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The Cemeteries of Qumran, 2005.
A review of the journal article called "Celibacy: Confusion Laid To Rest?," written by Joe Zias and published in the "Dead Sea Discoveries" journal.
1,166 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a positive review of an article about the most recent discoveries made at the Qumran Cemetery and the Essene community that lived there in ancient times. The paper also describes the approach that the author of the article took to shed new light on the findings at the cave and the implications these findings had for the long-held assumption that the inhabitants of the cave were members of an all-male, celibate society.
From the Paper
"Therefore, the author?s approach was to try to resolve some of the outstanding issues and concerns about the actual cemetery as opposed to the related discoveries of the scrolls. The intention was to present insights into the celibacy of the Essene settlement based on assertions made from the archaeological discoveries of the Qumran Cemetery. The reason there was renewed interest in the Qumran Cemetery project which was discovered in the 1950?s was that some new controversy was raised based on women and children being found buried in the cemetery that was thought to be an all male celibate society. Scholars had theorized that Qumran cemetery was a part of the Essene settlement near by and they have been credited by other historians as the keepers of the Dead Sea Scrolls which not by coincidence were found near the Essene community cemetery."
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A Study of Crusades, 2005.
An historical look at the series of wars waged by Western European Christians to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims from the end of the 11th century to the late 13th century.
3,141 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the background, causes, and consequences of the crusades. In particular, the paper examines the First Crusade in detail and then takes a brief look at the other crusades.
Outline
Background
The Immediate Cause
Pope Urban?s Clermont Address of 1095
The First Crusade
The Second Wave
The Aftermath and Other Crusades
Consequences
From the Paper
"Following the death of Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, in 814 A.D., the Empire fell into a steady decline. Christian Europe came under repeated attacks, from the Magyars in the east and center and from the marauding Vikings in the north. Islam, which was a growing power since the 7th century, posed an even bigger threat to Europe. Its forces had had conquered North Africa, the eastern shores of the Mediterranean and Spain by the 8th century. The Byzantine Empire, which had survived the fall of the Western Roman Empire, to carry the torch of the ancient Greco-Roman civilization and Christianity in the east, was also threatened by the forces of Islam. In the 11th century A.D., however, Europe began to experience a revival in its strength. A growing population matched a robust economy. The power and influence of the Church was consolidated following a reform movement which reversed the previous practice of kings? appointment of important clergy members."
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The Struggle Between Greece and Turkey, 2005.
A history of the conflict between Greece and Turkey, starting with the 11th century and continuing up until present times.
1,393 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a brief overview of the ongoing struggle between Greece and Turkey. The paper describes the history of their relations, the wars fought between the two countries, massacres of populations and occupations of land, British involvement in the struggle, present day relations, as well as the current political situation in Cyprus.
From the Paper
"Despite many commonalitities, Greece and Turkey have been at odds for hundreds of years (Turkey pp). Although many subscribe to the myth of ancient hatred, there is however, a history of conflict that dates back to the entry of Turkish nomads into the Byzantine Empire in the 11th century, the eventual collapse of the Byzantine, the fall of Constantinople in 1453, and the long dominance of the Ottoman Dynasty over Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean islands (Turkey pp). Throughout history, the strategic location of the small Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been of interest of several states that sought to gain a foothold for Middle East invasions (Meier Pp). Greece gained control of the island in the 13th century B.C. and dominated the island until the Ottoman takeover of 1571, after which Turkish immigrants began to inhabit the island (Meier Pp). During the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the wake of its war with Russia, the United Kingdom negotiated to become the protecting power over Cyprus and officially gained sovereignty over the island in 1923 under the Treaty of Lausanne, making the island a British Crown Colony until its independence in 1960 (Meier Pp). Since Greece won its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832, relations between Greece and Turkey have been marked by mutual hostility resulting in four wars, The Greco-Turkish War of 1897, the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, the First World War 1914-1918, and the Greco-Turkish War 1919-1922 (Ottoman pp)."
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Herodotus in Egypt, 2005.
A look at this ancient account of Egyptian life by the Greek traveler, Herodotus.
1,116 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the problematic nature of a traveler's view of a foreign culture and society and, in particular, the ancient Greek traveler, Herodotus's, view of ancient Egypt. The paper looks at the reliability of Herodotus's sources, how his recordings of Egyptian history and culture differ from what has been written in other texts, and what cultural biases Herodotus might hold as an observer.
From the Paper
"Travelogues as sources of accurate history are problematic. By definition, they are written by outsiders rather than insiders to a particular land, culture and time. Travel writing even in our historical present, has a notorious unreliability as sources of data. They are filtered through the point of view of someone who, even if he or she is conversant in the language of the region, is not always equally fluent in the culture, and must rely upon the point of view of those selected by the ruling regime. For instance, the voices of the ?Work Songs from Ancient Egypt: Voices of Ordinary Men and Women,? as chronicled in Chapter 12 of Bailkey are entirely absent, as these voices of the hands, backs, and sweat that the great pyramids were constructed by were not part of the exposure of the historian. Perhaps they might not have been as interesting, to Herodotus, as the great visions of the pyramids themselves, given that the Greek Herodotus himself was part of a culture that accepted slavery as a necessity."
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The Mystery of the Nok Culture, 2005.
A look at what archaeologists are able to learn about ancient African culture through Nok art.
2,541 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between Nok art and the long lost culture. It explains that the tragedy of looting and the loss of cultural/archaeological context for surviving artifacts has made a true exploration of the Nok history extremely difficult and speculative. It concludes that what can be known for certain is that, prior to 500 B.C.E, at a time when Africa was once thought to be completely plagued by intellectual darkness, there existed a civilization with the ability to create advanced and symbolic relics of a civilization where hierarchy, art, and science prevailed.
From the Paper
"The second vein of interpretation is based on surrounding tribes. For example, Gillan takes this tactic when he writes: ?A number of heads and bodies, depicting deformities or ailments (similar to diseases portrayed in Ibibio masks), may well have been used for magico-medical purposes? (66) Taking this approach, there seem to be indications that the statues were used for a variety of religious purposes. Surrounding tribes in Benin have frequently used lifelike statues, not unlike the terra cottas found in Nok, as part of ancestral altars through which they either invoked the spirits of their ancestors or prayed for them. Statues may also have been used as representations of the divine. There are other options as well. They could have been used ?with funeral ceremonies, ancestor cults or other religious rituals. They might have been conceived as representations of chiefs--though not as their portraits--or as mythical beings and spirits... Others may have served as grave figures ...charms and fertility amulets, possibly worn as pendents. (Gillan, 66) Most surrounding cultures have been polytheistic/animistic and either worship or placate a wide range of deities. ?Janus figures? found in Nok may have been used like those in surrounding cultures, to ?express the male/female duality of human nature.? (Gillan, 66) Additionally, even today ceramic figures are used as finials on many roofs and shrines, and Gillan speculates that terra cotta figures might have taken this place centuries before."
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Irish Cultures, 2005.
A look at early Irish art and literature and how it helps define early Irish culture.
2,566 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper examines early Irish art and literature in an effort to gain insight into early Irish heritage and culture. The paper discusses Le Tene art, Celtic art, the emergence of craft centers or workshops, influences on Le Tene art and Le Tene art's influence on other cultures as well as early Christian artifacts, the importance and significance of the Ulster cycle in Irish literature, and how the story "The Tain Bo Cuailgne" represents the rough, common life of the early Irish.
From the Paper
"When attempting to explore early Irish cultures, we can discover much when we observe art and literature in conjunction with historical information. Historical facts only present a portion of the picture, while artifacts and literature fill in the gaps. Art from the Le Tene culture offers incredible insight into early Irish heritage because literacy was not widespread. Symbols and images depicted on pieces discovered at this time represent rituals and beliefs. While most of the population could not write, the literature from the Ulster era helps support what we can learn from artifacts. In addition, when we combine what we see and read from the arts of early Irish cultures, we discover a remarkable connection to historical accounts of these people."
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Lifestyle of the Ichthyosaur, 2004.
An examination of the lifestyle of the ichthyosaur.
3,789 words (approx. 15.2 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 104.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the habits and characteristics of the ichthyosaur, which is a family of marine reptiles that existed during the same era as the dinosaurs. The paper looks at the lifestyle of the species and focuses on various extinction theories.
Introduction
Well-Adapted to Ocean Life
Diet
Reproduction
Locomotion
Deep Divers
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Ichthyosaur fossils were discovered in the late nineteenth century, before the first dinosaur fossils were discovered, and received little acclaim. It wasn?t until the recent discovery a few years ago of a small amount of new specimens in Japan and China that a wider interest in ichthyosaurs? was revived. The ichthyosaur is a fish-shaped tetrapod of the diapsid family. Tetrapod means four-limbed vertebrate. Diapsids are classified as having two openings in the skull and is a classification that encompasses reptiles and birds. There is much fossil evidence to support the conclusion that ichthyosaurs were descended from terrestrial, or land-dwelling, reptiles. One such example is that Ichthyosaurs were air-breathers like cetaceans."
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Ancient Near East and Mediterranean History, 2005.
A look at the similarities and differences of the development of civilization in the Ancient Near East and the Mediterranean.
851 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the history and development of the Mediterranean civilization to that of the history and development of the civilization of the Near East. The paper compares the political, economic, and social realms, cultural and intellectual ideas, and values and institutions of both civilizations and looks at how each differed in its impact on the creation of Western civilization, as well as the degree of that impact.
From the Paper
"Civilization in the ancient Mediterranean (1000 B.C.E. - 500 C.E.) arose out of a number of important causes. First, the location of the Mediterranean area between three continents, and the influence of civilizations like Mesopotamia, India and China nearby. Further, the excellent communication by sea, the mild climate, and the invention of writing were important factors in encouraging the development of civilization in the area (Poiycratis)."
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The Mohave and the Chemehuevi, 2005.
Examines the past and the present of two American Indian tribes of California.
1,476 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the history, social organization, and customs of two California tribes: The Mohave and the Chemehuevi. The scope of the paper includes a review of the current status of the two tribes.
From the Paper
"The American Indian tribes are the original immigrants of the continent of America. In fact, the people of these tribes are of old Eastern origin, believed to be descendants of the Mongloid race in Asia. Over a period of thousands of years, these tribes gradually populated the unoccupied Western Hemisphere, from the Bering Strait to the southern most tip of South America, and from coast to coast. These first settlers were not savages and, in fact, possessed ancient knowledge about the laws of the universe and nature. They developed varying types of social organization and mechanisms, which satisfied their choice of environment and preferred manner of living, in harmony with nature (Dutton 1983: xix-xx). It is the objective of this paper to discuss the history, customs, and social organization, both past and present, of two of the American Indian tribes that settled in the West, namely, the Mohave and the Chemehuevi."
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Civilizations near Chaco Canyon, 2004.
An examination of the Anasazi civilization, which developed and prospered in the Four Corners region between 1 AD and 1300 AD.
2,205 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
A thriving and well-developed civilization appeared around the Chaco Canyon some time after 1 AD and went on to become one of the most representative in the area until its decline in the 14th century. This paper looks at how a well-planned network of roads encouraged trade with other local communities and those as far south as Mexico and the Toltec civilization, while the Anasazi locally manufactured pottery, jewelry, and magnificent buildings, which can still be admired today.
From the Paper
"The archeological evidence discovered in the area proves that the Anasazi first moved into the area and into the southern Colorado Plateau some time at the beginning of the 1st millennium, that is, around 1 AD. The local population of the time became a ?settled, agricultural people who have valued land and water above all else? . This gives us some clues about the later disappearance of the population.
The earliest Anasazi population occupied an area that had been previously abandoned by Archaic Indian populations. Settled in the area, the Anasazi civilization entered in the so-called Basketmaker phase, a simple, self-sufficient society. Later on, around the year 500 AD, the Anasazi began to introduce and develop their famous pottery, began using the bow and arrow, build pit dwellings and began to cultivate a larger variety of crops, more nutritious, including beans among others."
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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, $ 92.95
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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, $ 69.95
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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, $ 53.95
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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, $ 60.95
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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, $ 33.95
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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, $ 71.95
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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, $ 59.95
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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, $ 119.95
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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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