West Civ Final Exam

Question: Explain why some scholars have called the Ancient Egyptians a "death obsessed" culture. Do you agree?

Thesis: The Egyptians focused their entire society around death and the afterlife, showing that they were obsessed with death and everything that involved death.

Primary Source #1:

“The mode of embalming, according to the most perfect process, is the following:- They take first a crooked piece of iron, and with it draw out the brain through the nostrils, thus getting rid of a portion, while the skull is cleared of the rest by rinsing with drugs; next they make a cut along the flank with a sharp Ethiopian stone, and take out the whole contents of the abdomen, which they then cleanse, washing it thoroughly with palm wine, and again frequently with an infusion of pounded aromatics. After this they fill the cavity with the purest bruised myrrh, with cassia, and every other sort of spicery except frankincense, and sew up the opening. Then the body is placed in natrum for seventy days, and covered entirely over. After the expiration of that space of time, which must not be exceeded, the body is washed, and wrapped round, from head to foot, with bandages of fine linen cloth, smeared over with gum, which is used generally by the Egyptians in the place of glue, and in this state it is given back to the relations, who enclose it in a wooden case which they have had made for the purpose, shaped into the figure of a man. Then fastening the case, they place it in a sepulchral chamber, upright against the wall. Such is the most costly way of embalming the dead.”

Herodotus (c.490-c.425 BCE): Herodotus: Description of Mummification

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herodotus-mummies.html

Primary Source #2:

“Thou shalt come in and go out, thy heart rejoicing, in the favour of the Lord of the Gods, a good burial [being thine] after a venerable old age, when age has come, thou assuming thy place in the coffin, and joining earth on the high ground of the west.”

“Thou shalt change into a living Ba(1) and surely he will have power to obtain bread and water and air; and thou shalt take shape as a heron or swallow, as a falcon or a bittern, whichever thou pleasest.”

Mircea Eliade "From Primitives to Zen": SURVIVAL AS BA

http://www.mircea-eliade.com/from-primitives-to-zen/169.html

Primary Source #3:

"Homage to thee, Osiris, Lord of eternity, King of the Gods, whose names are manifold, whose forms are holy, thou being of hidden form in the temples, whose Ka is holy. Thou art the governor of Tattu (Busiris), and also the mighty one in Sekhem (Letopolis). Thou art the Lord to whom praises are ascribed in the nome of Ati, thou art the Prince of divine food in Anu. Thou art the Lord who is commemorated in Maati, the Hidden Soul, the Lord of Qerrt (Elephantine), the Ruler supreme in White Wall (Memphis). Thou art the Soul of Ra, his own body, and hast thy place of rest in Henensu (Herakleopolis)”

Egyptian Book of the Dead

http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Books/Papyrus_Ani.html

Explanation of Argument: The first source talks about how the Egyptians embalmed their dead. It was very precise and had to be perfect. They wanted to be treated like kings even when they were dead.the second source talks about the afterlife and how it is a great time. The third primary source shows how they praise the king of the afterlife, Osiris. This shows how they focus so much on the afterlife and death. The Egyptians, obviously, focused much of their attention to death and should e considered “obsessed” with it.

Question: Who is a better model for modern historians: Herodotus or Thucydides? Why?

Thesis: Herodotus is a better model for modern historians due to his great detail and accounts of eye witnesses. This is key for a modern historian.

Primary Source #1:

“Of all the days in the year, the one which they celebrate most is their birthday. It is customary to have the board furnished on that day with an ampler supply than common. The richer Persians cause an ox, a horse, a camel, and an ass to be baked whole and so served up to them: the poorer classes use instead the smaller kinds of cattle. They eat little solid food but abundance of dessert, which is set on table a few dishes at a time; this it is which makes them say that "the Greeks, when they eat, leave off hungry, having nothing worth mention served up to them after the meats; whereas, if they had more put before them, they would not stop eating." They are very fond of wine, and drink it in large quantities. To vomit or obey natural calls in the presence of another is forbidden among them. Such are their customs in these matters.”

Herodotus (c.490-c.425 BCE): On the Customs of the Persians

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herodotus-persians.html

Primary Source #2:

“And now, when the morning broke, the six Persians, according to agreement, met together on horseback, and rode out to the suburb. As they went along they neared the spot where the mare was tethered the night before, whereupon the horse of Darius sprang forward and neighed. just at the same time, though the sky was clear and bright, there was a flash of lightning, followed by a thunderclap. It seemed as if the heavens conspired with Darius, and hereby inaugurated him king: so the five other nobles leaped with one accord from their steeds, and bowed down before him and owned him for their king.”

Herodotus (c.490-c.425 BCE): The Persians Reject Democracy/Darius' State Organization

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herodotus-persdemo.html

Primary Source #3:

“Following this course for many months over a vast stretch of sea, and finding that more water than he had crossed still lay ever before him, he put about, and came back to Egypt. Thence proceeding to the court, he made report to Xerxes, that at the farthest point to which he had reached, the coast was occupied by a dwarfish race, who wore a dress made from the palm tree. These people, whenever he landed, left their towns and fled away to the mountains; his men, however, did them no wrong, only entering into their cities and taking some of their cattle. The reason why he had not sailed quite round Libya was, he said, because the ship stopped, and would no go any further. Xerxes, however, did not accept this account for true; and so Sataspes, as he had failed to accomplish the task set him, was impaled by the king's orders in accordance with the former sentence.”

Herodotus (c.490-c.425 BCE): On Libya, from The Histories, c. 430 BCE

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herod-libya1.html

Explanation of Argument: In the first primary source, Herodotus goes into great detail about something not so significant – how the Persians celebrate their birthdays. I think it is good how he went through so much for information about something so trivial. The second source and third source follow the same as the first. Herodotus goes into great detail and took very detailed observations. He had to have talked to some of the people, which is great for modeling for modern times. Today reporters are all about details and eye witnesses; Herodotus is just like one of them.

Question: Considering all of the conflict of the first century BCE, was Rome better off as an 'empire' than as a republic?

Thesis: Roe was better off as an empire than a republic. They thrived as an empire, but only encountered conflicts as a republic.

Primary Source #1: “The poor were afflicted with great grief, and justly so, both on account of themselves, for they thought that they would no longer dwell in a free state under equitable laws, but were to be reduced to slavery by the rich, and on account of Gracchus personally, who had brought upon himself such peril for their sakes. Therefore, they all escorted him with lamentations to his home at nighttime, and bade him take heart for the next day. Gracchus gathered courage, and calling together his friends before daylight, imparted to them a sign to be made for a resort to violence.”

Appian {1st Cent CE): The Civil Wars (On the Gracchi)

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/appian-civwars1.html

Primary Source #2:

“But the Roman prudence was more particularly employed on matters which have received but little attention from the Greeks---such as paving their roads, constructing aqueducts, and sewers. In fact they have paved the roads, cut through hills, and filled up valleys, so that the merchandise may be conveyed by carriage from the ports. The sewers, arched over with hewn stones, are large enough in parts for actual hay wagons to pass through, while so plentiful is the supply of water from the aqueducts, that rivers may be said to flow through the city and the sewers, and almost every house is furnished with water pipes and copious fountains.”

Strabo (64/3 BCE- c.21 CE): The Grandeur of Rome, c. 20 CE

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/strabo5-rome.html

Primary Source #3:

“In the consulship of Aulus Vitellius and Lucius Vipstanus the question of filling up the Senate was discussed, and the chief men of Gallia Comata, as it was called, who had long possessed the rights of allies and of Roman citizens, sought the privilege of obtaining public offices at Rome. There was much talk of every kind on the subject, and it was argued before the emperor with vehement opposition. "Italy," it was asserted, "is not so feeble as to be unable to furnish its own capital with a senate. Once our native-born citizens sufficed for peoples of our own kin, and we are by no means dissatisfied with the Rome of the past. To this day we cite examples, which under our old customs the Roman character exhibited as to valour and renown.”

Tacitus (b.56/57-after 117 CE): Admitting Provincials to the Senate, 48 CE

Explanation of Argument: The first source talks about how a civil war broke out during the Roman republic. This does not say anything good about the Romans when they were a republic. The second source talks about how Rome is thriving as an empire with new inventions that are improving everything. The third source talks about setting up the empire with officials. This will make Rome’s future positive. All of these sources either say how well the roman empire is doing or how bad the Roman republic is doing.

Question: Were the Vikings “barbarians”?

Thesis: The Vikings were extremely barbaric beyond all other ancient, or medieval societies.

Primary Source #1:

“Moreover I shall part from thee unless thou wreakest vengeance for this." And now he could stand her taunts no longer, and ordered the men to rise at once and take their weapons; and this they yield. And they then proceeded directly to the house of the brothers, and entered it while the folk were asleep, and seized and bound them, and led each one out when he was bound; and, as they came out, Freydis caused each one to be slain. In this wise all of the men were put to death, and only the women were left; and these no one would kill. At this Freydis exclaimed, "Hand me an axe." This was done; and she fell upon the five women, and left them dead.”

The Discovery of North America by Leif Ericsson, c. 1000 from The Saga of Eric the Red, 1387 - Freydis

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1000Vinland.html

Primary Source #2:

“In a passage that has become famous, the Ynglingasaga sets the comrades of Odin before us: 'They went without shields, and were mad as dogs or wolves, and bit on their shields, and were as strong as bears or bulls; men they slew, and neither fire nor steel would deal with them; and this is what is called the fury of the berserker.”

Initiation of a Warrior: Going Berserk, Volsunga Saga chapters 7-8.

http://www.mircea-eliade.com/from-primitives-to-zen/145.html

Primary Source #3:

“The Skrœlingar also found a dead man, and his axe lay beside him. One of them struck a stone with it, and broke the axe. It seemed to them good for nothing, as it did not withstand the stone, and they threw it down.”

EIRIK THE RED'S SAGA: Dealings with the Skrœlingar.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17946/17946-h/17946-h.htm#chap_10

Explanation of Argument: All three sources talk about barbaric deeds the Vikings did. From slaughtering men to the initiating into a certain tribe, the Vikings were truly barbaric.

Question: What was the significance of the Black Death and the 100 Years' War to the development of Europe as we know it today?

Thesis: The Black Death and the 100 Years’ War both profoundly affected the development of Europe, especially England for a long time. These occurrences stunted the growth for hundreds of years.

Primary Source #1:

“DURING these times there was a pestilence, by which the whole human race came near to being annihilated. Now in the case of all other scourges sent from heaven some explanation of a cause might be given by daring men, such as the many theories propounded by those who are clever in these matters; for they love to conjure up causes which are absolutely incomprehensible to man, and to fabricate outlandish theories of natural philosophy knowing well that they are saying nothing sound but considering it sufficient for them, if they completely deceive by their argument some of those whom they meet and persuade them to their view”

Procopius: The Plague, 542, History of the Wars, II.xxii-xxxiii:

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/542procopius-plague.html

Primary Source #2:

“Moreover, the virulence of the pest was the greater by reason the intercourse was apt to convey it from the sick to the whole, just as fire devours things dry or greasy when they are brought close to it, the evil went yet further, for not merely by speech or association with the sick was the malady communicated to the healthy with consequent peril of common death; but any that touched the clothes the sick or aught else that had been touched, or used by these seemed thereby to contract the disease.”

[Tierney 84] Giovanni Boccaccio: Decameron: Introduction, on the Black Death

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/boccacio2.html

Primary Source #3:

“Paid to 40 men-at-arms for their arms and wages, 60 pounds. Paid to the 60 archers, for their wages, bows and arrows, and other necessaries, 30 pounds. Paid to the men-at-arms and archers aforesaid, as a courtesy, by order of the Mayor and Aldermen, 10 pounds. Paid to William Hauteyn, the centenar, and to William Maleseurs, for their trouble in selecting the said 100 men, by precept of the Mayor and Aldermen, 40 shillings. For the purchase of 346 ½ ells of red and green cloth, for gowns, 22 pounds, 19 shillings, 9 pence. For buying 70 ells of blanket for their hoods, 4 pounds, 7 shillings, 6 pence. For making such gowns and hoods, 4 pounds, 7 shillings, 6 pence. For making such gowns and hoods, 100 shillings. Paid to Nicholas de Abyndone, serjeant, for escorting the said men to our Lord the King at Ipswich, 4 marks. For buying a standard, flag and trumpet, and for carriage of arms, 11 shillings. Total, 137 pounds, 11 shillings, 7 pence.”

Payments made to the men sent by the City to aid the King in his war with France (1338)

http://www.deremilitari.org/resources/sources/france1338.htm

Explanation of Argument: The first two sources tell about the tolls of the plague on Europe. The plague was devastating and killed hundreds of people. The third source lists the payments England had to make to France to help with their war campaign. The plague killed of hundreds of people, and the war took away a large amount of money from England. Both of these together set back Europe, especially England.

Question: Structures, both social and physical are continually improving." Agree or disagree -- using examples from this semester's study.

Thesis: Physical and social structures are continually improving. We modernize the ancient inventions.

Primary Source #1:

“I turned in to the games one mid-day hoping for a little wit and humor there. I was bitterly disappointed. It was really mere butchery. The morning's show was merciful compared to it. Then men were thrown to lions and to bears: but at midday to the audience. There was no escape for them. The slayer was kept fighting until he could be slain. "Kill him! flog him! burn him alive" was the cry: "Why is he such a coward? Why won't he rush on the steel? Why does he fall so meekly? Why won't he die willingly?" Unhappy that I am, how have I deserved that I must look on such a scene as this? Do not, my Lucilius, attend the games, I pray you. Either you will be corrupted by the multitude, or, if you show disgust, be hated by them. So stay away.”

Ancient History Sourcebook: Seneca (b.4 BC/1 CE-d. 65 CE): Epistles 7: The Gladiatorial Games

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/seneca-letters7.html

Primary Source #2:

“But dull and unteachable persons are no more produced in the course of nature than are persons marked by monstrosity and deformities; such are certainly but few. It will be a proof of this assertion, that, among boys, good promise is shown in the far greater number; and, if it passes off in the progress of time, it is manifest that it was not natural ability, but care, that was wanting.”

Quintilian: The Ideal Education, c. 90 CE

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/quintilian-education.html

Primary Source #3:

“Oh, come now, Muses, (1)
and go to the craggy sacred place
upon the far-seen, twin-peaked Parnassus, (2)
celebrated and dear to us, Pierian maidens. (3)
Repose on the snow-clad mountain top;
celebrate the Pythian Lord (4)
with the goldensword, Phoebus,
whom Leto bore unassisted (5)
on the Delian rock (6) surrounded by silvery olives,
the luxuriant plant
which the Goddess Pallas (7)
long ago brought forth.”

Limenios: Paean and Processional (Second Delphic Hymn) (138 BCE)

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_1/delphic.html

Explanation of Argument: The first source talks about the gladiator games. We no longer today have them as they result in killing people, but we do have movies about war that are similar. The second source talks about education. We have taken the forms of education in the ancient world and made them our own. The third source is a song. Today there are hundreds of artists all composing new music.