Monday, December 13, 2010

Summary for Humanities

Humanities Summary
Roman and Christianities
Christian, Roman and Jewish beliefs were very different religions. This section especially talks about the differences and the similarities of the fights of the religions. This section has also shown the fights and the misunderstandings that have happened in ancient Rome because of the differences. An emperor called Nero was the first one to be blamed for a fire in the roman city that represented disrespect to the Christians. The center of Rome was severely destroyed by the big fire Nero has caused just because of the hatred to the Christians. The chapter also talks about their Christian sins and beliefs and gods also as well as rituals. For example baptism means that when you are baptized, you are fully living a Christian life. Christians are more often baptized at a young age. Also something that still happens in churches every Sunday is the pray, to our lord above, and the spirit of Christ. Romans did not fully accept the laws of any of the beliefs but there’s, but unlike them Paul taught Christians to obey the Roman law and follow the both laws. Although many of you thought religions were legal at the time, Christianity wasn’t until 100 A.D., this was the reason Paul was arrested, for spreading an illegal religion. Because of the kindness and generosity that the Christians have shown, many of them started respecting and keeping the Christian religion. Constantine was one of the people that had brought religion closer, and put the religions together, so that many religions were respectful to each other. Christianity later became more powerful, and had many powers over the Roman Empire. As the Christians were highly populating I think every belief should be respected in its own way.
Importance of the summary
-          Nero’s blames fire on the Ch.
-          Persecution of the Christians
-          Church+ state
-          Diocletian
-          Baptism+ Lord’s supper
-          Excommunicate
-          Constantine’s influence on Christians
-          Christians- rise
Roman Empire lowers the population

Questions for Chapter

Humanities review
How did early Christianity affect Rome?
Christianity has left the strongest impact on the western civilization. Paul=Saul was the one to be spreading the religion Christianity around Rome, turning the non-Jews into Christians. Paul spread Christianity throughout the world, and made the religion one of the most practiced. But how might you ask did he get throughout most of Europe and Rome in good shape, well as many of you might know, Romans are known for their good quality roads, on which Paul was to travel. Paul thought everyone had a chance to believe in someone and have love when it is not circular. But unfortunately Paul was caught and arrested for illegal spreading a religion to Gentiles.
How was Christianity created?
The belief of how the Christian religion came to be was one of the most interesting religions ever create. Everything started off with how a man named Saul went on a journey searching for other people’s beliefs, thinking that believing in only one god was impossible, that there must be a reason for all natural happenings. And so as he searched, and it is said he was touched by Jesus and that is how the whole story went on.
What was roman religion?
Romans beliefs were very broad and open minded but Judaism and Christianity were the most followed. Romans would make up gods and believe in them. Romans would accept the gods of other people alongside their own. But even though many religions were practiced, Judaism and Christianity were the most practiced and believed in Rome.
Compare Christianity and Judaism.
These two religions are very different. Although both of them believe and worship Jesus there is a differentiation. The Christians believed that he was the son of god or Messiah.  Jews believe in only one god and the Christians believe in many gods. [I believe that the only reason for that was the fact that they needed something to believe in. they didn’t think it was normal to think that all that we have on earth naturally has some meaning and was created by a god or someone else because there is no better solution]. Both Christians and Jews lived in the same community. The Christians tried to convert the Jews and change their minds about their beliefs. Both of the two beliefs were divided into groups they saw the world in 2 parts the Jews and the Gentiles or in other words the non-Jews.

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Truly Great One

Some might think he was great, some might think he was a despot, but for me he was truly a hero who acted by thought. The reasons he was an amazing leader was because he was a very wise man and was very open-minded; another reason is the fact that he managed to spread the Greek culture throughout the world.  My last thought would be that he had expanded Greece, as well as showing his might and power to the world that truly was very strong, and these are some of the reasons why Alexander became  known worldwide .You might hear people saying he was ‘Alexander the Despot’. Why would someone think this? I had researched to check in case I agree with these people, there facts are not very strong and this is why I think this way-at the time he was growing up instead of just helping his men, he concentrated on spreading the culture throughout the world. The second reason why people thought that  Alexander did not deserve his title was that the evidence suggests that Greek culture did not increase or spread, how might they know this? Do they have any significant evidence? No. Then how can they be so sure to write something not all people can trust without any proof. Their final reason for believing Alexander was not great; is that he was not the man that conquered the most at that time; they are stating that more land was conquered even before Alexander the “Despot” was born. This, in my opinion, is not true. Alexander was one of the most successful conquerors of all times! These are my supportive reasons.
One reason why I think Alexander of Macedonia  was a genius in many ways is that it seemed like the Greeks thought the same. One example of his greatness is the fact that once his father died, he took on his father’s throne, and treated the people with love and respect. Alexander had a very influential father, King Philip. When Alexander was born 356 BC, King Philip decided to make a real ere to his throne out of his son. He made sure that Alexander was brought up by his own rules and gave him the support and education that was needed for a good ruler,  that Alexander did become. Unfortunately King Philip had died at the age 32 when Alexander was old enough to take over [age: 16]. Alexander proved to be  strong and powerful enough to take over the throne. He followed through with the ideas and principles his father laid out and added a lot of his own ideas. His father built new battle formations, had a large number of weapons and, planned to create a new empire. Alexander then continued the plan; he was a military genius of extraordinary energy and courage. Alexander expanded the country by conquering city-states and winning battles such as the Persian battle against the Persian King Darius the 3rd. Alexander founded many countries which were named after him including an area in Egypt. His plans, as were his father’s were to rid themselves from the Persians. He replaced local rulers with Greek ones. Alexander’s army was one of the strongest; he was the head of a royal army.
                It was said that he expanded the Greek empire throughout Macedonia and discovered new lands, many of them named Alexandria, after him. This expansion brought a lot more land for agriculture; they were able to build more cities, which brought trade, and many riches to the city-states. Alexander and his troops embraced many tore down regions and renewed them, for training the new soldiers. One more important thing about expanding was the fact that enemies would be reluctant to attack this colossal empire. Alexander the great was a warrior therefore with a larger state he gained a larger army.  With this he was able to defeat one of his greatest enemies Darius 3rd, the Persian king.
He had also introduced different territories with the Greek culture. Today within many cultures remain things from the Greek culture that would not have been achieved without Alexander, the one and only mighty leader. He was taught by a great Greek teacher, Aristotle, and therefore, he had significant education which led him to new ideas, first of all spreading the culture of his people which made the Greek people one of the most respected nation at the time. As another example of his genius thoughts was the fact that he showed respect towards other cultures as well. One way of showing this respect is he wore Persian clothes. Also,  Alexander built a museum for un-educated people to become sufficient adults, the museum contained math studies, poetry, philosophies, and art, and this was available to all people.  The Greek influence that he spread became so well known that this period was named the Hellenistic Age [which means Greek- like].
My research on Alexander the great persuaded me to think that he was truly a mastermind. I admire his thoughts, his courage and might. Besides being a ruler and warrior he did not forget other things a civilization needs in order to succeed. I think that for being a leader such as the one Alexander was it is necessary to develop many aspects of life. He equally treated slaves and royalties. Alexander aimed to make a country the best both culturally and politically. Where is Alexander now when we need him???

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Roman Genius

The Roman genius would not be able to get achieved without of the help of the Greeks. The Greeks is what brought the Roman ideas to life. Many  of the ideas Romans have claimed that its theirs, is not, most of them are stolen or taken away from the Greeks, so technically the ideas, and change of culture would not be achieved without this remarkable help the Romans, have gathered by simply taking away Greeks as slaves, teachers, and warriors. Greeks served them well. There were many tasks that were put on these Greeks to achieve. Soon as these two cultures work together to conquer this culture was named Greco-Roman. Am mix of Greece and Roman culture together. Greco-Roman have explored literature, and soon Romans had to know both Greek and Roman literature and philosophy.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Reflection on Ancient Greece

Greece is one of my favorite places on Earth. I spend most of my summer, on the beautiful beaches in Greece. I also think that Greece is one of the only places that has an interesting history. Not many places had, had such believes, and such broad culture. I have written, learned and discussed much about this broad civilization. The most interesting thing we did about Greece, was definitely the Socratic seminar. I love discussing peoples opinions, thoughts, and sharing  knowledge to know more. This is one way i learn more, I like hearing what others have to say, and what they have learned, in class with me and my other peers. It is always interesting to hear what people heard or learned when you have never heard that fact or information before. I think that we should have these seminars every unit we have. Overall i LOVED talking about this amazing ancient place.
You just have got to love this beautiful Greece! :)