Maria Graham

Hist 104  Midterm

July 16, 1997

 

What Were the Effects of Climate and Geography on Egyptian Civilization?

 

In each and every civilization we study, it is very crucial to first look at how the climate and geography affect their development.  In Egypt they have The Nile, one of the greatest rivers in the world to rely upon.  The geography of this area is very rewarding, offering them the protection of surrounding mountains, deserts and rivers, along with valuable plants flourishing along the Nile.  The climate was dry, though, which led to difficulties they must overcome in order to survive, which in fact, they do very well. 

The Nile was very much a part of every day life for the Egyptians.  It created very fertile soil all along the length of it producing great agriculture.  It is no surprise that the Egyptians were farmers.  The Nile flooded regularly each year which they used to create a very sophisticated table of time and calendar system.  Each year when the Nile flooded for three months, the Egyptians used this time to work on the building of the pyramids for the pharaoh.  The people were proud to take part in this activity, to serve their pharaoh.  There would be 30 to 40 thousand workers at a time.  Every third and fourth of July the Nile rose with a certain star rose precisely with the sun.  This kind of consistency in nature was what instilled in them a great sense of confidence in it, as well as reverence.  This affected religion as the personification of nature's powers became the basis for their creation of gods.  It could also have helped in their overall secure and optimistic attitude. 

Included in the many valuable plants growing along the Nile was the papyrus.  The papyrus plant was used to make paper, a revolutionary invention of that era which quickly became the number one export for five thousand years!  Flax was also grown along the Nile which was used to make linen clothes, also very important to the people.  Geography had been very good to the Egyptians, but climate was a little more challenging. 

The climate was very dry in Egypt, the sands of the desert blown by the winds caused a lot of problem with their eyes and teeth.  They also had problems with some kind of a snail virus that entered their body through the skin of their feet.  Because of this, they often wore saddles to keep their feet protected.  The Egyptians were above this, though, they became the best dentists and surgeons because of these challenges.   The dryness of the land lead to one of the most complex and sensational irrigation systems.  The used plane geometry in the structure of the system and turned the land into usable farm land.  This meant that their society was based on the irrigation system.  Anyone who maliciously attempted to corrupt it could easily be sentenced to death.  It required great organization to regulate the system, as well.  This the Egyptians achieved undoubtedly. 

Great organization skills were also needed for the building of the pyramids as mentioned above.  With so many workers and such minute details going into every inch of these great structures, Egyptians formed a very organized, successful and respected system of government.  All this coming from effects of the climate and geography of the land.   This is definitely what made the people who they were.  Strong, organized, intelligent, workers and religious citizens made the civilization flourish.  Protected by the Red Sea, vast deserts and mountainous boundaries that resisted attack, the people lived a glorious lifestyle. 

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Maria Graham

History 104

Midterm

July 16, 1997

 

'Describe the Hebrew Concept of God'

 

The Hebrew concept of God is not very much different from that of the Roman Catholic church:  one divine God, above all, overseer and ruler.  There is quite a history behind the development of this concept, the Hebrews did not always believe in only one God.  Their religion evolved, they were great religious thinkers.  It began like all other Asian societies, with a religion of Animism.

In beginning with Animism, they worshiped nature: the trees, sun, moon, animals, etc.  Some call this polytheism, the worship of many gods.  This gradually transitioned into monotheism, worshipping only one god.  At this point, they had still acknowledged other gods, but were ordered by the first commandment to worship "no other gods but me."  According to our textbook, this had lasted from 1250 to 750 BC and had been initiated by Moses.  So they knew of other gods, but were supposed to reject them, also known as monolatry.  The god they worshipped had a physical body, above nature and its powers were limited to the Hebrews' territory. 

Eventually the acknowledgment of only one god emerged.  It was not part of nature, it had transcended above it, and was eternal.  This god could not die like the previous one could.  It had sovereign powers, it was in charge of everything.  Being completely independent of all other powers, it created all and controlled all.  This god was omniscient, a great overseer that could do anything.  As powerful as this being is, it was a good god-- slow to anger and easily forgives.  It punished evil only, unlike the Sumerian god who punished without probable cause.  Each individual had a moral responsibility to be good or be punished.  It was very clear what God was to the Hebrews. 

Their creation myth under this god was one of bringing order out of chaos, a very popular idea in that time.  It started with a void, then waters of chaos from which this god brings order and creates man.  This god created man in the image of Himself.  From this religion emerged the  origins of the Bible.  The later stage, called the prostexilic stage, involved the writings of what would happen in the end of the world, the descending of the messiah to the earth.  This "messiah" would save the souls of the people and take the fallen ones to the kingdom of this god.  And so we continue on through the story of the Bible. 

The Hebrew concept of god was very different to that of other civilizations during that time.  It was very complex and spread very successfully.  The evolution from Animism to monotheism distinctly differentiates their religion from the rest.  This god was by contrast to all others, the most powerful, omniscient, and independent god.  Being eternal, it could not be destroyed and was considered good.  It gave explicit commandments and punished justly.  There is no other god like it and will never fall. 

 

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Maria Graham

History 104

Midterm

July 16, 1997

 

Describe Minoan and Mycenaean Society

 

The Minoan civilization was that of the people that inhabited the island of Crete, primarily from 2000 to 1500 BC.  The Mycenaean society was one that was formed from a mixture of Greek and Minoan civilizations.  The Mycenaean society dominated the Aegean world.  The Minoans were very small, thin people and the Mycenaeans were great, strong people as far as body structure is concerned. 

Minoans were possibly the most amazing civilization on earth.  They lived in a very wet environment, in the heavily wood foothills of the mountains.  The deserts on the island were very rich.  There were no great rivers like the Nile or Tigres, relied on the rainfall of the winters.  They had to adapt to a hydraulic lifestyle, bringing water where they needed it.  The sea offered good protection and the wood from the trees were used to build great ships which they used to dominate the Eastern Mediterranean waters.  Of course, the sea was abundant with fish, and these mariners had porpoises on the walls of their homes, appreciative of the ocean. 

They colonized all over and were great traders.  Agriculturally rich in olives and grapes, their chief export was wine.  The people were rich in culture and very happy.  The civilizations on the island lived together in harmony.  The cities were full of great architecture without protective walls!  The only thing they had to worry about was the strong earthquakes that devastated their cities.  But rather than letting it hold them back, they simply got back to work, rebuilding their cities even greater than before. 

Amazingly enough they had writing in the form of linear A and such modern inventions as flush toilet, plumbing, bathrooms, showers and swimming pools!  Their palaces were grand buildings of many rooms, very practical and the walls were covered with frescos-- a painting of the walls while they are still wet.  The farmers turned their crops over to the state to be divide equally among the people for a common welfare.  It was in these great palaces that the vast quantities of food were stored as they were being divided.  For fun, men and women would somersault over the horns of a charging bull.  One myth of these people was that of the minotaur-- half man, half bull that dwelled in the great labyrinth.  These were a very interesting people, happy and prosperous. 

There are many distinctions of these people revealed in their fresco drawings.  They never should any glorification of kings, most of the pictures were of nature, none of war, no suffering or torture, no signs of poverty or slavery.  In the frescos, the pictures never included children or elderly.  They worshipped female goddesses and did things in a very delicate way (for example their swords were made of very thin metal).  These people liked to dance, and depicted many musical instruments in their drawings.

The women were treated with respect and were free to pursue what they wished.  They were physically fit and lady-like.  All the people loved sports, especially boxing in which the women also participated.  The boxing was not bloody, murderous fighting, but the athletes wore one glove and played cleanly.  Gymnastics were also very popular, including the somersaults over the bull as mentioned above.  It is no surprise that the Egyptians admired these peaceable, clean people.  They traded greatly with them for their wine and olive oil.  They were a civilization without class conflict.  The Mycenaeans were goons!  They tried to be like the Minoans but really couldn't because they were very war-like and aggressive.  The built great forts unlike Minoans and attempted to imitate Minoan art but the drawings came out stiff and included war. 

The great civilization on Crete of small, agreeable and delicate people lasted many years.  They were decent and good.  Unfortunately they were destroyed by the great eruption on the island of Thera seventy miles off.  The effects of this great explosion including ash and great tidal waves ruined the island of Crete leaving nothing standing.  It left no Minoan pupil standing and thus the Mycenaeans became the dominant civilization.  The civilization influenced by both the Greeks and Minoans comprised of large, war-like destroyers. 

 

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Maria Graham

546-93-7471

History 104

June 30, 1997

 

How Does Your Lifestyle Differ From the Nomads?

 

My lifestyle, indeed, differs greatly from that of a certain group of people, more abundant in past years than now, whom we call the nomads.  Nomads are people that travel the land, constantly moving, following the cattle and herding the sheep.  They are not to be considered civilized according to its definition because they  have not settled in one place, nor related to city.  It is very interesting to discuss certain aspects in particular including their abilities, what they make, day to day travels, records, how they treat women  and the elderly. 

Nomads can not read  or write, abilities we consider essential for survival and success.  For them, it is not necessary, and therefore unheard of.  This is also the case for the things they make: only what is needed for their travels, no more and no less.   The wool is used for making the items they will use on the journey, not for fashionable articles, etc.  Any of us will admit we often acquire much more than is necessary, quite opposite the ways of the nomads.  They are basically self sufficient, but what ever they do not have they sometimes barter for with surrounding colonies.  There is no invention nor innovation among them.  They are very much set in their ways, reluctant to change.  Our people face change daily and expect it as the age of technology races on. 

Their daily travels include herding their sheep through mountains and rivers across a great expanse of  land, and once there, to turn around and go right back-again static and repitiious.  They travel 250 miles to the pasture every spring and in the autumn return.  Our travels are on average are more sporadic and varied in destination.  We do not follow the beasts, but rather domesticate them or keep them with in grasps in fields and farms.  The only records they keep are simple markers of their path.  No other records or memories are of importance.  This may seem ridiculous to some of us, as we are accustomed to recording every bit of information gained. 

They treat their women differently than the most of us do.  The function of the woman is merely to provide the men with children.  They are not equals the way we try to perceive our women.  For example they do not eat until the men have.  Over many years, our women have fought for equality, so this idealism would never be accepted again in our society.  The elderly, too are not revered quite as much as in our own lives.  We often look up to ours elders for wisdom, caring  for them even if it means putting them in a home.  During the travels of the nomads, the rivers are very difficult to pass.  If a man is too old to make it, they simply leave him behind to die.  It is accepted by them without a second thought, and their bodies are no doubt devoured by vultures and other scavengers.   This would be an outrage to our own society, and certainly punishable by death. 

So there you can see many differences in the nomads' lifestyle and ours.  It is not easy to put yourself in another's shoes, so I doubt that I could never live like they do.  I seriously doubt that any of them would enjoy living the way we do, either.  I am surprised that their ways have survived to this day, surely they will be eliminated in time.  I suppose it is their stubborn tendencies to keep to their traditions and their resistance to change that has kept them roaming to until now.  Soon, I am sure, their land will be taken and another culture lost.

 

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Maria Graham

History 104

July 15, 1997

 

What would you do with Socrates?

 

It is very clear that Socrates was innocent of the charges of impiety and corrupting the youth.  Had he been given a trial in this day and age of the same charges, but in our court system he would have definitely been free.  There is no question that he proved the accusations false, and even proved that he was a citizen in good standing his entire life.  If it were up to me, Socrates would have been freed, and the charges dropped. 

The first charge, refusing to recognize the State, could easily be refuted by the way he constantly referred to them during his testimony.  They could have been confused because he always questioned the assumptions of mankind.  He often conversed with people in such a manner as to test if they were really as wise as they thought they were.  Like he said, he was looking for a man wiser than himself, which he never did find.  But even when he was hanging from the tree he was acknowledging one of the Gods, not of his own imagination, but of the State.  Socrates said that he has never learned a thing from a rock or a tree, by this he means he does not rely on the physical world for knowledge.  He is a philosopher. 

He proved that every citizen of Athens had responsibility for the teaching of the youth, and that if any one is to be held responsible for the actions of a pupil, it would be every citizen of Athens, not Socrates.  His teachings did not corrupt the minds of his students, what he taught was how to think for themselves and question the validity of known facts and laws.  Afterall, each man is responsible for the improvement of the young people, so then if these young people go bad it is the fault of the whole.  Socrates should not be charged with the corruption of the youth.  A man can only rightfully charged with the actions of his own hands, not that of any other human.  Each of us have a mind of our own in which we make decisions, and should be punished for only our actions. 

So we see that Socrates proved himself innocent of the charges.  He also proved that he was a good member of society, true to the laws of the land he called home.  He served as magistrate and fought in their wars.  Even when offered the chance to escape, he refused to disrespect the laws of the system by which he had lived by all his life.  Thus far he agreed with the system and lived by it, he did not want to jeopardize the strength or ability of it by disobeying them.  By never fleeing in his seventy years of life there it meant that he supported the laws of the land.  Being innocent of the charges and a good citizen, I would have found him innocent and release him. 

 

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Maria Graham

History 104

Final

July 30, 1997

 

The Effects of Climate and Geography on the Development of Roman Civilization

 

            In the beginnings of all ancient civilizations, climate and geography have a very big impact on the civilizations themselves.  Romans first founded the city of Rome by coming through the Alps and locating along the Tiber River.  They conquered surrounding territory as well and reigned for centuries to come.  It was described as lying 17 miles up river which protected them from pirates.  The built their civilization on small hiss and easily fortified it. 

            They generally had mild Mediterranean weather with light rain.  This meant that they had to bring in water from elsewhere and lead to their great achievement of the aqueducts.  They became farmers and agriculture ruled their lives. 

            There was few mineral resources on the Italian peninsula, but there were deposits of marble, tin, copper, iron and gold.  The Romans made use of this marble and tried to become great builders with it. 

            As far as invaders were concerned, Rome was subjected very easily because of the low coast line that made attack easy by sea; and even the Alps were not very protective-- in fact, that’s how they themselves had conquered the land.  Because of this, Romans became hard core warrior people, very militant and aggressive.  They built roads to make it easier for reacting to attack.  They conquered the Etruscans of the area, mainland Italy and Greek cities to the south.  Their foreign policy was based on the idea that they always wanted the land next door.  People of the common time knew, “all roads lead to Rome” because the roads were branches out from the imperialistic Rome. 

            Military and agriculture were the primary interests of Roman civilization because of climate and geography.  There was no need for industry and commerce because this subsidence farming and constant fighting was enough to keep them busy.  The hard work involved in farming lead to their dependence on the institution of slavery.   Slavery was also a large part of Roman civilization.  

 

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Maria Graham

History 104

Final

July 30, 1997

 

Describe the Social Structure and Values of Roman Society

 

            The Roman civilization was set up as Monarchial government with a council of elders called the senate.  This senate had veto powers of the king’s actions and governed in the absence of the king.  The reason for the monarchal set up was because the Romans were more concerned with military, stability and control than with liberty or freedom.  Society was bound by a system of the patriarchal set up.  The man ran the household and was in complete control.   They felt that romantic love was a sign of mental illness because they don’t want to see any man losing composure and control by falling in love. 

            Romans valued tradition and passed down ways of agriculture and law.  No one strayed from tradition, they had great respect for it.   These were a people tied to their land, farmers and fighters.  They appreciated such characteristics as valor- being brave and heroic in battle; fidelity-- if a women was raped she would commit suicide rather than live in shame of being with another mate; gravitous-- weightiness and  dignity which is carrying out duties with quiet grace; virtue-- an active life of service to the military. 

            Their gods were borrowed from Greek civilization and given new names.  They had a contractual relationship with the gods.  If you do what the gods want then you will be happy, win battles, and be profitable.  It was a religion of ceremony rather than spirituality or ethics.  They practiced ancestral worship which ties into the idea of tradition.  They reveal their values through myths.  The story of Romulus and Remus shows that they despise infidelity because their mother kills herself after having forced sex with another man.  It also show how they value the ceremonies of their religion because kills his brother for mocking it. 

            The Romans stole the idea of their great gladiator games from the Etruscans.  The Etruscans used to have battles to the death among slaves to celebrate at funerals.  The aggressive and war-hungry Romans loved this idea and accepted as their own.  The gladiator games were grand and fatal and brought outrageous crowds.  A first it was a rule that they could only be played in the event of someone’s death, but politicians wanted to used it at election time.  The one thing about tradition in Roman civilization is that once some one gets around it, it’s broken.  Caesar held games at election time supposedly in celebrating his daughter’s death nine years prior so from then on the games could be held at any time.  It show what they value, too:  food and entertainment. 

            Romans were ruthless and rugged.  They liked to see uneven match-ups to see what kind of twists of faith would occur.  They liked to see so one get pounded or the little guy manage to overcome the giant.  Though the Romans were very conservative people, it actually lead them to accepting other ideas.  Since they were so traditional, anything ancient was sacred to them.   This is why they respected the Hebrew religion which eventually lead to Christianity.