating, which would indicate cannibalism for nutrition, or by natural processes. The author points out that whether homo sapiens practiced cannibalism, the American Association for the Advancement of Science has come in on the side of the cannibalism debate, at least as far as our ancestor Neanderthals go. The paper indicates that the research on cut marks on bone is divided into prehistoric sites, early historic sites, and sites where there is a generally reliable linguistic record.
Table of Contents
The Beginning of the Debate
The Debate Filters Out of Academia
International Debate
Pro-cannibalism Evidence
The Oldest Part of the Debate Continues Under Investigation
Violence and Death, Without Cannibalism
Modern Cannibalism
Modern Deaths and Cut Marks
From the Paper
"While the controversy about cannibalism vis a vis cut marks originated in Asian sites, it has become a hot topic vis a vis U.S. sites in the southwest as well, and not only concerning the Anasazi. Billman, Lambert and Leonard grappled with it in excavating 5MT10010, a small early Pueblo III habitation site in southwestern Colorado. They examined battered, broken bones from seven individuals in two adjacent pithouses there, including mixed and incomplete remains of four adults and an adolescent, and the remains of two subadults."
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Ancient Civilizations, 2002.
A comparison of different ancient civilizations that grew along various rivers.
1,854 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how all ancient civilizations relied on flowing water to exist. The Egyptians relied on the Nile. To the east, the Euphrates and the Tigris created Mesopotamia. The Indus River nourished ancient Indian civilization, and the great Yellow River (Huang Ho) made the birth of Chinese civilization possible.
From the Paper
"Thus all ancient culture hearths could depend on a steady source of water, which also brought nutrients to the soil and fish as a source of food. Except for the violent Tigris and Yellow, the rivers also served as an easy means of communication. Easy communications facilitated the exchange of ideas and goods while breaking down the culturally retarding barriers of isolation. The size and fertility of the broad valleys made possible a vast increase in the land that could be cultivated, which in turn meant a vast increase in wealth and population; necessary ingredients to the development of large sophisticated social structures. Although great rivers were a common feature of these pioneering civilizations, soil and climate differed, and these differences left a significant imprint on human development. Different climates meant that the rivers nurtured different crops and required different methods of agriculture. Geography and the means by which people turned it to their uses influenced the ways in which societies evolved."
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Ancient Michigan, 2002.
Discusses the mammals who lived in the ancient Michigan basin area.
2,885 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 12 sources, APA, AU$ 128.95
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Abstract
Twenty thousand years ago, mile-thick glacial ice sheets that extended from Canada to the Ohio River covered Michigan and most of northern North America. It took more than 12,000 years for the ice to melt, leaving Michigan a glacially scarred landscape with the Great Lakes. This paper focuses on the ancient Michigan basin area and presents a brief geological history of the area. It discusses how the mammals that lived during the Ice Age, such as mammoths, horses, camels and saber-toothed tigers adapted to their environment over the years, with some eventually becoming extinct.
From the Paper
"The sperm whale represents a prehistoric carnivore that still exists today and Michigan boasts one of the largest fossils from a prehistoric sperm whale. Even during prehistoric times, the Great Lakes as we know them now were larger and connected to the Atlantic Ocean. This may be one reason why the sperm whale survived. Today, they are found far from land in very deep waters, which probably had been there environment during the Pleistocene Epoch."
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