Week #4b Daily #4

Question: Describe relations between Egypt and Persia before Alexander came on the scene. 


Answer: Persia and Egypt were not on friendly terms before "Alexander came on the scene."  The Persians had control of the Middle East and parts of ancient Greece.  The Egyptians did not like the Persians because they would not respect their gods.  The Persians were a very powerful empire so it did not take long to have Egypt under their rule.  When Alexander came along in 332 BC, the Egyptian people knew he was their liberator.  Alexander traveled through most of the towns until reaching Egypt.  After being the Persian rule for a long time, the people of Egypt were free.  Once again, Alexander continued creating his own myth by visiting an oracle that told him that he was the son of Amun.  It was all he needed to hear.  During his stay in Egypt, Alexander founded the city that he renamed after himself, Alexandria.  The city soon became very prosperous after his death and the fall of Persia.  Alexandria was home to the world's biggest library and the best collected works known.  Alexander help create Egypt into a prosperous country with a city that had a library with many classical works.  The Persians were "out of power" and many new free places throughout Europe and the Middle East created new government system and their own cultures that reflect on the world today.     

Week #4b Daily #11

Question:  How did Alexander create his own myth?


Answer: Alexander the great created his own myth by accomplishing things that some people may call extraordinary.  He untied the Gordian Knot, received a prophecy from the Didyma, and sieged the city of Halicarnassus.  There are many different stories told how he did these things but in the end, he still some how created his own myth.  Alexander was puzzled by the Gordian Knot.  He slowly circled it and looked for possible ways to unite it.  There are two sides of the story about how Alexander united the knot.  One version of the story says he cut the Gordian Knot open with a slash of his sword.  A different part of the story says he started to untie the knot by taking the stick that held part of the cart together.  Alexander started creating a myth for himself when he first visited the oracle Didyma.  It told Alexander that he was the son of a god so that meant he was immortal.  Alexander went into battles fearless thinking that no one or nothing could stop him, but death found a way to kill him anyway, through sickness.  One other accomplishment Alexander made was the siege of Halicarnassus.  This battle was fought between Alexander, who didn't have a navy, and the Persian navy.  Alexander won the small battle and made his way into the city of Halicarnassus.  These three events helped Alexander build up his own "myth."  It may seem that some things that Alexander did were "myth-like" but until we  find the true facts behind the fiction, it's all we can believe.    

Week #4b Daily #2

Question: Do you think Alexander honestly felt like he was avenging Persian wrongs? Or was that just propaganda to mask his goal of conquest?


Answer: I think in Alexander's mind he was doing good avenging the Persians, I'm not sure if everyone agreed with what his mindset was but he was very successful.  Alexander the Great was liked by many of the Greeks because he claimed a lot of land (most of ancient western Europe) and defeated the Persians after 150 years of defeat.  He also took back the Greek honor, which in my opinion, he deserved.  Ever since Alexander was little, he was trained to be a leader and he slaughtered most of the present Middle East.  He must of had a lot of bravery and courage to throw himself into many battles.  Another possible reason why he is "the great" because Alexander was called the son of a god.  It must have given him a big ego boost or really insane mind for him to think that he was invincible, then again, he was a fearless fighter.  He sported many battle scars and was probably the toughest guy in ancient Greek history. Once again he had many Greeks supporting him behind his quest to defeat the Persians so he really was avenging the Persians to win back the Greek honor.         

Week #4b Daily #3

Question: Based on what you know about Aristotle, do you think Alexander had listened carefully to his tutor?

Answer: Aristotle was a Geek philosopher that wrote about many things like physics, poetry, politics, music, logic, and other subjects.  His views of physical science changed the way that people thought up into the Renaissance.  Alexander's father asked Aristotle to tutor his son.  Aristotle accepted, but he asked for something in return.  Alexander's father, Philip, rebuilt Aristotle's hometown of Stageria.  Aristotle taught Alexander many things and he particularly became interested in Homer's works.  Alexander was well liked by his fellow peers and were refereed to as his "companions."  After Alexander turned sixteen, he was no longer tutored by Aristotle.  After Philip leaf to go fight a battle against the Byzantion, Alexander took command.  After that, he began his quest to conquer the rest of the known world.  I think that Alexander took some of his lessons he learned from Aristotle and applied them in his fight to defeat the Persians.  Aristotle had a vast knowledge about many subjects and he knew how a lot about government.  One thing Alexander did not establish was a political system under his new rule.  I suppose he really wasn't thinking about it on his death bed.  Anyway, I think that Aristotle taught Alexander many useful lessons that made him a very successful fighter and leader.       

Week #4b Daily #1

Question:  What compels someone to lead others?


Answer: For someone to be a leader, they must posses a quality to direct others to follow their beliefs.  A leader stands up for their rights when the government or other power tries to take full control of the remaining power that is given to the people.  Alexander the Great wanted revenge on the Persian Empire because they destroyed the Greek Empire and honor.  Alexander wanted to take back the Greek honor that was rightfully theirs.  He finally defeated them after 150 years of lost honor and took the power back.  Alexander the Great is a good example of a leader because he took back Greek honor, pride, and power.  The leader could be influenced by someone to lead a group of humans to voice their opinions and express how they feel about change.  Another way to express beliefs is through a rebellion, or a group of people who set out to overthrow a higher authority and sometimes that's the case.  If there are many people who believe in one thing than it could compel someone to start a movement to change the ways things are.  There are many unstable countries in the world and unfortunately many people have lead rebellions that have lead to much violence and death.  To be a true leader, someone has to be strong, smart, and wise to make the choices to help others express the way they want things to be changed.           

The Battle of Syracuse: A Legend

Setting: Ancient Greece, Peloponnesian Wars 431-404 BC  

Characters: Narrator, Esdras (main character, name means help), Egeus a barber in Athens

 Narrator: Conflict has risen in Ancient Europe.  War, plague, and death corrupted the Greek society.  In our story, we will meet a mysterious man named Esdras who has quite a story to tell.  One day, this man walks into Athens in need of a haircut.  There, Esdras will meet Egeus, the barber.  Esdras claims the story about to be told is merely a legend, but we all know that it was one of the biggest mistakes that will go down in Athenian history.

Esdras is walking along a dirt road into Athens.  The hot summer sun has made him sweat from head to toe.  Esdras hasn’t cut his hair for a long time and decides to get a trim.

[Enter Esdras]

Esdras: Oh great sun! You show no mercy to the ones who walk miles and miles in the blistering heat! Methinks it is time to get a haircut, for my head cannot hold up with this sweaty, dirty hair any longer.  Low and behold is that Athens I seek, far beyond the hill?  It must be! Maybe I can find a barber to give me a trim. 

Narrator: Esdras continues to walk down the road and finally makes his way into a part of the city where a well-known barber works.  He walks inside and is greeted by the barber Egeus.

[Enter Egeus]

Egeus: Hello sir! How can I help you?

Esdras: Hello! I would like to have my hair cut please. Is there anywhere I can put my sword?

Egeus: Well have a seat! Yes, put your sword on the table there. Once we clean you up the woman can now admire what a strapping young Athenian man you are after we get the hair out of your eyes!

Esdras: Thank you sir. I won’t be in town for long.

Egeus: Why not? You look like a man who needs to settle down and make a family for himself.

Esdras: Well I just happen to be passing through. Do you like stories?

Egeus: Of course I do! Some of the great legends and myths of our culture have shaped our civilization to what it is today! We all have to find a way to explain the mysteries of life, right?

Esdras: Well I have a little legend to share with you. It was a story I found out about not too long ago.

Egeus: Then proceed with the story my good man!

Esdras: Well, once there was a naval fleet of ships off the coast of Syracuse.  This army was having problems of their own with the Spartans. The leader of the fleet wanted to attack Syracuse and hope that they would surrender.  Oh, but it was the biggest mistake he ever made. The general lead his fleet with over 10,000 men to the shores. Little did they know that Syracuse was ready for battle.  The battle was long and hard through the hot days. [Sounds of men fighting and swords clanking in the background.] Blood and tears were shed on the shores. Men were trampled and stabbed to death. You can say it was a blood bath, considering they fought on the shores of Syracuse. [chuckles to himself] A messenger was sent to the home city of the worriers to order for more backup fleets. The backup was sent right away and the men were ready to fight to their deaths. The people of the city waited anxiously for word from the army but they never got any. It was almost as if the army disappeared, or never existed. Search parties were sent out for the men. Some believe the ships were lost at sea, but many believe that the surviving men were kept prisoner and are forced to live life in Syracuse. I believe that the men surrendered and the dead bodies washed out to the sea. I could be wrong, but it’s only a story. So, what do you think?

Egeus: What a story. I have never heard that legend before. Where did you pick that story up?

Esdras: Let’s just say a friend of mine told it to me once before he went off to fight.

[Egeus gives Esdras a puzzled look.]  

Egeus: Well I would say your new haircut looks quite dashing if I do say so myself!

[Egeus hands Esdras a mirror.]

Esdras: Ah yes! I feel like a new man! Thank you kind friend!

Egeus: It was my pleasure! I always love a good story while I can cut hair!

Esdras: Haha! It is quite a story indeed. I really sometimes do wonder what could have happened to the 

men.

Egeus: I’m sure many people think about it.

Esdras: Well I must be on my way. How much do you charge for such a quality haircut?          

Egeus: Another story perhaps! You have a wonderful way of telling stories! Don’t think about paying me, it’s my pleasure to cut your hair.

Esdras: Thank you! It was nice meeting you…

Egeus: Egeus of Athens!

Esdras: It was an honor meeting you Egeus. Thank you again. Have a good rest of the day.

Egeus: Same to you! Goodbye!

[Exit Esdras]

Egeus: Sir, wait! You forgot your sword!

Narrator: Egeus looked up and down the street but Esdras was gone. Esdras was never seen again but there was an inscription in his sword that said “Εγώ επέζησα από τον πόλεμο των Συρακουσών” which means, “I survived the battle of Syracuse.”

Week #4 Daily #5

Assignment: Explain how the origins of theatre in Athens are tied to both religion and politics. Check out this resource.


Response: One of the many things that were important to the Greeks was the theater.  They loved going to shows and passing the time.  Many plays put on at the theater were tragic stories.  They held an annual "Tragic Festival" and it was an importance event for the ancient theater.  The Greeks worshiped their gods through the theater by dedicating the plays and festivals in their honor.  If you were honored and very powerful in the ancient Greek society, you attended the theater daily.  Politics were involved because the "Tragic Festival" was financed by the Athenian State.  Many people were expected to use their imagination during the shows at night because of the lack of light.  The theatre of Dionysus was an open air auditorium and all the plays were put on during the day.  All the actors in the plays were men, since women did not have many rights.  The theatre was a place to pass the time and enjoy yourself, only if you were invited to attend.         

Week #4 Daily #1

Question: Do you think Socrates got what he deserved? Why didn't he accept exile?


Answer: I don't think Socrates got what he deserved because even though he was a critic, the people of Athens were not open to his ideas. Socrates was a man to had questioned the judgement and thinking of the Athenian people.  He would talk to people on the streets and ask them questions or start a debate with someone about Athenian life.  He wanted to study people and the right and wrong practices of the society he lived in.  Socrates loved the city he lived in so that is why he sat in the streets everyday talking to Athenian citizens.  He used reason and logic to examine the ways of the world.  After the Spartans invaded and destroyed all the farmland and the plague struck, he was really starting to question the leaders of the city's judgement.  After the death of Pericles, the city never had a ruler as good as him.  When a small Greek colony allied with Athens and attacked Sicily, it started the downfall of Athens.  The men were all dead or prisoners, but after that, the Persians wanted their revenge on Athens.  They allied with Sparta and finally in 404 BC, Athens surrendered.  There was a conspiracy of a traitor within the city walls and Socrates was a main suspect.  He was found and was charged with corrupting government and social status of Athenian society.  His trial was held in the marketplace and was found guilty.  Socrates was calm with his verdict but didn't want to be exiled from the city because he thought he would be better off dead.  Socrates was put in jail and put to death the proper Athenian way.  He was given Hemlock to drink and was soon dead.  Socrates was a brilliant man who thought about things an average Athenian probably never thought about.  He even confessed that he loved the city but after the defeats of Athens enemies, they wanted to believe anything to have an excuse for the defeat.              

Week #4 Daily #4

Question: Was Athens really a 'democracy'?

Answer: There were times in Athenian history when the people really did have the power, but after the death of the ruler Pericles, Athens changed for the worst.  There were many wars and some of the decisions made cost them the war and the entire Athenian ship fleet.  A democracy is when the government is ruled by the people and there were times in Athenian history when that was true.  There were many great minds who contributed to science, math, art, and literature.  One of the great Athenian minds was Socrates.  He questioned the ways of Athenian life and used reason and logic to study the world.  After the Spartans defeated the Athenians and the death of Socrates the city was never the same again.  They were no longer the rules of the Mediterranean.  The Athenian government was not giving the people the power because of the drastic changes in their world.  Athens might not have been as powerful but they made so many contributions to the ways we live our lives today.  The ancient Greek society really did contribute a lot to politics.  They gave some of the choices to the people but because of some the rulers of the city who wanted as much power as possible, then the citizens never got the full power they deserved.

Week #4 Daily #1

Question: Please read http://ow.ly/156BA and write a blog post comparing the Ancient Greek Olympics to the Games this coming weekend!


Response: London, England 2012: Ever since 776 B.C., the Olymipc games have been a big tradition.  They first originated in Greece but became a worldwide event where the best athletes everywhere come to participate.  The games were meant to honor the god, Zeus.  Some the original events were sprinting, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing.  The foot races included the 192 meter sprint, the diaulos, and the 12 lap race called the dolichos.  Theses races were so important because they reflected the requirements of a "fit soldier."  Now, modern and the traditional sport of sprinting are all incorporated into the games.  A big change that occurred over the years was that fact that women are now allowed to compete and spectate at the games.  In ancient Greece, women were forbidden to attend.  Instead, the women held their own games in honor of the goddess, Hera, who also happened to be Zeus's wife. In tomorrows upcoming games, both men and women will be competing in the games and London is eager to see who will be the fastest man and woman in the world.  In ancient Greece, religion was a big deal during the games.  Zeus was said to look down on the players during the competitions.  Many sacrifices were made to the Zeus like the burning of 100 oxen.  Nowadays, you will see many athletes pray before their event.  Politics have always been an issue since the games have started, but the games have only been cancelled a few times.  Throughout the wars and changing events that startled the world, the games have been a way to bring all the countries together.    

French Megalith

Today, February 11, 2011, our team of archeologists has discovered extraordinary stone structures on the John Carroll School property in Bel Air, Maryland, USA.  The stone structures seem to tell the story of this ancient world.  This is what we have gathered:

            This ancient civilization was based in what is now France.  These people had many religious customs that they practiced and were very into the belief of multiple gods.  In their polytheistic religion, these people worshipped many gods, including Ay, god of the sky, Ah, god of the forest, and Yeh, god of life.  Worshipping these gods was an essential element of this culture.  So, we have concluded that these stone structures were partially dedicated to these gods.  These people wanted to be safe, successful, and prosperous in their civilization, and offering things to their gods would heighten their chances of living good lives.  Another part of their culture was the significance of leaders and death.  Leaders of this civilization were highly regarded.  The people were expected to give these leaders a great amount of respect.  When the leaders died, they were buried in these stone structures.  Ceremonial rituals took place during the burying process, as it was an extremely dignified event.  Another tradition comprised the leader choosing a word of phrase to be carved on one of the bigger stones of his or her burying spot.  This structure, on the John Carroll campus, reads “Pierre de Diamant,” which translates to “Diamond Stone.”  It was common for these leaders to choose rare and valuable material for their burying sites.  Based on what we have discovered about this civilization, we have concluded that this ancient megalith was both a dedication to the gods of this ancient world, as well as a burying place for a revered, ancient ruler.

Week #3 Daily #4

Question:  "War is a form of technology". Agree or Disagree.


Answer: War is a form of technology because it makes generals and people involved in the war must create a strategy in order to defeat the enemy.  This results in mass produces in firearms and ammunition.  The creation of toxic bombs have been created specifically to wipe out mass numbers of people.  It requires knowledge to design plans and weapons to increase the power of the army.  Armies can learn from the battles won and lost because there are always ways to improve an attack.  If technology and war effect the world drastically.  Both things add positive and negative changes to earth, and we cannot reverse the effects they have.  War our country strong and a very protective nation.  Other parts of the world become weaker due to the after effects of attacks.  War can make armies and its leaders smarter because they can improve their tactics and ways to defeat the enemy.         

Week #3 Daily #3

Question: Why do you think so many conspiracy theories surround the pyramids and the megaliths? Give examples of a few and explain where you think they come from.


Answer: I think that ancient monuments and statues have so many legends and conspiracies behind them because there is no other way to explain why they are there.  The pyramids were huge burial places to honor their dead.  Past rulers were remembered by ceremonies and were buried with their belonging that they would need in the afterlife.  The megaliths that I researched in Scotland were the cairns.  They were burial sites to honor animals and people.  I think that it was a custom of the ancient cultures to honor important figures in their societies by creating a burial site or chamber to remember the one that had passed.  The stories of the megaliths and pyramids were most likely passed down verbally and then written down later.  Based on the data and knowledge we have about the ancient monuments we still have no idea why they were created or why they are here.  We have evidence that there were groups of people who had some type of religion to believe and worship to.    

Week #3 Daily #5

Question: "Structures, both social and physical are continually improving." agree or disagree


Answer: A structure can represent an important aspect in culture or a way to show power and wealth.  In ancient Egypt, elaborate temples and pyramids were created to show the power the ruler had and how much honor they received.  Our American society has many monuments and building to be proud of.  We have monuments to honor past presidents and memorials to stand in place for where the Twin Towers used to stand.  Every structure around the world each has a different physical appearance, but they have a different social meaning.  The Empire State Building was built in a big, metropolitan area while the Pyramids of Giza border the city.  Countries in Europe are filled with lavish castles where past rulers lived while the U.S. has the White House where the president works everyday.  I believe that a structure can improve physically because we have the tools to create anything we want.  It also improves socially because a structure can reflect on the type of society the people live in.          

Week #3 Daily #1

Question: What is the oldest human-created artifact that has mattered to you? Why/how does it matter?


Answer: I think that the most important artifact created and discovered by humans is the Rosetta Stone because it is was the stone that had made people learn and understand hieroglyphics.  The stone was written half in Greek and half in hieroglyphics.  British and French men had tries to decode the mysterious symbols and were successful.  The stone was a huge artifact from the past that had given the world a glimpse of ancient Egypt.  The stone had talked about the rulers of Egypt.  The Rosetta Stone was a big puzzle and many brilliant minds had cracked the code.  This artifact had made a mark on "modern" history.  The stone isn't a major discovery today  but it is still a very valuable artifact to be kept safe.  The Rosetta Stone was a mark of discovery for the world.  This artifact matters so much  because it made ancient Egypt one of the most interesting and mysterious places in the world.        

Essay: Is Chang a Good Thing?

Every day, history is made and makes the world change.  Progress is made by everyone in the world.  Without history and progress, the world would be idle, or paused.  Since the beginning of time, the world has changed every day.  Humans thought and applied their knowledge to everyday problems.  Those inventions made advancements in technology.  Historians try to uncover the mysteries of the past in order to understand what had happened before us.  The changing world is a good thing because humans need to advance into the future. 

Art can be a way to express yourself.  The ancient art found by some archeologists are clues that give us a peek at the past.  Some carved statues like the Venus of Willendorf are a total mystery.  The statue could possibly be a symbol of something or a sacrifice made to a god.  The cave Lascaux cave paintings are a great example of a story told through art.  The pictures of the animals could mean that they were the types of things humans ate back then.  It could also be a way of worshipping the animals.  There are so many different types of art in the modern world today.  People express themselves through art to explain how they can be feeling, or something that could be happening in their world.  Art can be a way to tell a story, or record historical events. 

The agricultural revolution, or the Neolithic Revolution was a big step that the world had taken.  Instead of being hunters and gatherers, humans had made permanent settlements for themselves.  People took animals and domesticated them.  Some animals like oxen or cows were used for farm work to plow the soil in order to plants the seeds for food.  After this drastic movement it changed the rest of the way that people will live up to the present.  Nowadays, people live in cities, suburbs, and rural areas.  It was a trend that had spread worldwide and establish permanent civilization that claimed land as their own.  


Ancient architecture is strikingly beautiful and mysterious.  It is puzzling to the world how the people of the past created and set up these statues or buildings.  The Mesopotamian society had thrived during the Iron and Bronze Ages.  Many temples and palaces were built during the good times and lavishly decorated when the culture was rich and industrious.  Homes were built like they are today with doors and rooms.  The Indus Valley was an extravagant ancient city that lasted from 3300- 1300 B.C.E. before the entire civilization disappeared.  It was an urban area that was all connected throughout the city.  Ruins of the city have been discovered and it was mostly made of sand and stone.  Many pictures show that a lot of the city looks carved out of the earth.  The mysterious disappearance of the people from the city may never be explained, but their skills of craftsmenship and handiwork was what was left behind.  


The world has changed over billions of years through architecture, settlement, and art.  These factors show the improvement of creativity and ideas in humans.  The importance of the discovered artifacts and ruins are treasures we must conserve to keep hold of the past.  Change is a good thing because if the ways of the past could not thrive in the future.  Everything has to start with an idea or movement but knowledge must be applied to improve and advance ideas.                           

Venus of Willendorf

The Venus of Willendorf is one the oldest pieces of art that has been discovered.  It was probably a gift or a sacrifice given to someone or something.  It was sculpted of limestone.  One theory is that it could be a symbol of some sort.  Venus of Willendorf is the first real piece of art to be sculpted.  There is no possible way to find out who had made this or why it was made but it gives us a glimpse into 21,000 or 22,000 B.C.  People were hunters and gatherers.  Food was hunted and used for various purposes.  This artifact found is a big insight of what life would have been like and the types of worshiping there was if this was truly a symbol of something.      

The Importance of Water

In the ancient world, water was one the only ways for people to stay alive.  The people had to water their crops because if they didn't then the crops would die.  If the crops died then they would starve.  Some groups of people traveled by water to get from place to place.  They made canoes and followed the animals from place to place.  If people lived in a place where there was not a lot of water they would pray for rain.  The water quenched their thirst and helped the plants grow.  When the humans traveled by water they had used canoes to cross the Bering Sea into North America.  The water provided them a way of transportation.  It also provided them a way to give their plants nutrients for food.  The human body is about 70% water so it would be impossible to live without water.  Water is just as important to us today than it was to the people of the ancient world.  It is a resource that must be used wisely and it would be impossible to live without it.  Animals, people, and plants would not thrive without water.  We need to conserve our water and use it a way that can benefit the earth and humans.

The Sunda Language

Our language is based off the regular English language. All you have to do is add -da or -er at the end of a word.  Any word that ends in a vowel ends -da.  Any word that ends with consonant end in -er.  It is very easy to teach, learn, and speak.

The earth revolves around the sun because we have seasons.
Theda earther revolveser arounder theda suner becauseda weda haveda seasonser.

Hypertexts

History can repeat itself.  A hypertext contains a link to a website, video, music, etc.  Hypertexts are used to connect people to certain links or websites so it can be 'clicked' on multiple times.  When you get to a website there would be other things to view.  Cyclic history is the theory that influences people to repeat their past actions.  People can click on a hypertext and look at the same website 100 times if they want to but just pushing a hypertext doesn't have a huge impact on people's lives.  The world is rapidly changing and improving so if we have a "hypertext" world then there would be no reason for traditional web searches.  If the link is a reliable website then it would be a better way to get our information better.      

Invention Discovery

Just yesterday I discovered an invention that can cure everyone with cancer.  This machine can immediately radiate any type of cancer out of any human body, and keep the cancer away.  No one will have to spend months in treatment.  I want to give this to the nearest hospital and explain to them what it can do.  This invention could cure thousands of people!  We could live in a world without cancer, and we would not have to grieve over death from a deadly disease.  I told my parents and they said that I should wait a few months so we can put a patent and get a lot of money for discovering it.  I don't want to wait that long.  I want to help and give this invention to trusted hands as soon as possible.  I don't care about getting a lot of money for something that I discovered.  If there are hundreds of people dying of cancer this very minute then I want to act now.  I don't want to be acknowledged for this discovery, I just want to help the world in any way that I can.  This will be a revolution in medicine and a huge leap in technology.  So many people could be happy and healthy again.  If this machine was produced in each hospital around the world then everyone around could have the chance to be fully cured from cancer.