Thursday, May 19, 2011

Rome #2

The following three sources are very hepful when doing research about Rome.  All of these sites possess both pictures and explanations that describe what was going on during this time period.  Also inside of each website there are other links that may lead you to other informational sources as well.  Each of the individual sources is from a reliable site in which you can receive accurate facts instead of things people just posted on the interenet on their own.  In conclusion i would advise anyone doing studies on Rome to begin with these sources to set you off on the right foot.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Rome #1

  1. Forum was the center of all government business
  2. Farmers and workers who made up the majority of the population were called plebeians.
  3. Landowners who controlled the government through inherited positions were called patricians.
  4. Dictator had absolute power.
  5. The Chief executives who governed with the advice of the Senate were he consuls.
  6. Carthage a powerful city on the north African coast, was a great commerical power that Rome feared would control the Mediterranean.
  7. Historians call the conflicts between Carthage and Rome the Punic Wars.
  8. Rome and Carthage fought three Punic Wars between 264 B.C and 146 B.C.
  9. One of the greatest generals of all time Hannibal  a Carthaginian, assembled a huge army and harried the Roman countryside for years.
  10.  In the Second Punic War, the Roman general Scipio defeated the Hannibal and his army and forced Carthage to give up its colonies in Spain.
  11. Marc Anthony helped Octavian gain control of the west, but he betrayed me and defeated me at Actium.
  12. Triumverate means ruler of three.
  13. Pax Romana was a period of peace that lasted for more than 200 years.
  14. Julius Caesar led his troops across the Rubicon and declared war on the Republic.
  15. The gracchi were brothers who attempted to save the Roman Republic through reforms.
  16. As a result of this extended peace, the Romans made great cultural advances.
  17. The government passed new laws as needed and judges reinterpreted old laws to fit new circumstances.
  18. Growing trade, good transportation, a strong government, revised laws, and a strong army all helped to unify and strengthen the Roman Empire.
  19. Over time, Roman religious beliefs were increasingly influenced by Greek thought.
  20. Gladiators were trained fighters and their fights most often ended in death.
  21. Rabbis were Jewish scholars who interpreted scriptures and were learned in Jewish laws, and became the leaders of Jewish congregations.
  22. The Romans sacked the Jewish holy city of Jerusalem and destroyed all but the western wall of the Second Temple.
  23. Many people turned to Christianity in the times of trouble that followed the reign of the Five Good Emperors, and soon the sect became too large for the government to punish all its members.
  24. The emperor Hadrian banned all Jews from Jerusalem, which resulted in Jewish communities outside of Jerusalem.
  25. Soon after his trial, Jesus was crucified.
  26. Inflation was  a rise in prices caused by a decrease in the value of money, became so severe that people stopped using money.
  27. The emperor Diocletian thought the empire had grown too large for one emperor and appointed a co-emperor to rule the West.
  28. In A.D. 324, Constantine became the sole emperor again and built a beautiful capital city in the East.
  29. Although Diocletian and Constantine held the empire's borders, invaders from Germany were a constant threat as they fled from the Huns.
  30. The Vandals a Germanic tribe, proved to be a serious threat and sacked Rome around A.D. 455.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Greek #5

Greek Contributions:
  1. Democracy
  2. Olympic Games
  3. Philosophy
  4. Architecture
  5. Myths
Athens is said to be the birthplace of democracy and this is an important historical contribution because it lead to a more balanced form a government rather than just having one ruler.  The Olympic Games were another major contribituion because now we hold this major sporting event every four years where the best athletes across the world compete to become victorious.  Great minds lik Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle were the first to really philosophize and question life and its virtues.  Greeks were great architects and were able to create grand buildings such as The Colliseum.  Myths were told as they used stories to explain nature and how their gods held control on earth.

Greek #4



I chose this picture as the cover for the Greek chapter because it emphasizes their beliefs in how important the Gods were to them.  Greek life is based on the stories of various Gods who were said to control some portion of the world and how it works.  People during this time period acted accordingly to prevent from angering the gods by doing wrong.  This picture portrays this theme by depicting the Gods as strong and mighty individuals.

Greek #2

     Sparta and Athens were two major cities in Ancient Greece.  Sparta was ruled by two kings who held office until death or until they were forced out.  Athens was ruled by archons who were voted into office annually hence why they claim to be the birthplace of democracy.  Sparta was a very millitaristic culture in which boys were raised to be soldiers and girls were taught to be wives who maintained the home.  War was a big focal point for the Spartans.  On the other hand Athens allowed their people more freedom by allowing them the chance to be in the millitary but it was not forced upon boys or men.  Athenian boys were allowed the oppurtunity to pursue getting an education.  Spartans served as a major protector of Greek lands.  They eventually went to war because they had difffering opinions on how to interact with other cultures.
     If i was alive during this time period i would have chosen to live under the Spartan rule.  Although I believe education is important during this era war was a reoccuring theme so it was important to be well trained.  Growing up in Sparta would have taught me to be a good warrior and how to protect myself in the face of danger.  Also i do not think it is neccesary to be in control of all other cultures around me so i would be fine with the Spartan philosophy of keeping to myself and helping when needed.


http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/athenssparta.htm

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Greek #3

 Family Tree
                     Uranus = Gaea
                             |
           ---------------------------------------
           |      |          |      |        |
        
Cronus = Rhea       Coeus = Phoebe   Oceanus = Tethys
               |                  |                  |
   ----------------------       
Leto = Zeus       Iapetus
   |   |    |     |   |              |               |
 
Hestia | Poseidon | Demeter=Zeus     |         ----------------
    
Hades   Zeus = Hera   |       |        |      |       |
               |   |  
Persephone     |         | Prometheus|
          
Athena |             ---------      |             |
                   |             |      |   
Atlas   Epimetheus           ---------------     Apollo Artemis |          |
           |     |       |                       |         |
        
Aris Hebe Hephaestus             Zeus=Maia  Zeus=Dione
                                                 |         |
                                              
Hermes   Aphrodite

Greek #1

  1. People first lived in Greece about 55,000 years ago.
  2. Some of the frescoes show the Minoans worshipping a bull and an Earth goddess.
  3. In Knossos, the Minoans built a great civilization.
  4. In about 1628 B.C., a volcano erupted on an island near Crete and tidal waves caused by the eruption destroyed settlements on Crete.
  5. The Mycenaeans controlled mainland Greece from about 1600 B.C. to about 1200 B.C.
  6. Greeks would often travel to oracles to ask questions about the future.
  7. Athens developed a form of democracy when the idea of popular government, or the idea that people can and should rule themselves, began to take root.
  8. We do not really know who the author or authors of the two epic poems attributed to Homer were; however, the period described is often called the Homeric Age.
  9. The Greeks created myths to explain their world.
  10. The Olympics were probably held for the first time in 776 B.C. to honor the god Zeus.
  11.  Helots made up the third and lowest group in Spartan society.
  12. Ephors were elected from the Spartan assembly, which included all male citizens over 30 years old.
  13. Sparta's goal was to make every adult male citizen part of the military machine.
  14. Draco's laws were so harsh and severe that today we call a harsh law a Draconian law.
  15. Solon also made changes in Athenian government; for example, he set up citizen juries to preside over some court cases.
  16. Trade was the mainstay of Athen's economy.
  17. Terracing means carving small, flat plots of land from hillsides
  18. Parents arranged marriages and often girls were married at 13 or 14 to men twice their age or older.
  19. Generally, most Athenians believed that money should be spent on buildings to benefit the whole community, and not on private homes.
  20. Men called Sophists opened schools for older boys in the 400s B.C.
  21. Persian War series of conflicts between Greece and Persia lasted from about 500 B.C. to 479 B.C.
  22. Pericles was a great general, orator, and statesman in Athens, and was responsible for building the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
  23. Sparta won Pelopponesian War after 27 years.
  24. Thucydides authored a book titled the History of the Peloponnesian Wars.
  25. Athens was the leader of the Delian League.

Prezi Experience

I thought Prezi was a very nice resource to have for future presentations.  This project was the first time I had ever used the program so it was difficult at first but then I began to work out the kinks.  Although it is a little more complex than your basic powerpoint it is much more entertaining and just helps produce an overall better presentation.  In conclusion i will continue to use prezi in the future as well as recommend it to other trying to complete a similar project for class.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Post #10

Portrait of Cyrus the Great.jpg

Personally I believe Cyrus was the most influential Persian leader.  Worthy of his name Cyrus The Great was the founder of the massive Persian Empire.  He was a leader unlike many others which may have been why he was so successful.  He was a wise millitary leader which was apparent in his ability to conquer so much land in so little time.  His unorthodox style of allowing captives to maintain their own lifestyle under his rule was unheard of up to that point.  The concept was so good it was continued even after his death by his son Darius as well as several others.  As you can see from his success he left a huge mark on this society which  lead them into a promising future such as theirs.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Post #11




For my Egyptian inquiry I am researching marriage and gender roles in the home.
For Example:
  • Wedding arrangments
  • Rights of a wife
  • How to go about proposing
  • Philosophy on home life activity

Monday, March 7, 2011

Post #8



I present Cyrus The Great with the MOST INFLUENTIAL RULER AWARD because he was the creator of the long time Persian Empire and reconstructed the ideas of taking power.  Unlike most other leaders of this time or earlier he allowed the people he conquered to maintain their culture which created a less slave like imprisonment.  Thus being one of his many innovations he deserved being called "the great".

Post #7

12 Laws
  1. All students shall be permitted to use their ipods during passing time or free periods.
  2. Students shall be permitted to use their cell phones during study halls and lunch periods without being disruptive.
  3. No teacher or administrator shall raise their voice at a student.
  4. All teachers must give atleast one extra credit oppurtunity per marking period to their students.
  5. No teacher shall be allowed to administer any type of assignment over the weekend or a break.
  6. Students are permitted to leave school for lunch as long as they return to school in a timely manner for their next class.
  7. No teacher shall be allowed to throw a pop quiz at any point in time.
  8. The school shall host one dance a month for students.
  9. Every Wednesday should be a half day for teacher/staff in-service.
  10. Students that are 18 or older shall be permitted to sign out at any time during the school day.
  11. Students shall be permitted to wear hats in school during the day.
  12. Seniors who have enough credits to graduate shall be permitted to fill their schedule with study halls if they choose to.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Post #6

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/CODE.HTM

  1.   #102 If a merchant entrust money to an agent (broker) for some investment, and the broker suffer a loss in the place to which he goes, he shall make good the capital to the merchant. I believe we should follow this code because if you trust a person with your money and their business gos bad causing you to lose what you've earned they should in turn reinburse you for the loss.
  2. #152 If after the woman had entered the man's house, both contracted a debt, both must pay the merchant. I believe that if you and your wife come into debt after you are together your are both responsible for this debt and shall pay if back togther responsibly.
  3. #154 If a man be guilty of incest with his daughter, he shall be driven from the place (exiled).
    I think that any one who commits this crime should be shunned because it is disgusting to do such a thing with your own family and thats why its frowned upon.
  4. #185 If a man adopt a child and to his name as son, and rear him, this grown son can not be demanded back again. Unlike today's adoption system if you have raised someone for a long time you should be able to maintain responsibility for them unless you are doing wrong or they wish to be back with their original family.
  5. #195 If a son strike his father, his hands shall be hewn off.  This sia  good law because as a son you should never hit your own father reguardless how mad you are because he brought you into the world and you should respect him enough not to lay your hands on him.

Post #5



In response to your suggested area for creating a civilization I would like to explain why the Fertile Crescent was such a good location to create our empire. Our civilization is positioned near two large rivers and fertile soil for crops.  We are a central location surrounded by three large continents to create a good trading industry.  Also our location provides us with rich culture and a variety of different living styles.  We are not to far from six different seas which allow for easy travel to the other mainlands.  As you can see our location was a prime are for creating a successful race.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Post #4

If I was a travel agent I would suggest the Mississippi River as a good alternative spot for creating and empire.  I chose this region because the river spans from the Gulf of Mexico up to Minnesota.  Cutting through several states this river would provide a major boost in trade and travel through the middle part of the United States.  The land down by the southern region of the river is fertile due to its warm temperature and good soil.  On the other hand the ability to go up north can provide an empire with diversity since the natural resources vary depending on how far up the river you travel.  This massive river is an ideal place to create and develope a productive empire.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Post Two- Quiz Facts

  1. The Sumerian civilization arose in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.
  2. The strip of fertile land that begins at the Isthmus of Suez and arcs through Southwest Asia to the Persian Gulf is called the Fertile Crescent.
  3. Sumerian writing, today called cunieform was made by pressing a stylus into clay tablets.
  4. The Sumerians may have invented the arch a curved structure over an opening.
  5.  Sumerian temples, called Ziggurats were made of baked brick placed in layers and looked like a wedding cake.
  6. The first to use cavalry—soldiers on horseback were Assyrians.
  7. Code of Hammurabi was a collection of Babylonian laws which dealt with all aspects of life.
  8. Nebuchanezzar's hanging gardens were one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  9. Mesopotamian people who attacked and conquered the Sumerians were Akkadians.
  10. Sargon was the most powerful Akkadian King.
  11. The present-day regions of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria were once called Phoenicia
  12. Phoenicia consisted of a loose confederation of city states each governed by a different king.
  13. The Phoenicians invented the art of glass-bowling and the city of Sidon became the well-known home of this industry.
  14. Phoenicians also collected shellfish called murex to make a purple dye.
  15. Phoenician sculptors often used ivory highly prized in the ancient world, which was imported from North and East Africa.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Intro

  • I am interested in sports, clothes, and interacting with females. 

  • A few of my hobbies are going to the gym, hanging out with friends, and eating food.

  • I am unique because I am well rounded.

  • I took this course because I was told I would learn about Greek and Roman civilization.

  • I enjoy learning about the wars and exchange of power between countries throughout the years.

  • I hope to learn more about roman culture, acient customs, and the advancement of the western civilization as time went on.