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Minoan Bull-Leaping, 2007.
An analysis of Minoan bull-leaping as an act of human sacrifice.
1,711 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that bull-leaping was not an intentional act of human sacrifice, but rather a highly prestigious, overtly religious ritual undertaken by the Minoan elite. It describes bull-leaping as depicted in archaeological evidence, explores to what extent the practice could have resembled the artistic depictions of the act and analyses the danger and possibility of performing such a feat. The paper also considers the controversial evidence of "human sacrifice" at the Anemospilia temple; looks at the other violent sports practiced by the Minoans; emphasises the religious significance of bull-leaping and discusses the necessary skill of the bull-leapers themselves.
From the Paper
"That the Minoans practised human sacrifice was a possibility introduced following the grisly findings at the Anemospilia temple. Inside the temple ruins was, as Castleden1 (1990, 168-73) describes, the remains of a young man, with his legs tightly folded up, upon what appears to have been a sacrificial table. A long bronze blade was found beside him. The excavators, Y. Sakellarakis and E. Sapouna-Sakellaraki, proposed that the youth was sacrificed in order to avert the impending earthquake which destroyed the temple. Castleden not only maintains that human sacrifice was performed in this instance, he insists that it would have been an integral religious practise - enacted on many more occasions. He pushes the concept of the Minoans hidden 'shadow side' - mentioning several other examples."
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"The Mummy", 2006.
A critical evaluation of the 1932 classic horror film "The Mummy".
1,292 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper is a review and critical evaluation of the Hollywood movie "The Mummy", about mummies, ancient Egypt and archeology. In particular, it looks at how although it has many factual errors, the movie's non-fictional information about ancient Egyptian practices and history are rather precise.
From the Paper
"The funeral procession in the movie was also very precise in depicting correct ancient Egyptian practices. Royal funerals in ancient Egypt were grandiose affairs that included offering bearers, priests, and mourners. All kinds of food and grave goods were carried by the offering bearers. Priests would be chanting spells and hymns while burning incense. The coffin of the deceased would be pulled on a sled by oxen, and behind the whole procession were the mourners who would be hired to cry loudly and tear their clothes in grief. All of these specific rituals and practices were successfully portrayed in the 1932 classic when Imhotep shows Helen the funeral procession of Ankhsunamun."
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The Difficulties in Archaeological Investigation, 2006.
This paper examines archaeological methods for identifying sites of imperial control in the ancient world.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In "Dimensions of Imperial Control: The Vijayanagara Capital," Carla Sinopoli and Kathleen Morrison confront this difficulty in archaeological investigation, attempting a more cautious and evidence-based analysis of the sites of power in and around the capital city of the Vijayanagara empire. They begin their assessment, rightly, with a basic ideological assumption about the nature of archaeology of ancient empires: overarching models that describe imperial control and loci of power that are relatively useless.
From the Paper
"Archaeology can be a frustrating discipline. The scholars who form the ranks of the world's archaeological institutions spend lifetimes sifting through scant clues to reconstruct the intimate details of civilizations long gone. Mistakes are easily made. Evidence is easily misinterpreted. It takes years of pointed training to develop the practical and intellectual skills to draw some meaningful conclusions regarding the characteristics of the ancient world. It's somewhat akin to trying to solve a murder mystery with only the briefest of clues that happened thousands of years prior. (In fact, Bob Brier--a famous Egyptologist--did just that, working to solve what he concluded was the murder of Tutankhamen)."
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Michael S. Nassaney, 2006.
An assessment of "An Epistemological Inquiry into Some Archaeological and Historical Interpretations of 17th Century Nation American-European Relations" by Michael S. Nassaney.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper assesses Michael S. Nassaney's article, "An Epistemological Inquiry into Some Archaeological and Historical Interpretations of 17th Century Nation American-European Relations" showing that objective interpretations are based on the current society. According to the paper, Nassaney's article discusses the archaeological records of the Narragansett Native American tribe. His thesis states "I will show that 'objective' interpretations of the archaeological record are ideologically charged while serving to empower those with access to the record".
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Huntington's Clash of Civilizations, 2006.
A review of "The Clash of Civilizations and the Making of the World Order" by Samuel Huntington.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how in "The Clash of Civilizations and the Making of the World Order", Harvard political scientist Samuel Huntington argues that the modern world should be viewed not as bipolar, or as a collection of nation-states, but as a set of seven or eight cultural civilizations. The paper further discusses how, according to Huntington, these cultural entities are distinct and large enough to be called civilizations, and are fated to interact in terms of their respective civilizational identities, which may lead to a clash of civilizations.
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The Beginning of Civilization, 2006.
This paper looks at what the field of archaeology can tell us about the beginning of civilization.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
Mesopotamia is a region between the Tigris and Euphrates which rose significantly in terms of urbanization in the Old World. Archaeologists, anthropologists, sociologists and Near Eastern historians have shown us how ceremonial, commercial, and redistributive concepts developed in this region. This paper discusses archaeological perspectives on the beginning of civilization.
From the Paper
"For example, arguments from Paul Wheatley asserted that the ceremonial centers drew people to listen to the religious texts within temples, which primarily began urban generation. Fustel de Coulanges revived the same idea that Wheatley comprised. In essence, ceremonial centers were definitely established before obtaining economical roles, which took centuries later. Religion provided the authority to bring forth agricultural goods or other resources (Wieroop 24)."
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Eratosthenes and Measurement, 2006.
A biographical account of the life of Greek scholar Eratosthenes and his many contributions to the sciences.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This six page paper looks closely at the ancient and historical figure of Eratosthenes, who died around 195 BC. He made many significant contributions to the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy, geography, and many others. His discovery of the diameter of the earth has been proven to be highly accurate today. As thus, his work is of lasting importance.
From the Paper
"Eratosthenes, a Greek scholar from about 276-195 B.C, is remembered chiefly for his scientific measurements of the earth's circumference. His work, albeit somewhat unacknowledged by his contemporaries, resulted in fantastic scientific experiments which are comparably accurate even today. By looking briefly at his biography, and then the results of his experiments, Eratosthenes will be shown to be both a highly important as well as a highly innovative thinker of his age, regardless of how he was considered at the time of his life work. Born in North Africa, Cyrene, Eratosthenes spent much of his educational time in Athens. In Athens he received the education..."
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Carneiro's Coercive Theory, 2006.
This paper examines the Carneiro's anthropological theories of South American archaeology in light of David J. Wilson's recent additions to his research.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the necessity of ongoing research as a tool for building knowledge in all scientific fields. The example of Carneiro's anthropological theories from the 1970's is used in light of new research in the field by David J. Wilson. Wilson's methods of testing previously held theories and building on them is highlighted.
From the Paper
"Carneiro's Coercive Theory: In any of the sciences, previously published and discussed theories are important for the continuation of growth and discovery within the field of study. In the social science of anthropology, this manner of building upon previous scholarship is no different than in any other science. Previously held theories are reviewed with and applied to current studies by current anthropologists. One recent example of this can be found in the work of David J. Wilson as he studied archaeology in South America. Wilson tested the hypotheses that were laid out by 1970s American anthropologist Robert Carneiro. This paper shall deal with how Wilson's work related to and built upon Carneiro's Coercive Theory, first defining and laying out just what this theory is, and then studying how Wilson's work added to scientific thought by using said theory. In the 1970s, anthropologist Robert Carneiro was investigating..."
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Archaeology, 2005.
A discussion on archaeology and their interpretations of history.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 10 sources, $ 133.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the relationships between archaeologists and the descendants of those they study, particularly in the North American southwest desert. The paper specifically looks at the Anasazi and their Hopi and Zuni descendants and the differences between the archaeologists' interpretation of history and that of the native people. The paper also looks at the role of Pan-Indian identity and ethnicity.
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Greek Krater, 2005.
An analysis of the Greek vase or bowl, the krater.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper describes and discusses a Greek krater. A krater is an ancient Greek vase or bowl. The paper looks at how kraters were originally used for mixing wine with water at banquets and describes its specific style. The paper introduces the geometric style Krater with an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It also analyzes how the geometric style evolved and the issues with dating these works.
From the Paper
"A krater is a Greek vase or bowl. It has a wide mouth, handles on either side, and a foot on which it stands. These bowls were used to mix wine with water at banquets in ancient Greece. These vases are often adorned with scenes from Greek mythology or scenes of banquets like the one at which the krater would be used. Many of the kraters found in Greece reflect what is called the geometric style, an example of which is the Terracotta Krater, ca. 750-735 B.C., found today in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The geometric style this krater represents is an early form that evolved into more advanced forms of Greek vase painting, and dating such works can be an issue because the geometric style often persisted beyond its early date and so co-existed with more advanced styles."
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