(1056,31,'2011-04-15 12:52:27','2011-04-15 18:52:27','<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Tintosoup.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"420\" height=\"268\" />\r\n\r\nhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Tintosoup.jpg\r\n\r\nWhen you think of the “Last Supper” many immediately think of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”. We aren’t always as familiar with other renditions of the last supper, one of which is Made by Jacopo Tintoretto. It’s a shame this picture is over shadowed by Da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” his art is very dynamic and truly embodies the ability of the Renaissance artist.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nTintoretto’s “Last supper” is a huge oil painting on a twelve by almost nineteen foot canvas. It was made between 1592-1594. Tintoretto painted the “Last Supper” several times in his life. This version can be described as the fest of the poor, in which the figure of Christ mingles with the crowds of apostles. However, a supernatural scene with winged figures comes into sight by the light around his head. This endows the painting with a visional character clearly differentiating it from paintings of the same subject made by earlier painters like Leonardo.(Kren) It depicts Jesus and all his disciples, Jude is thought to be on the opposite side of the table. Jesus and his disciples are displayed with glowing halo’s around there heads except Jude. Jude is displayed with a glowing back which I believe could symbolize “back stabbing” Jesus.\r\n\r\nThe painting of Tintoretto’s “Last Supper” is housed in Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Tintoretto is described by Robert Hahn, “He was a devout painter, as we see in his great series of Last Suppers.”(Hahn) The painting is very dark and uses contrast extensively. Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is bright and seems to use contrast less drastically. Da Vinci’s “Last supper” was painted on a wall and is very quickly diminishing; Tintorreto’s however is still preserved well because of his choice in paints and canvas. Both artists use perspective, one-point perspective   is a mathematical system for representing three-dimensional surface by means of intersecting lines that are drawn vertically  and horizontally and that the radiate from one point. (one-point) The two perspectives are completely different, Da Vinci’s you seem to be on the opposite side of the table as if you are a member of the party, while Tintoretto’s piece you are an onlooker into the room of which the feast is being held. Both pieces look very natural, but for completely different reasons Tintoretto for its , while Da Vinci’s natural look comes from the character’s reactions.  There is no disputing that both painters where masters.\r\n\r\nTintoretto in his day was very popular. He made many pieces and was a very successful artist. His art was typical of the renaissance because of the techniques he uses, like one point perspective and contrast. However this piece is very unique for the fact that there are slaves displayed in the same picture with Jesus and his disciples and even interacting with them. This is very strange to see in a religious painting, and thus why the picture gets its description of the fest of the poor. This piece was so successful many more renditions of the “Last Super” where made by his studio.  I feel this work really shows off the master’s ability and is very natural.\r\n\r\nTintoretto’s real name was Jacopo Robust. He studied Michelangelo’s works and was quickly recognized for his talent. His early works are often confused with Bonifazio Veronese’s, Paris Bordone’s, and Andrea Schiavone’s works. In his later works are much easier to describe as his because he works dramatically with light and shadows. (Tintoretto) The “Last Supper” was produced for the Scuola di S. Rocco. Tintoretto spent almost all his career in Venice, where he maintained a busy workshop producing a vast output of religious paintings, portraits, and a number of allegorical and mythological subjects.(Tintoretto (1518))\r\n\r\nFor future generation I believe it is important to preserve Tintoretto’s piece to compare the “Last Supper” and even preserve it. It will hopeful still be around when the Da Vinci’s last supper is no more and step up into the spotlight as an exeplaeraryu piece of art from the renaissance.\r\n\r\nWorks Cited\r\n\r\nKren, Emil, and Daniel Marx. \"Tinterreto.\" <em>Web Gallery of Art, Image Collection, Virtual Museum, Searchable Database of European Fine Arts (1000-1850)</em>. Web. 06 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/t/tintoret/5_1580s/3lastsup.html&gt;.\r\n\r\n\"Tintoretto.\" <em>Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition</em> (2010): 1. <em>Middle Search Plus</em>. EBSCO. Web. 6 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n\"Tintoretto (1518-1594).\" <em>Hutchinson\'s Biography Database</em> (2003): 1. <em>Middle Search Plus</em>. EBSCO. Web. 13 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n\"one-point perspective.\" <em>Dictionary.com Unabridged</em>. Random House, Inc. 14 Apr. 2011. &lt;Dictionary.com <a href=\"http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/one-point%20perspective\" target=\"_parent\">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/one-point perspective</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nHahn, Robert. \"A Witness to Tintoretto.\" <em>Southwest Review</em>. 192-212. Southern Methodist University, 2004. <em>Academic Search Complete</em>. EBSCO. Web. 15 Apr. 2011.','Tintoretto’s Last Supper','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-4','','','2011-04-15 12:52:27','2011-04-15 18:52:27','',1052,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1056',0,'revision','',0),(1057,31,'2011-04-15 12:54:02','2011-04-15 18:54:02','<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Tintosoup.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"420\" height=\"268\" />\n\nhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Tintosoup.jpg\n\nWhen you think of the “Last Supper” many immediately think of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”. We aren’t always as familiar with other renditions of the last supper, one of which is Made by Jacopo Tintoretto. It’s a shame this picture is over shadowed by Da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” his art is very dynamic and truly embodies the ability of the Renaissance artist.<!--more-->\n\nTintoretto’s “Last supper” is a huge oil painting on a twelve by almost nineteen foot canvas. It was made between 1592-1594. Tintoretto painted the “Last Supper” several times in his life. This version can be described as the fest of the poor, in which the figure of Christ mingles with the crowds of apostles. However, a supernatural scene with winged figures comes into sight by the light around his head. This endows the painting with a visional character clearly differentiating it from paintings of the same subject made by earlier painters like Leonardo.(Kren) It depicts Jesus and all his disciples, Jude is thought to be on the opposite side of the table. Jesus and his disciples are displayed with glowing halo’s around there heads except Jude. Jude is displayed with a glowing back which I believe could symbolize “back stabbing” Jesus.\n\nThe painting of Tintoretto’s “Last Supper” is housed in Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Tintoretto is described by Robert Hahn, “He was a devout painter, as we see in his great series of Last Suppers.”(Hahn) The painting is very dark and uses contrast extensively. Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is bright and seems to use contrast less drastically. Da Vinci’s “Last supper” was painted on a wall and is very quickly diminishing; Tintorreto’s however is still preserved well because of his choice in paints and canvas. Both artists use perspective, one-point perspective   is a mathematical system for representing three-dimensional surface by means of intersecting lines that are drawn vertically  and horizontally and that the radiate from one point. (one-point) The two perspectives are completely different, Da Vinci’s you seem to be on the opposite side of the table as if you are a member of the party, while Tintoretto’s piece you are an onlooker into the room of which the feast is being held. Both pieces look very natural, but for completely different reasons Tintoretto for its , while Da Vinci’s natural look comes from the character’s reactions.  There is no disputing that both painters where masters.\n\nTintoretto in his day was very popular. He made many pieces and was a very successful artist. His art was typical of the renaissance because of the techniques he uses, like one point perspective and contrast. However this piece is very unique for the fact that there are slaves displayed in the same picture with Jesus and his disciples and even interacting with them. This is very strange to see in a religious painting, and thus why the picture gets its description of the fest of the poor. This piece was so successful many more renditions of the “Last Super” where made by his studio.  I feel this work really shows off the master’s ability and is very natural.\n\nTintoretto’s real name was Jacopo Robust. He studied Michelangelo’s works and was quickly recognized for his talent. His early works are often confused with Bonifazio Veronese’s, Paris Bordone’s, and Andrea Schiavone’s works. In his later works are much easier to describe as his because he works dramatically with light and shadows. (Tintoretto) The “Last Supper” was produced for the Scuola di S. Rocco. Tintoretto spent almost all his career in Venice, where he maintained a busy workshop producing a vast output of religious paintings, portraits, and a number of allegorical and mythological subjects.(Tintoretto (1518))\n\nFor future generation I believe it is important to preserve Tintoretto’s piece to compare the “Last Supper” and even preserve it. It will hopeful still be around when the Da Vinci’s last supper is no more and step up into the spotlight as an exeplaeraryu piece of art from the renaissance.\n\nWorks Cited\n\nKren, Emil, and Daniel Marx. \"Tinterreto.\" <em>Web Gallery of Art, Image Collection, Virtual Museum, Searchable Database of European Fine Arts (1000-1850)</em>. Web. 06 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/t/tintoret/5_1580s/3lastsup.html&gt;.\n\n\"Tintoretto.\" <em>Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition</em> (2010): 1. <em>Middle Search Plus</em>. EBSCO. Web. 6 Apr. 2011.\n\n\"Tintoretto (1518-1594).\" <em>Hutchinson\'s Biography Database</em> (2003): 1. <em>Middle Search Plus</em>. EBSCO. Web. 13 Apr. 2011.\n\n\"one-point perspective.\" <em>Dictionary.com Unabridged</em>. Random House, Inc. 14 Apr. 2011. &lt;Dictionary.com <a href=\"http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/one-point%20perspective\" target=\"_parent\">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/one-point perspective</a>&gt;.\n\nHahn, Robert. \"A Witness to Tintoretto.\" <em>Southwest Review</em>. 192-212. Southern Methodist University, 2004. <em>Academic Search Complete</em>. EBSCO. Web. 15 Apr. 2011.','Tintoretto’s Last Supper','','inherit','open','open','','1052-autosave','','','2011-04-15 12:54:02','2011-04-15 18:54:02','',1052,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1057',0,'revision','',0),(1060,19,'2011-04-15 16:04:49','2011-04-15 22:04:49','<strong>Michelangelo’s David</strong>\r\n\r\nMichelangelo was considered one of the greater artists of the Renaissance period with many works including painting, architecture and sculpture.   One of his more renowned works of art was his sculpture of the biblical figure David, constructed between the time of 1501 and 1504.  Unlike Donatello and Verrocchio’s sculptures of David where he appears standing after his biblical victory over Goliath, Michelangelo depicted him previous to the battle making him appear very tense.  At the young age of twenty seven, it took only two years for the Italian artist to complete the sculpture of David, which inevitably would lead to his future success. <!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe Statue of David can be considered very typical if not ideal for its time during the renaissance.  The renaissance represented a period of reformation following the middle ages, concentrating highly on humanism and experimentalism, which would create vast new techniques in art.  These new ideas would lead to an evolution in artistic expression of the natural world, and would set a standard for art of all genres in the west until the late nineteenth century (Fiero).  Michelangelo was very skilled in Contrapposto, which is essentially giving the appearance of an unequal distribution of weight, making the sculpture look much more alive (50 Sculptures You Should Know).  “In this era, all three forms of art are thought to be based on <em>disegno</em>, an artistic discipline built on knowledge of the male human form.  Sculpture is considered the finest art form because it mimics divine creation: The sculptural image is found within the block of stone much as the human soul is found within the physical body,” (PBS.org).\r\n\r\nStanding almost seventeen feet high and carved from a large single block of marble, Michelangelo’s David is arguably the most innovative sculpture of the Renaissance era.  His mastery of contrappasto in this sculpture is obvious, making David’s physical form look extremely lifelike and also making him look tense before his battle which was viewed vastly impressive.  Donatello’s sculpture of David created sixty years earlier was now considered almost obsolete compared to Michelangelo’s masterpiece with David appearing much larger and more courageous than before.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned earlier, the Florentines would receive this work with much admiration and appreciation.  The state of Florence being incredibly inferior to their larger surrounding nations, Michelangelo’s David was perceived as a symbol of courage to the city.  “The Florentines wanted David among them, carved in stone and on the cathedral, to represent the struggle of the weak against the strong- for the Florentine Republic was surrounded by more powerful states that threatened its independence,” (50 Sculptures You Should Know).\r\n\r\nMichelangelo’s David is still today considered one of the most detailed, important and influential sculptures in history.  Art historians comment particularly on the detail of David’s mood shown in the sculpture.  In an essay written by J. Huston McCulloch, Dr. Pietro Antonio Bernabei of the Careggi hospital in Florence is quoted saying, “His right leg is tensed while the left one juts forward \'like that of a fencer, or even a boxer.\' Tension is written all over his face. His eyes are wide open. His nostrils are flared. And the muscles between his eyebrows stand out, exactly as they would if they were tightened by concentration and aggression.\"  The only difference in the way this work was received at the time of creation and now is the level of importance and influence it had on the people of Florence.  As I mentioned earlier, the Florentines were considered much more inferior to their surrounding nations.  This sculpture then was viewed as much more than just a work of art at that time, it was a symbol of the strength and courage needed by these people just as it was needed by David to slay Goliath.\r\n\r\nPersonally I think the sculpture of David has to be the most important work in sculpting in the history of the world.  The fact that at the young age of twenty-seven, with one large block of marble, Michelangelo was able to create a seventeen foot masterpiece of one of the most prominent and courageous figures in biblical history (Michelangelo’s Mountain).  I can only hope one day to see this work of Michelangelo in person to truly understand the skill required for such an accomplishment.\r\n\r\nThis work can be compared to Donatello’s David in a sense that both are sculptures of the same person, otherwise Michelangelo’s is far superior. By depicting David before his battle with Goliath as opposed to Donatello’s post battle image with the giant’s head at his feet.  Another difference is that Donatello used bronze instead of the marble used by Michelangelo.  Though Donatello’s David was an incredible accomplishment of self-admiring work, which was a popular renaissance theme, it lacked the detail of emotion and size in Michelangelo’s David (Hartt).\r\n\r\nThis work is very important for future generations to know of for many reasons.  Take for instance the level of influence the Renaissance had on art and creativity.  The most innovative time in history for sculpture, painting, architecture, and theatre came during the renaissance, and definitely showed in Michelangelo’s work.  Along his other amazing works, David was a symbol of hope, strength and courage for many generations of people in Italy.  For this and many other reasons it is crucial that this work be preserved for future generations to observe and admire.\r\n\r\nWorks Cited:\r\n\r\nScigliano, Eric.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Michelangelo’s Mountain, The Quest for Perfection in the Marble Quarries of</span> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Carrara.</span> New York: Free Press, 2005.\r\n\r\nKuhl, Isabel, Klaus Reichold, Kristina Lowis, and Christiane Weidmann.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">50 Sculptures You</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Should Know About.</span> New York: Prestal Publishing, 2009.\r\n\r\nHartt, Frederick.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Michelangelo.</span> New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.  2004\r\n\r\nFiero, K Gloria.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Humanistic Tradition, Sixth Edition.</span> New York: Mcgraw-Hill. 2011.\r\n\r\nMcCulloch, J Huston.  “David: A New Perspective.” <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.econ.ohio-state.edu/jhm/\">http://www.econ.ohio-state.edu/jhm/</a></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Arch/david/David.htm. </span> Ed. J. Huston McCulloch.  7 June 2007.','Michelangelo\'s David','','publish','open','open','','michelangelos-david','','','2011-04-16 19:48:42','2011-04-17 01:48:42','',0,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1060',0,'post','',14),(1061,19,'2011-04-15 16:03:43','2011-04-15 22:03:43','','Michelangelo\'s David','','inherit','open','open','','1060-revision','','','2011-04-15 16:03:43','2011-04-15 22:03:43','',1060,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1061',0,'revision','',0),(1064,1,'2011-04-12 20:30:10','2011-04-13 02:30:10','<p style=\"text-align: center\"> </p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<a href=\"http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg\">http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg</a>\r\n\r\nSir Thomas More was born in England in 1478 and worked as chancellor to King Henry VIII during the king\'s controversial break with the Catholic church. More was a Christian man who relied heavily on his own conscience. He stood up for religious tolerance and Christian charity. He was \"unwilling to compromise his conviction as a Roman Catholic\" (Fiero, 19) and by opposing the actions of the king, was executed for treason in 1535. Although More worked for the kind most of his life, he had a constant struggle on whether to remain loyal to the king and continue to join his services, or to remain a philosopher. When More wrote his most famous piece: Utopia (1516) the first literary description of a \"perfect\" or ideal state since \"Republic\" by Plato. More centered this story around Europe\'s statecraft and current state of society and titled it Utopia, meaning in Greek both \"good place\" and \"no place\" (Fiero, 19). More created a society where everything was equal (except to slaves) and where all citizens were equally responsible for social justice. The Utopians in the made-up society are not Christians, but stand by the Christian morals of charity and morality. More wrote \"Utopia\" in the form of a critique (on European state at the time) and as a political satire. In Utopian society, wives serve their husbands, and children serve their parents. Cities are divided equally into four separate parts and there is a marketplace in the center of each. At the marketplace, people bring their crops or tools they make and lay them out for people from their cities to come take back to their houses. The fathers of each family take what is necessary for their family’s survival and need not pay anything in return. In \"Utopia,\" there is no such thing as greed and people do not want things because excess is not part of their vocabulary. People do not need money, because there is no denial for anything- there is plenty of everything to go around. The Utopians hoard a vast array of metals that they take from foreign trade and use them for the military or for anything else they need. \" They have no inducements to do this, since they are sure they shall always be supplied\" (Fiero, 19). People have no need for gold or silver or anything of \"value\" because they don\'t find it necessary to live. \"The folly of men has enhanced the value of gold and silver, because of their scarcity. Whereas, on the contrary, it is their opinion that nature as an indulgent parent, has freely given us all the best things in great abundance\" (Fiero, 19). In other words, to the Utopians things in vain are worthless. If something like gold or diamonds is attained, it is because someone in society has come across it by accident- and in this case they adorn their children with these treasures. The goods given to their children will \"glory\" them while they are children and when they are older they will understand that \"none but children use such baubles, they of their own accords, without being being bid by their parents lay them aside\" (Fiero, 19). One of the last main points More puts in his \"Utopia\" is that war is brutal and is extremely unnecessary and should be avoided at all cost. More says that \"nothing is more inglorious than glory attained by war\" (Fiero, 19) and that no matter what if a truce is made- it will never be broken. The Utopian society takes truces so seriously that nothing can make them break it. The Utopians will not burn an enemy’s crops, kill their horses or kill any man- unless he is a spy.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nDuring this time in England, Henry VIII was the reigning king and was not the most successful at his job. There was turmoil throughout the country- there was the very rich and there were MANY poor, which contributed quite a bit to More\'s philosophical theories. King Henry VIII was blowing away England\'s money and didn\'t do a great job in supporting all of society. The wealthy English were entranced by money and things of high \"value\" and were concerned with minute issues and not the big picture. Farmers were losing their land and were forced to move, which caused a decline in harvested crops which made prices skyrocket. This made the poor poorer and the land available was now in the hands of fewer people. This made people desperate in order to keep their families alive- so they resorted to stealing in order to survive. \"By enclosing land, members of the upper class in England created a socioeconomic as well as physical division between the classes\" (Park, 1). In other words, England was not a happy place-which makes it easy to understand why More wrote \"Utopia\" and imagined a place completely opposite to the hellish landscape around him. (This is also the King who created his OWN church because the one he was loyal to for his entire life wouldn\'t grant him a divorce; who would want to work under this type of person?) The characters in \"Utopia\" are said to represent actual historical figures during More\'s time period. More, Giles and Morton (the main characters in the story) all correspond to the biological history of More\'s life. Peter Giles was a Humanist thinker and Cardinal John Morton was the former Chancellor of England. Although the characters in the story are not exact copies of the real people, More used these names and personalities to represent actual happenings and beliefs he had. Hythloday, the character in the story who meets the three characters discussed before, informs them about a place he had traveled to before called \"Utopia.\" He explains how no matter how good a policy or idea is (such a Utopia) it will always seem crazy to another person who sees the world differently. In the story Hythloday specifically says that the Utopian view is superior to the Europeans even though citizens of Europe would think differently. He goes on to say that he would like to see Utopian practices put into place in Europe but feels it may never happen (this is the real Sir Thomas More making it apparent that the feelings of the characters in his stories are his and that they should be taken seriously in the real world).\r\n\r\n\"Utopia\" is definitely not a typical work of its era. More\'s thought were completely out of the ordinary for the average person during his time. Sure, many philosophers (like Plato) thought like him, but the common man wouldn\'t think of writing a critique on the country they live in- not without thinking of dying for treason first! His thoughts were so before his time that many disagreed with his opinions. \"Utopia\" was radical in its day- More\'s view on \"idealistic revolution\" (Gerard, 1) is still controversial today. Even though the world has progressed (somewhat) towards this utopian-like place, many issues addressed in \"Utopia\" are still not fixed today (war for instance). More was critical of the world he lived in, economic order was constantly changing and More believed a lot of the changes were evil. He wrote \"Utopia\" to suggest some solutions to the problems Europe was having. More\'s differed from philosophers like Plato\'s writing, because More gave to everyone in his scenario. More shows the difference between his own corrupt society and compares it to his idealistic universe. Plato, in his “Republic” talks about how idealism deals with separation of the mind and matter. He explains that someone might get ahead and be virtuous by the benefits of both the individual and the society they live in. Like more, Plato built an idealist society where people worked together to achieve a virtuous environment. Like Plato, more also feels that an educated society is a stronger society.\r\n\r\n  People today still feel that \"Utopia\" is important, it is studied in many schools and is important enough to discuss with any age group. The word \"Utopia\" still holds true with the meaning More originally gave it- when we use utopia in a sentence people think of a \"paradise\" or \"wonderland\" type place. Not only does More offers a critique on European society, he offers a critique on every society. NO society is perfect; each can constantly work towards this \"utopian\" type place. \"Utopia\" works as a model to a society, and this is no doubt a timeless idea. More also makes comments on being a Christian and reveals that the coming of Christ is the only way to achieve perfection. The morals set up in \"Utopia\" are timeless and will continue to be looked at for ages. \"He became a martyr for religious convictions that few others shared, and for that he was beautified.\" (Sparknotes, 1).\r\n\r\nPersonally, I like the ideals in \"Utopia,\" it has a nice message and I truly wish we could all live in a world where everything was equal. My favorite part of More\'s argument is that war is unnecessary and that wealth is too. I found it so fascinating that he thought about these sorts of things so early in time. He was so ahead of the curve on equality and freedom- it\'s mind-blowing. The only part I disagree with is that Utopians still had slaves. If More was a Christian, why didn\'t he feel that everyone was equal? Either way, \"Utopia\" should be preserved and should be continually taught throughout the rest of time. \"Utopia\" can reach many generations and can speak to anyone who has a heart. More\'s words are thought out and his story is in-depth, but it is easy to understand. His morals and ideals placed inside \"Utopia\" are ones that everyone seeks. Peace and harmony reside on Utopia, and this is something we all wish to live in. I love the geographic context of the actual Utopian island, it is a deserted island where the country can choose to interact with the rest of the world or not. I believe this is how the United States should act, we should chose our battles wisely and think twice (or a million times!) about the price and necessity of war. \"Utopia\" is not only an entertaining read, it is truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nWorks Cited\r\n\r\nEncyclopedia of Philosophy: Sir Thomas More. Pg 390\r\n\r\nFiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.\r\n\r\nGerard, W.B., and Eric Sterling. \"Sir thomas More\'s Utopia and the transformation of England from absolute monarchy to egalitarian society.\" Contemporary Justice Review 8.1 (2005): 75-89. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. WEB. 12 Apr.2011.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"/search~S1?/aMore,+Thomas,+Sir,+Saint,+1478-1535/amore+thomas+sir+saint+1478+1535/-3,-1,0,B/browse\">More, Thomas, Sir, Saint, 1478-1535.</a> Title Utopia : a revised translation, backgrounds, criticism / Sir Thomas More ; translated and edited by Robert  M. Adams. Imprint New York : W.W. Norton, c1992. Edition 2nd ed.\r\n\r\nPark, James W., and L. W. \"The Utopian Economics of Sir Thomas More. \"American\r\n\r\n    Journal of Economics &amp; Sociology 30.3 (1971): 275-288. Business Source\r\n\r\n            Complete. EBSCO. Web. 12 Apr 2011.\r\n\r\n Utopia: Spark Notes, 2011.','Sir Thomas More\'s Utopia','','inherit','open','open','','1033-revision-4','','','2011-04-12 20:30:10','2011-04-13 02:30:10','',1033,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1064',0,'revision','',0),(1062,19,'2011-04-15 16:05:53','2011-04-15 22:05:53','Gary Dyer\n\nHUMA1301\n\nProfessor Lauer\n\n8 April 2011\n\n<strong>Michelangelo’s David</strong>\n\n                Michelangelo was considered one of the greater artists of the Renaissance period with many works including painting, architecture and sculpture.   One of his more renowned works of art was his sculpture of the biblical figure David, constructed between the time of 1501 and 1504.  Unlike Donatello and Verrocchio’s sculptures of David where he appears standing after his biblical victory over Goliath, Michelangelo depicted him previous to the battle making him appear very tense.  At the young age of twenty seven, it took only two years for the Italian artist to complete the sculpture of David, which inevitably would lead to his future success. \n\n                The Statue of David can be considered very typical if not ideal for its time during the renaissance.  The renaissance represented a period of reformation following the middle ages, concentrating highly on humanism and experimentalism, which would create vast new techniques in art.  These new ideas would lead to an evolution in artistic expression of the natural world, and would set a standard for art of all genres in the west until the late nineteenth century (Fiero).  Michelangelo was very skilled in Contrapposto, which is essentially giving the appearance of an unequal distribution of weight, making the sculpture look much more alive (50 Sculptures You Should Know).  “In this era, all three forms of art are thought to be based on <em>disegno</em>, an artistic discipline built on knowledge of the male human form.  Sculpture is considered the finest art form because it mimics divine creation: The sculptural image is found within the block of stone much as the human soul is found within the physical body,” (PBS.org). \n\n                Standing almost seventeen feet high and carved from a large single block of marble, Michelangelo’s David is arguably the most innovative sculpture of the Renaissance era.  His mastery of contrappasto in this sculpture is obvious, making David’s physical form look extremely lifelike and also making him look tense before his battle which was viewed vastly impressive.  Donatello’s sculpture of David created sixty years earlier was now considered almost obsolete compared to Michelangelo’s masterpiece with David appearing much larger and more courageous than before. \n\n                As mentioned earlier, the Florentines would receive this work with much admiration and appreciation.  The state of Florence being incredibly inferior to their larger surrounding nations, Michelangelo’s David was perceived as a symbol of courage to the city.  “The Florentines wanted David among them, carved in stone and on the cathedral, to represent the struggle of the weak against the strong- for the Florentine Republic was surrounded by more powerful states that threatened its independence,” (50 Sculptures You Should Know).\n\n                Michelangelo’s David is still today considered one of the most detailed, important and influential sculptures in history.  Art historians comment particularly on the detail of David’s mood shown in the sculpture.  In an essay written by J. Huston McCulloch, Dr. Pietro Antonio Bernabei of the Careggi hospital in Florence is quoted saying, “His right leg is tensed while the left one juts forward \'like that of a fencer, or even a boxer.\' Tension is written all over his face. His eyes are wide open. His nostrils are flared. And the muscles between his eyebrows stand out, exactly as they would if they were tightened by concentration and aggression.\"  The only difference in the way this work was received at the time of creation and now is the level of importance and influence it had on the people of Florence.  As I mentioned earlier, the Florentines were considered much more inferior to their surrounding nations.  This sculpture then was viewed as much more than just a work of art at that time, it was a symbol of the strength and courage needed by these people just as it was needed by David to slay Goliath.\n\n            Personally I think the sculpture of David has to be the most important work in sculpting in the history of the world.  The fact that at the young age of twenty-seven, with one large block of marble, Michelangelo was able to create a seventeen foot masterpiece of one of the most prominent and courageous figures in biblical history (Michelangelo’s Mountain).  I can only hope one day to see this work of Michelangelo in person to truly understand the skill required for such an accomplishment. \n\n            This work can be compared to Donatello’s David in a sense that both are sculptures of the same person, otherwise Michelangelo’s is far superior. By depicting David before his battle with Goliath as opposed to Donatello’s post battle image with the giant’s head at his feet.  Another difference is that Donatello used bronze instead of the marble used by Michelangelo.  Though Donatello’s David was an incredible accomplishment of self-admiring work, which was a popular renaissance theme, it lacked the detail of emotion and size in Michelangelo’s David (Hartt).\n\n            This work is very important for future generations to know of for many reasons.  Take for instance the level of influence the Renaissance had on art and creativity.  The most innovative time in history for sculpture, painting, architecture, and theatre came during the renaissance, and definitely showed in Michelangelo’s work.  Along his other amazing works, David was a symbol of hope, strength and courage for many generations of people in Italy.  For this and many other reasons it is crucial that this work be preserved for future generations to observe and admire. \n\nWorks Cited:\n\nScigliano, Eric.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Michelangelo’s Mountain, The Quest for Perfection in the Marble Quarries of</span>                                      <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Carrara.</span>  New York: Free Press, 2005.\n\nKuhl, Isabel, Klaus Reichold, Kristina Lowis, and Christiane Weidmann.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">50 Sculptures You</span>\n\n            <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Should Know About.</span>  New York: Prestal Publishing, 2009.\n\nHartt, Frederick.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Michelangelo.</span>  New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.  2004\n\nFiero, K Gloria.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">The Humanistic Tradition, Sixth Edition.</span>   New York: Mcgraw-Hill. 2011.\n\nMcCulloch, J Huston.  “David: A New Perspective.” <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"http://www.econ.ohio-state.edu/jhm/\">http://www.econ.ohio-state.edu/jhm/</a></span>\n\n            <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Arch/david/David.htm. </span> Ed. J. Huston McCulloch.  7 June 2007.','Michelangelo\'s David','','inherit','open','open','','1060-autosave','','','2011-04-15 16:05:53','2011-04-15 22:05:53','',1060,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1062',0,'revision','',0),(1063,1,'2011-04-15 16:04:49','2011-04-15 22:04:49','Gary Dyer\r\n\r\nHUMA1301\r\n\r\nProfessor Lauer\r\n\r\n8 April 2011\r\n\r\n<strong>Michelangelo’s David</strong>\r\n\r\n                Michelangelo was considered one of the greater artists of the Renaissance period with many works including painting, architecture and sculpture.   One of his more renowned works of art was his sculpture of the biblical figure David, constructed between the time of 1501 and 1504.  Unlike Donatello and Verrocchio’s sculptures of David where he appears standing after his biblical victory over Goliath, Michelangelo depicted him previous to the battle making him appear very tense.  At the young age of twenty seven, it took only two years for the Italian artist to complete the sculpture of David, which inevitably would lead to his future success. \r\n\r\n                The Statue of David can be considered very typical if not ideal for its time during the renaissance.  The renaissance represented a period of reformation following the middle ages, concentrating highly on humanism and experimentalism, which would create vast new techniques in art.  These new ideas would lead to an evolution in artistic expression of the natural world, and would set a standard for art of all genres in the west until the late nineteenth century (Fiero).  Michelangelo was very skilled in Contrapposto, which is essentially giving the appearance of an unequal distribution of weight, making the sculpture look much more alive (50 Sculptures You Should Know).  “In this era, all three forms of art are thought to be based on <em>disegno</em>, an artistic discipline built on knowledge of the male human form.  Sculpture is considered the finest art form because it mimics divine creation: The sculptural image is found within the block of stone much as the human soul is found within the physical body,” (PBS.org). \r\n\r\n                Standing almost seventeen feet high and carved from a large single block of marble, Michelangelo’s David is arguably the most innovative sculpture of the Renaissance era.  His mastery of contrappasto in this sculpture is obvious, making David’s physical form look extremely lifelike and also making him look tense before his battle which was viewed vastly impressive.  Donatello’s sculpture of David created sixty years earlier was now considered almost obsolete compared to Michelangelo’s masterpiece with David appearing much larger and more courageous than before. \r\n\r\n                As mentioned earlier, the Florentines would receive this work with much admiration and appreciation.  The state of Florence being incredibly inferior to their larger surrounding nations, Michelangelo’s David was perceived as a symbol of courage to the city.  “The Florentines wanted David among them, carved in stone and on the cathedral, to represent the struggle of the weak against the strong- for the Florentine Republic was surrounded by more powerful states that threatened its independence,” (50 Sculptures You Should Know).\r\n\r\n                Michelangelo’s David is still today considered one of the most detailed, important and influential sculptures in history.  Art historians comment particularly on the detail of David’s mood shown in the sculpture.  In an essay written by J. Huston McCulloch, Dr. Pietro Antonio Bernabei of the Careggi hospital in Florence is quoted saying, “His right leg is tensed while the left one juts forward \'like that of a fencer, or even a boxer.\' Tension is written all over his face. His eyes are wide open. His nostrils are flared. And the muscles between his eyebrows stand out, exactly as they would if they were tightened by concentration and aggression.\"  The only difference in the way this work was received at the time of creation and now is the level of importance and influence it had on the people of Florence.  As I mentioned earlier, the Florentines were considered much more inferior to their surrounding nations.  This sculpture then was viewed as much more than just a work of art at that time, it was a symbol of the strength and courage needed by these people just as it was needed by David to slay Goliath.\r\n\r\n            Personally I think the sculpture of David has to be the most important work in sculpting in the history of the world.  The fact that at the young age of twenty-seven, with one large block of marble, Michelangelo was able to create a seventeen foot masterpiece of one of the most prominent and courageous figures in biblical history (Michelangelo’s Mountain).  I can only hope one day to see this work of Michelangelo in person to truly understand the skill required for such an accomplishment. \r\n\r\n            This work can be compared to Donatello’s David in a sense that both are sculptures of the same person, otherwise Michelangelo’s is far superior. By depicting David before his battle with Goliath as opposed to Donatello’s post battle image with the giant’s head at his feet.  Another difference is that Donatello used bronze instead of the marble used by Michelangelo.  Though Donatello’s David was an incredible accomplishment of self-admiring work, which was a popular renaissance theme, it lacked the detail of emotion and size in Michelangelo’s David (Hartt).\r\n\r\n            This work is very important for future generations to know of for many reasons.  Take for instance the level of influence the Renaissance had on art and creativity.  The most innovative time in history for sculpture, painting, architecture, and theatre came during the renaissance, and definitely showed in Michelangelo’s work.  Along his other amazing works, David was a symbol of hope, strength and courage for many generations of people in Italy.  For this and many other reasons it is crucial that this work be preserved for future generations to observe and admire. \r\n\r\nWorks Cited:\r\n\r\nScigliano, Eric.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Michelangelo’s Mountain, The Quest for Perfection in the Marble Quarries of</span>                                      <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Carrara.</span>  New York: Free Press, 2005.\r\n\r\nKuhl, Isabel, Klaus Reichold, Kristina Lowis, and Christiane Weidmann.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">50 Sculptures You</span>\r\n\r\n            <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Should Know About.</span>  New York: Prestal Publishing, 2009.\r\n\r\nHartt, Frederick.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Michelangelo.</span>  New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.  2004\r\n\r\nFiero, K Gloria.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">The Humanistic Tradition, Sixth Edition.</span>   New York: Mcgraw-Hill. 2011.\r\n\r\nMcCulloch, J Huston.  “David: A New Perspective.” <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"http://www.econ.ohio-state.edu/jhm/\">http://www.econ.ohio-state.edu/jhm/</a></span>\r\n\r\n            <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Arch/david/David.htm. </span> Ed. J. Huston McCulloch.  7 June 2007.','Michelangelo\'s David','','inherit','open','open','','1060-revision-2','','','2011-04-15 16:04:49','2011-04-15 22:04:49','',1060,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1063',0,'revision','',0),(1066,1,'2011-04-16 19:49:21','2011-04-17 01:49:21','<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<a href=\"http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg\">http://saints.sqpn.com/wp-content/gallery/saint-thomas-more/saint-thomas-more-01.jpg</a>\r\n\r\nSir Thomas More was born in England in 1478 and worked as chancellor to King Henry VIII during the king\'s controversial break with the Catholic church. More was a Christian man who relied heavily on his own conscience. He stood up for religious tolerance and Christian charity. He was \"unwilling to compromise his conviction as a Roman Catholic\" (Fiero, 19) and by opposing the actions of the king, was executed for treason in 1535. <!--more-->Although More worked for the kind most of his life, he had a constant struggle on whether to remain loyal to the king and continue to join his services, or to remain a philosopher. When More wrote his most famous piece: Utopia (1516) the first literary description of a \"perfect\" or ideal state since \"Republic\" by Plato. More centered this story around Europe\'s statecraft and current state of society and titled it Utopia, meaning in Greek both \"good place\" and \"no place\" (Fiero, 19). More created a society where everything was equal (except to slaves) and where all citizens were equally responsible for social justice. The Utopians in the made-up society are not Christians, but stand by the Christian morals of charity and morality. More wrote \"Utopia\" in the form of a critique (on European state at the time) and as a political satire. In Utopian society, wives serve their husbands, and children serve their parents. Cities are divided equally into four separate parts and there is a marketplace in the center of each. At the marketplace, people bring their crops or tools they make and lay them out for people from their cities to come take back to their houses. The fathers of each family take what is necessary for their family’s survival and need not pay anything in return. In \"Utopia,\" there is no such thing as greed and people do not want things because excess is not part of their vocabulary. People do not need money, because there is no denial for anything- there is plenty of everything to go around. The Utopians hoard a vast array of metals that they take from foreign trade and use them for the military or for anything else they need. \" They have no inducements to do this, since they are sure they shall always be supplied\" (Fiero, 19). People have no need for gold or silver or anything of \"value\" because they don\'t find it necessary to live. \"The folly of men has enhanced the value of gold and silver, because of their scarcity. Whereas, on the contrary, it is their opinion that nature as an indulgent parent, has freely given us all the best things in great abundance\" (Fiero, 19). In other words, to the Utopians things in vain are worthless. If something like gold or diamonds is attained, it is because someone in society has come across it by accident- and in this case they adorn their children with these treasures. The goods given to their children will \"glory\" them while they are children and when they are older they will understand that \"none but children use such baubles, they of their own accords, without being being bid by their parents lay them aside\" (Fiero, 19). One of the last main points More puts in his \"Utopia\" is that war is brutal and is extremely unnecessary and should be avoided at all cost. More says that \"nothing is more inglorious than glory attained by war\" (Fiero, 19) and that no matter what if a truce is made- it will never be broken. The Utopian society takes truces so seriously that nothing can make them break it. The Utopians will not burn an enemy’s crops, kill their horses or kill any man- unless he is a spy.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nDuring this time in England, Henry VIII was the reigning king and was not the most successful at his job. There was turmoil throughout the country- there was the very rich and there were MANY poor, which contributed quite a bit to More\'s philosophical theories. King Henry VIII was blowing away England\'s money and didn\'t do a great job in supporting all of society. The wealthy English were entranced by money and things of high \"value\" and were concerned with minute issues and not the big picture. Farmers were losing their land and were forced to move, which caused a decline in harvested crops which made prices skyrocket. This made the poor poorer and the land available was now in the hands of fewer people. This made people desperate in order to keep their families alive- so they resorted to stealing in order to survive. \"By enclosing land, members of the upper class in England created a socioeconomic as well as physical division between the classes\" (Park, 1). In other words, England was not a happy place-which makes it easy to understand why More wrote \"Utopia\" and imagined a place completely opposite to the hellish landscape around him. (This is also the King who created his OWN church because the one he was loyal to for his entire life wouldn\'t grant him a divorce; who would want to work under this type of person?) The characters in \"Utopia\" are said to represent actual historical figures during More\'s time period. More, Giles and Morton (the main characters in the story) all correspond to the biological history of More\'s life. Peter Giles was a Humanist thinker and Cardinal John Morton was the former Chancellor of England. Although the characters in the story are not exact copies of the real people, More used these names and personalities to represent actual happenings and beliefs he had. Hythloday, the character in the story who meets the three characters discussed before, informs them about a place he had traveled to before called \"Utopia.\" He explains how no matter how good a policy or idea is (such a Utopia) it will always seem crazy to another person who sees the world differently. In the story Hythloday specifically says that the Utopian view is superior to the Europeans even though citizens of Europe would think differently. He goes on to say that he would like to see Utopian practices put into place in Europe but feels it may never happen (this is the real Sir Thomas More making it apparent that the feelings of the characters in his stories are his and that they should be taken seriously in the real world).\r\n\r\n\"Utopia\" is definitely not a typical work of its era. More\'s thought were completely out of the ordinary for the average person during his time. Sure, many philosophers (like Plato) thought like him, but the common man wouldn\'t think of writing a critique on the country they live in- not without thinking of dying for treason first! His thoughts were so before his time that many disagreed with his opinions. \"Utopia\" was radical in its day- More\'s view on \"idealistic revolution\" (Gerard, 1) is still controversial today. Even though the world has progressed (somewhat) towards this utopian-like place, many issues addressed in \"Utopia\" are still not fixed today (war for instance). More was critical of the world he lived in, economic order was constantly changing and More believed a lot of the changes were evil. He wrote \"Utopia\" to suggest some solutions to the problems Europe was having. More\'s differed from philosophers like Plato\'s writing, because More gave to everyone in his scenario. More shows the difference between his own corrupt society and compares it to his idealistic universe. Plato, in his “Republic” talks about how idealism deals with separation of the mind and matter. He explains that someone might get ahead and be virtuous by the benefits of both the individual and the society they live in. Like more, Plato built an idealist society where people worked together to achieve a virtuous environment. Like Plato, more also feels that an educated society is a stronger society.\r\n\r\nPeople today still feel that \"Utopia\" is important, it is studied in many schools and is important enough to discuss with any age group. The word \"Utopia\" still holds true with the meaning More originally gave it- when we use utopia in a sentence people think of a \"paradise\" or \"wonderland\" type place. Not only does More offers a critique on European society, he offers a critique on every society. NO society is perfect; each can constantly work towards this \"utopian\" type place. \"Utopia\" works as a model to a society, and this is no doubt a timeless idea. More also makes comments on being a Christian and reveals that the coming of Christ is the only way to achieve perfection. The morals set up in \"Utopia\" are timeless and will continue to be looked at for ages. \"He became a martyr for religious convictions that few others shared, and for that he was beautified.\" (Sparknotes, 1).\r\n\r\nPersonally, I like the ideals in \"Utopia,\" it has a nice message and I truly wish we could all live in a world where everything was equal. My favorite part of More\'s argument is that war is unnecessary and that wealth is too. I found it so fascinating that he thought about these sorts of things so early in time. He was so ahead of the curve on equality and freedom- it\'s mind-blowing. The only part I disagree with is that Utopians still had slaves. If More was a Christian, why didn\'t he feel that everyone was equal? Either way, \"Utopia\" should be preserved and should be continually taught throughout the rest of time. \"Utopia\" can reach many generations and can speak to anyone who has a heart. More\'s words are thought out and his story is in-depth, but it is easy to understand. His morals and ideals placed inside \"Utopia\" are ones that everyone seeks. Peace and harmony reside on Utopia, and this is something we all wish to live in. I love the geographic context of the actual Utopian island, it is a deserted island where the country can choose to interact with the rest of the world or not. I believe this is how the United States should act, we should chose our battles wisely and think twice (or a million times!) about the price and necessity of war. \"Utopia\" is not only an entertaining read, it is truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nWorks Cited\r\n\r\nEncyclopedia of Philosophy: Sir Thomas More. Pg 390\r\n\r\nFiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.\r\n\r\nGerard, W.B., and Eric Sterling. \"Sir thomas More\'s Utopia and the transformation of England from absolute monarchy to egalitarian society.\" Contemporary Justice Review 8.1 (2005): 75-89. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. WEB. 12 Apr.2011.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"/search~S1?/aMore,+Thomas,+Sir,+Saint,+1478-1535/amore+thomas+sir+saint+1478+1535/-3,-1,0,B/browse\">More, Thomas, Sir, Saint, 1478-1535.</a> Title Utopia : a revised translation, backgrounds, criticism / Sir Thomas More ; translated and edited by Robert  M. Adams. Imprint New York : W.W. Norton, c1992. Edition 2nd ed.\r\n\r\nPark, James W., and L. W. \"The Utopian Economics of Sir Thomas More. \"American\r\n\r\nJournal of Economics &amp; Sociology 30.3 (1971): 275-288. Business Source\r\n\r\nComplete. EBSCO. Web. 12 Apr 2011.\r\n\r\nUtopia: Spark Notes, 2011.','Sir Thomas More\'s Utopia','','inherit','open','open','','1033-revision-5','','','2011-04-16 19:49:21','2011-04-17 01:49:21','',1033,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1066',0,'revision','',0),(1067,1,'2011-04-11 22:01:29','2011-04-12 04:01:29','Tintoretto’s Last Supper is a painting located in the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice Italy.  It was painted in 1592-1594 by Tintoretto and depicts Jesus’s last supper with his 12 disciples.  Commissioned by the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, studio needed the help of his coworkers to produce works in the requested amount of time.  This is one of the few he painted entirely himself.  As churches attempted to attract visitors, they commissioned the production of many paintings and bought relics.  Tintoretto’s Last Supper is one of many paintings commissioned with the intent of attracting tourism.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nTintoretto’s Last Supper is typical of its era because it was a painting commissioned by a church depicting a biblical scene.  The Last Supper was a popular topic at the time.  Da Vinci’s is the most well known and was painted about 40 years before the Tintoretto.  The way the table is set up provides a linear perspective of everyone just as Michelangelo’s last supper does.  This work also incorporates beings of a greater and lesser meaning.  For example, the angels float near the ceiling like ghosts and the servers are left in the dark serving Jesus and his disciples.  This work is typical of its time period because it was commissioned by a church and the medium is oil based paint – the most common type of paint.  Tintoretto was a Venetian renaissance school member.  This is characterized by extensive use of light and color for vivid energetic paintings.\r\n\r\nTintoretto’s final Last Supper was well received but instantly received comparisons and even criticism from art critics who had visited the Santa Marie Monastery in Milan and seen the Da Vinci version.  Tintoretto wasn’t well liked in the art world.  The way he went about his work made him a mercenary of art.  He was notorious for trying to save money for himself by using the least amount of materials possible.  This probably hurt the reviews he received from other artists.  He was, however, commissioned to paint many of these last supper works. They became more evolved as he continued painting them but many of this Last Supper’s predecessors are now lost.  Nevertheless it is easy to see that a great deal of practice was necessary to achieve the impressive use of shadow and light to achieve the illusion of motion found in his work.\r\n\r\nAt the time, churches were competing for tourism.  They tried to pick up new visitors by advertising the housing of valuable relics and commissioning extravagant works of art.  The paying of indulgences to churches to save a soul from hell or purgatory became common practice in the Catholic religion.  While it was a result of greed and corruption in the church, these indulgences fueled the commissioning of many well-known works of art.  This is one example, among countless others, of a church attempting to attract visitors who would pay indulgences.  It was not until Martin Luther wrote and publicized his 95 Theses criticizing the Catholic church for its corruption, that a real movement began to end the sale of indulgences, and unfortunately the rapid advances made in the art world.\r\n\r\nPeople probably compared it to Michelangelo’s last supper as soon as they knew the subject matter.  It was painted about 40 years after the Michelangelo version, so it’s only natural that it was compared to its predecessor.  Those with an extensive knowledge of art at the time would have been the only ones able to compare it to the Da Vinci because without media to spread the images of both, people would not have been able to easily view both and compare them.  There are various similarities and striking differences in the styles of Da Vinci and Tintoretto.  To the casual observer (like myself) the Tintoretto is darker and more elaborate than the relatively bright and open Da Vinci piece.  The way Tintoretto manipulated light and shadow to emphasize motion contrasts with the work Da Vinci put into the apostles’ body language to show their motion. They both portray the 12 apostles and isolate Judas from the bunch.  Da Vinci separates Judas by not including him in the conversations between apostles.  He is somewhat separated physically, but it’s easy to see how he isn’t being included in their conversation.  Tintoretto takes this isolation even further by fully separating Judas physically and spiritually. Tintoretto positioned him on the opposite side of the table as Jesus and the other apostles, and abstained from putting a halo of light around Judas’s head.  It is clear that Judas has been singled out from the others, I had to google which figure he was because he is so obscure.  It’s interesting to see the same scene depicted in two completely different styles.  I feel like I know the artists better after seeing their takes on a biblical scene.\r\n\r\nPeople today are likely to appreciate Tintoretto’s last supper for its own artistic merits because they are familiar with the Da Vinci version.  Unfortunately, the Da Vinci is so well known that it’s hard to see the Tintoretto as unique.  Because they depict the same event and the artists had different styles, the first thing one wants to do upon seeing the Tintoretto is compare it the Da Vinci.  However, there are interesting aspects to the Tintoretto that connoisseurs of art may notice and appreciate.  For example, the Venetian renaissance school of which Tintoretto was a member, taught the use of light and color to portray events with motion and deep space.  The many variations in color light and texture are foreshadowers to impressionism.  Impressionism is unique for its emphasis on the accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities and its inclusion of motion as a crucial element.  While most people today aren’t familiar enough with styles of art to recognize the similarities between this and other impressionism works, it is definitely there.\r\n\r\nPersonally, I think it’s pretty dark. Da Vinci’s Last Supper is well lit and inviting.  The Tintoretto allows for Jesus and his disciples to appear enlightened by including light sparingly.  The effect is dark and I’m impressed by the effort Tintoretto put into the secondary characters that don’t necessarily need to be elaborated on.  He put serious time and effort into their activities to ensure that they appeared human in contrast to the angels milling around the ceiling.  I also am impressed by how detailed each aspect of the painting is.  Individual paint strokes of similar colors were needed to create the effect of light on clothing.  He also used this painstakingly detailed method of painting to produce texture in his work.  The thought and detail required to produce such an effect definitely warrants recognition.  If the work were entirely dark or light, the effect of such shading and implementation of light would be wasted.  However this piece, with its angels halos and lamp, has multiple of light sources.  He uses all of these to the fullest, creating a dynamic event.  The disciples are all having animated conversations and the illusion of their movement is magnified my Tintoretto’s mastery of light and color.  The angels pressing down from the heavens bring a whole new side to the work.  They appear to be made of light but are too light and vaporous to be human.  The rest of the spectators in the room are very human, they can barely believe what’s going on. Tintoretto spared no attention to detail.\r\n\r\nWhile Tintoretto’s Last Supper is overshadowed by that of Da Vinci, it should be recognized for its unique use of shadow and color to emphasize motion.  His style of art was a precursor to impressionism, a style of art we have been exposed to.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWorks Cited\r\n\r\nGurley, Robert. \"A Comparison of Da Vinci and Tintoretto\'s Last Supper Paintings.\" Suite\r\n\r\n101 (2010): 1. Web. 9 Apr 2011. &lt;http://www.suite101.com/content/a-comparison-of-da-vinci-and-tintorettos-last-supper-paintings-a276625&gt;.\r\n\r\nNichols, Tom. Tintoretto: Tradition and Identity. 1st. 1. London: Reaktion, 1999. 200-256. Print.\r\n\r\nUnkown, . \"Tintoretto - The Last Supper.\" Old and Sold (1900): 1. Web. 11 Apr 2011.\r\n\r\n&lt;http://www.oldandsold.com/articles12/paintings-66.shtml&gt;.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!--more-->','Tintoretto\'s Last Supper','','inherit','open','open','','1018-revision-2','','','2011-04-11 22:01:29','2011-04-12 04:01:29','',1018,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1067',0,'revision','',0),(1068,1,'2011-04-11 22:30:41','2011-04-12 04:30:41','<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pietaMichelangelo2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1027\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pietaMichelangelo2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"493\" /></a> <a href=\"http://www.davidmacd.com/images/europe/100_4681_pieta.jpg\">http://www.davidmacd.com/images/europe/100_4681_pieta.jpg</a>\r\n\r\nMichelangelo Buonarroti was one of the most prominent artists of the High Renaissance era. He produced such notable works throughout his long life as painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and contributing his architectural design skills to build St. Peter’s Basilica. Although he was considered a genius in painting, architecture, and even writing poems, he considered himself a sculptor over all creative endeavors. One of his early and most famous sculptures was the Vatican <em>Pieta</em>. Many artist have created their own adaptations of the Pieta in a variety of mediums over the centuries, however Michelangelo’s Vatican <em>Pieta</em> is the most significant interpretation ever produced and is arguably the most prominent Christian image of all time.<!--more--> For those reasons and more Michelangelo’s <em>Pieta</em> should be preserved for future generations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCompleted in 1499 when Michelangelo was in his mid twenties, the <em>Pieta</em>, which was commissioned by the French cardinal Jean Villiers, is located in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. In its most basic description the Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus in her lap following his death on the cross. Pieta in translation means “pity” in Italian, you can visually see the emotion in the mothers face in Michelangelo’s remarkable sculpture. It took him only two years to complete this masterpiece and used only one block of marble to create. The statue size of the two forms is larger than life, and according to Michelangelo-gallery website if the Virgin Mary were to stand up she would be around 6 feet 6 inches. Although the piece is unique from other sculptures of the 15<sup>th</sup> century for its lack of proper proportions, Michelangelo used his knowledge of anatomy to perfectly unite this statue with classical form and pyramidal composition.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDuring the High Renaissance, Italy was in its “greatest artistic achievement and productivity”, according to the <em>Arts and Humanities Through the Eras </em>article titled <em>The High Renaissance in Italy </em>written by Edward I. Bleiberg<em>. </em>Artists were very prominent people in Italian society and their work was being commissioned by powerful individuals such as kings and popes. The art of this era was also contributed and influenced by the Neoplatonic philosophy ideals spreading through Florence, which is were Michelangelo was born and raised before residing in Rome. He was one of the first artists to use the neoplatonism ideals in his artwork. Bleiberg declares that “Neoplatonism taught that creativity was a sign of humankind\'s creation in God\'s likeness […] the artists of the High Renaissance came to be influenced by these ideas. Michelangelo, a student of Neoplatonism in his youth, was particularly quick to point to his achievements in sculpture and painting as the products of divine inspiration. Many patrons agreed, and the notion of the artist as a figure filled with an almost superhuman ability to create became one of the underlying themes of the age (Bleiberg 392).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough the high renaissance was significant to the arts, its political outlook was full of tension. During this time the larger powers of Italy were conquering the smaller territories and by the beginning of the 16<sup>th</sup> century there were 5 main powers controlling the nation:  Milan, Florence, the papacy, Venice, and Naples. This created strife between the 5 main leaders because none were dominant enough to prevail over another. This eventually led to French domination and the Italian Wars. Bleiberg writes that “lack of political unity, as well as diplomatic treachery, left open the door for outside invasion. In 1494, France became the first major European power to seek conquests in Italy, and this French invasion touched off a long series of conflicts that became known as the Italian Wars (1494–1530). Eventually every major European power became involved in these wars, as European dynasties tried to press ancient feudal claims to rule parts of Italy.” This concludes that while Italy was making great cultural advancements, also occurring was a period of warfare.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn 1370 an unknown German artist illustrated their version of the Pieta titled <em>The Röttgen Pietà</em>. This rendition is very different than Michelangelo’s divine creation. The mid 14<sup>th</sup> century sculpture portrayed the suffering of the moment that mother is grieving her tortured child. According to Fiero, author of <em>The Humanistic Tradition </em>this era was influenced by realism and raw emotion which is definitely captured in the <em>Röttgen Pietà. </em>Fiero describes the artist’s details as “a traumatic moment between a despairing Mother and her Son, whose broken torso and elongated arms are as rigid as the wood from which they were carved. This votive sculpture captures the torment of Christ\'s martyrdom with fierce energy” (Fiero B3 14). Obvious differences in the two pietas are that the <em>Röttgen Pietà </em>was created out of wood and was only 89 cm in height, it would be easier for Michelangelo to incorporate more detail into his beautifully sculpted over sized marble creation. According to the book <em>The Illustrated History of Art </em>by David Piper the Vatican <em>Pieta </em>had a “flawless finish and classicism” and although there is much detail to the anatomy of the two figures, there are minimal wounds to Jesus’ body because Michelangelo wanted to embrace the peace and love of the moment felt by Mary and show the subtle emotion of the instant (Piper 132). In contrast the <em>Röttgen Pietà </em>is illustrated with Jesus’ face in agony and wants to portray the pain and sorrow felt by the anguished mother. One last difference is the creator <em>Röttgen Pietà </em>is unknown, unlike Michelangelo’s <em>Pieta</em> that can never be mistaken as work by another sculptor since this in one of the only pieces he ever signed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Vatican Pieta was Michelangelo’s first important commission; the success of this piece helped him become one of the most significant artists of the High Renaissance. According to Bleiberg’s article it “was immediately recognized for its extreme delicacy and accomplished technique” (Bleiberg 392). His sculpture was to exquisite that influenced many artists that followed, according to the Michelangelo-gallery website “The sculpture was so beautiful that it inspired Giorgio Vasari, an Italian painter and biographer, to comment, “It would be impossible for any craftsman or sculptor no matter how brilliant ever to surpass the grace or design of this work, or try to cut and polish the marble with the skill that Michelangelo displayed.”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nToday Michelangelo’s <em>Pieta</em> is revered as one of the most famous and adored divine sculptures today. Some say its only competition is another sculpture by Michelangelo which is his David. Fiero declares that “Michelangelo\'s <em>Pietà</em> transformed the late medieval devotional image into a monumental statement on the meaning of Christian sacrifice” (Fiero B3 14). Piper declares that “Christian emotion never has been more perfectly united with classical form. Michelangelo never reached such flawless finish again” (Piper 132). Nonetheless, Michelangelo’s Pieta is truly a masterpiece and a supreme example of romantic art.\r\n\r\nMichelangelo’s <em>Pieta</em> is meaningful to me because how classical it is in nature. I agree with other admirers that it has a peaceful and meditative quality to it. I love how realistic and detailed he created the clothing, its drapes beautifully from the two forms. I also think it inspires raw emotion to the viewer, religious or not, Michelangelo captures the moment and relationship of mother and son. It potently illustrates a mother in morning.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMichelangelo’s <em>Pieta </em>should be preserved for future generations not only because it is one the most famous Christian images/sculptures ever created but also because it chronicles the beginning of Michelangelo Buonarroti’s career as one of the most influential artists of all time and the history of the high renaissance era. It is also unique because it is one of the only pieces he ever signed. This piece has also proven as being a testament to the Christian faith and illustrates the grievances between mother and child in a godly manner.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBibliography\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFiero, Gloria K. <em>The Humanistic Tradition</em>. 6th. McGraw-Hill, 2011. B1.17-23 eBook. (Fiero B1. 17-23).\r\n\r\nMichelangelo Buonarroti.\" <em>Renaissance and Reformation Reference Library</em>. Ed. Julie L. Carnagie, Peggy Saari, and Aaron Saari. Vol. 4: Vol. 2: Biographies. Detroit: UXL, 2002. 232-241. <em>Gale Virtual Reference Library</em>. Web. 01 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\nDocument URL\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://go.galegroup.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/ps/i.do?&amp;id=GALE%7CCX3426300080&amp;v=2.1&amp;u=txshracd2487&amp;it=r&amp;p=GVRL&amp;sw=w\">http://go.galegroup.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/ps/i.do?&amp;id=GALE%7CCX3426300080&amp;v=2.1&amp;u=txshracd2487&amp;it=r&amp;p=GVRL&amp;sw=w</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMichelangelo Buonarroti 1475–1564 Italian Artist.\" <em>Renaissance: An Encyclopedia for Students</em>. Ed. Paul F. Grendler. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner\'s Sons, 2004. 73-76. <em>Gale Virtual Reference Library</em>. Web. 11 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\nDocument URL\r\nhttp://go.galegroup.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/ps/i.do?&amp;id=GALE%7CCX3409200302&amp;v=2.1&amp;u=txshracd2487&amp;it=r&amp;p=GVRL&amp;sw=w\r\n\r\nMichelangelo Buonarroti.\" <em>Encyclopedia of World Biography</em>. 2nd ed. Vol. 11. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 2-5. <em>Gale Virtual Reference Library</em>. Web. 01 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\nDocument URL\r\nhttp://go.galegroup.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/ps/i.do?&amp;id=GALE%7CCX3404704445&amp;v=2.1&amp;u=txshracd2487&amp;it=r&amp;p=GVRL&amp;sw=w\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Pieta - Michelangelo\'s Pieta Sculpture.\" <em>Michelangelo Buonarotti Paintings and Biography</em>. 2011. Web. 05 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.michelangelo-gallery.com/pieta.aspx&gt;.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\" Piper, David, and Philip Rawson. <em>The Illustrated History of Art</em>. London: Bounty, 2004. Print. Pg 132-135.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe High Renaissance in Italy.\" <em>Arts and Humanities Through the Eras</em>. Ed. Edward I. Bleiberg, et al. Vol. 4: Renaissance Europe 1300-1600. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 386-398. <em>Gale Virtual Reference Library</em>. Web. 05 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\nDocument URL\r\nhttp://go.galegroup.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/ps/i.do?&amp;id=GALE%7CCX3427400767&amp;v=2.1&amp;u=txshracd2487&amp;it=r&amp;p=GVRL&amp;sw=w\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Michelangelo\'s Pieta','','inherit','open','open','','1026-revision-2','','','2011-04-11 22:30:41','2011-04-12 04:30:41','',1026,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1068',0,'revision','',0),(1069,1,'2011-04-11 21:44:55','2011-04-12 03:44:55','In 1428, Masaccio’s Holy Trinity and the virgin Mary and St. John was created. The painting was the first successful depiction in painting of the new concept era(World Book Encyclopedia). Even though the painting is influenced by Brunelleschi’s mathematical laws and Donatello, it is the beginning of the Renaissance awakening and introduced humanism and line perspective to spiritual paintings of its time (Matthews).\r\n\r\nThe painting creates such an illusion of space and distance which were drawn from the life around him. He was a well praised artist for the most part and his work was never doubted, in fact it was influential. When the painting was done, the Renaissance era was just beginning.\r\n\r\nThe work was typical because at the time most artist created paintings based off of spiritual entities. It was unusual because it was the only painting for awhile that touched base with humanism and the feelings around Masaccio. The feelings glowed off of the paper and each part told a smaller portion of a greater story. The work was delighting during its prime because no one had experienced the beauty of Masaccio’s art and it was received as a breakthrough for a more modern art.\r\n\r\nToday it is viewed as shaping the future for our present artistic styles and we view the different styles of art. I love the was Masaccio created his edition of the Holy Trinity and the virgin Mary and St. John. Compared to other paintings it is more appealing to the eye and is influential and unique.\r\n\r\nThis work should be remembered not only for the contributions it has made to the educational world of art and how he used space perspective, distance and mathematical angles to create linear illusions but to the satisfactory world.\r\n\r\nMasaccio was born December 21, 1401 Tommaso di Giovanni di Simone Guidi. He received the name Masaccio when he was sixteen. His father died when he was five and his mother died just before he was a young adult (Matthews).\r\n\r\n　\r\n\r\n　\r\n\r\nWorks Cited\r\n\r\nAiken, Jane “The Perspective Construction of Masaccio’s Trinity Fresco Medieval Astronomical Graphics, p. 171-187, 1995\r\n\r\nMatthews. The Western Humantities.Second Edition.Mayfield Publishing Co. 1950\r\n\r\nWorld Book Encylcopedia. World Book Inc. 1993. Volume 13\r\n\r\n　\r\n\r\n　','Influences of Massacio','','inherit','open','open','','1012-revision-2','','','2011-04-11 21:44:55','2011-04-12 03:44:55','',1012,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1069',0,'revision','',0),(1070,1,'2011-04-11 20:03:08','2011-04-12 02:03:08','Good morning again, fine people. We reconvene today to discuss the task of preservation items. We have been meeting on these topics for some time now. Secretary, please note for the record that the date is in the year 2100 A.D. The earth is still uninhabitable. There have been some advancements in relation to inhabitability, but none significant enough to warrant launching exploration teams back to Earth. Our children will need inspirational items to focus on.  The third item I want to submit to the review committee is the Franco-Flemish composer Guillame Dufay. He was the author of the piece entitled Missa L’ homme arme’. I submit this piece due to the fact that Missa L’homme arme’ was the most popular tune used for musical settings of the Ordinary Mass. “Dufay was the first to explore combining two or more cantus firmi into one mass.”( Oxford Music Online- Cantus Firmus) The works by Guillame Dufay should be preserved because they represent the change from “ Gregorian chant as the backbone of compositions to using popular songs of the day.” ( Professional Careers in Music, Performer, Composer, Conductor: Your Passion for Making Music Can Become a Fulfilling Lifelong Career) Netlibrary Ebook. “ Polyphony was to become , over the next few centuries, one of the most intricately artistic achievements in all of sacred art.” ( Brown)\r\n\r\nGuillame Dufay’s Missa L’homme arme’ was composed in 1453. This date coincides with the fall of Constantinople. For the Missa L’homme arme’ Dufay “ followed the common practice of borrowing melodies from popular folk tunes. In it , he employed the best known of all fifteenth- century  folk songs, “ the armed man” as the cantus firmus for all sections of the piece.”(Fiero)  Cantus firmus were widely used in Latin masses. A Cantus Firmus is a pre-exisiting melody used as a basis of a new polyphonic composition. A polyphonic composition is something that consists of two or more independent melodic voices. During the Renaissance, music was composed by amateurs and professionals alike. The printing press had been invented, so publishing works of music became prevalent. During the renaissance, music was an essential ingredient in gatherings, celebrations and festivals.  Music is still a very important part of our lives through time. Even today, we celebrate the beginning of life with music. We also mourn our deceased at ceremonies that include music. While Italian visual artists lead the field, the French and Franco- Flemish composers were way ahead of their time. The reason Dufay’s piece carries such significance is because pieces were written based on it up to three centuries later.\r\n\r\n“ Like renaissance art, renaissance music was increasingly secular in subject matter and function.” (Fiero) Dufay’s piece was the first to depart away from this. Missa L’homme arme’ translates into the Mass of the Armed Man. Weapons had recently been invented that would enable individuals to carry them. Masses were an important part of life, not only for religious reasons , but for social and political reasons as well. The fact that a Mass was dedicated to an armed man or a soldier showed the significance of fighting for ones beliefs.  \r\n\r\n“During both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance a clear line existed between music’s role as a branch of the sciences on the one hand and musical composition and performance on the other. “ ( Bleiberg) . Dufay’s Missa L’homme arme’ is of importance because this piece helps define the new era of having mutliple voices in one piece of music. He was a pioneer of composing. Today more than 200 pieces of his work still remain. \r\n\r\n“ According to executors of Dufay’s will, his homeland was the town of Brusells.  His name was originally spelled Du_Fayt. The earliest mention of Dufay is in 1409 where he is listed as Willemet. He was taught by two people in Cambrai. Dufay became a residentiary canon of the cathedral in 1408. He caught the attention of the cathedral authorities early on. His instruction in music and grammar followed the rigid curriculum common to most French cathedral schools in the late Middle Ages.  Dufay became a canon in 1436. In 1437 it is mentioned that he obtained a Bachelor of Law degree by papal decree. As a canon of St. Donation, he had trouble with the chapter over the collection of his revenues. in 1447 he resigned at St. Donation and was installed as canon of Ste. Waudru in Mons.” (Bloxam)\r\n\r\nA composer who competed with Dufay during his time was Josquin Des Prez.  Dufay and Des Prez were similar in that they both “ unified each polyphonic Mass around a single musical theme.” (Fiero) “Des Prez was different than Dufay in that his compositions contrived complex designs in which melody and harmony were distributed symmetrically and with geometric clarity. “ (Fiero) Des Prez motets are thought to represent his work the best. Dufay’s cantus firmus are his best pieces. \r\n\r\nAnother composer in the time of Dufay was Adrian Willaert. Willaert also had legal training similar to Dufay. Willaert was famous for his motets. Willaert’s works didn’t include any cantus firmus like Dufay’s. Unlike Dufay, Des Prez’ technical innovations “include a closer relationship between words and music and the use of imitation ( repetition by one voice of a melody sung by another voice). “( Encyclopedia of World Biography , Vol 16 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale,2004. P287-288, Willaert) Des Prez was similar to Dufay in that he was sought after by churches throughout Europe. \r\n\r\nToday Dufay’s works are studied by musical scholars as well a just the general public interested in musical history and how modern day music evolved from the days of the Gregorian chants.  Dufay is held as a genius of his time. He is compared to many other composers during his era. He stands above the rest in that the Missa L’ homme arme’ was the first of its kind. It became the model that was used by composers well into three centuries later. Dufay’s works mark what has come to be known as renaissance music.\r\n“The author of the song, an ingenious poet and composer, describes in a semi-dramatic , semi-narrative form what he heard in a late medieval town: the warning sound of the watchmen’s horn from the tower as a hostile army is approaching from across the plains- L’homme arme’” ( Planchart)\r\nThis would apply even in today’s world as news spreads about wars throughout the lands.\r\n\r\n\r\nWorks cited :\r\n\r\nPlanchart, Alejandro e. The Origins and Early History of L\'homme arme\'. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2003. Print.\r\nPlanchart, Alejandro e. “ Dufay Guillaume” Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. 28                                   \r\nMar .2011 http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/08268\r\n“Music and the Renaissance.” Arts and Humanities Through the Eras. Ed.Edward I. Bleiberg, et al. Vol. 4 : Renaissance Europe 1300-1600. Detroit: Gale,2005. 173-176. Gale Virtual Reference Library.  Web. 29 Mar. 2011.\r\nM. Jennifer Bloxam. “ Cantus Firmus.” Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. 28 Mar. 2011 http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/04795\r\n\"Professional Careers in Music, Performer, Composer, Conductor: Your Passion for Making Music Can Become a Fulfilling Lifelong Career.\" chicago institute for career research 11 (2005): 6. netlibrary.com. Web. 5 Apr. 2011. \r\n“Josquin des Prez.\" Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 8. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 361-363. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 3 Apr. 2011.\r\n\"Adrian Willaert.\" Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 16. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 287-288. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 3 Apr. 2011.\r\nFiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2011. 75-76. Print. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n','BEWARE THE ARMED MAN','','inherit','open','open','','1005-revision-3','','','2011-04-11 20:03:08','2011-04-12 02:03:08','',1005,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1070',0,'revision','',0),(1072,1,'2011-04-16 19:52:54','2011-04-17 01:52:54','Good morning again, fine people. We reconvene today to discuss the task of preservation items. We have been meeting on these topics for some time now. Secretary, please note for the record that the date is in the year 2100 A.D. The earth is still uninhabitable. There have been some advancements in relation to inhabitability, but none significant enough to warrant launching exploration teams back to Earth. Our children will need inspirational items to focus on.  The third item I want to submit to the review committee is the Franco-Flemish composer Guillame Dufay. <!--more-->He was the author of the piece entitled Missa L’ homme arme’. I submit this piece due to the fact that Missa L’homme arme’ was the most popular tune used for musical settings of the Ordinary Mass. “Dufay was the first to explore combining two or more cantus firmi into one mass.”( Oxford Music Online- Cantus Firmus) The works by Guillame Dufay should be preserved because they represent the change from “ Gregorian chant as the backbone of compositions to using popular songs of the day.” ( Professional Careers in Music, Performer, Composer, Conductor: Your Passion for Making Music Can Become a Fulfilling Lifelong Career) Netlibrary Ebook. “ Polyphony was to become , over the next few centuries, one of the most intricately artistic achievements in all of sacred art.” ( Brown)\r\n\r\nGuillame Dufay’s Missa L’homme arme’ was composed in 1453. This date coincides with the fall of Constantinople. For the Missa L’homme arme’ Dufay “ followed the common practice of borrowing melodies from popular folk tunes. In it , he employed the best known of all fifteenth- century  folk songs, “ the armed man” as the cantus firmus for all sections of the piece.”(Fiero)  Cantus firmus were widely used in Latin masses. A Cantus Firmus is a pre-exisiting melody used as a basis of a new polyphonic composition. A polyphonic composition is something that consists of two or more independent melodic voices. During the Renaissance, music was composed by amateurs and professionals alike. The printing press had been invented, so publishing works of music became prevalent. During the renaissance, music was an essential ingredient in gatherings, celebrations and festivals.  Music is still a very important part of our lives through time. Even today, we celebrate the beginning of life with music. We also mourn our deceased at ceremonies that include music. While Italian visual artists lead the field, the French and Franco- Flemish composers were way ahead of their time. The reason Dufay’s piece carries such significance is because pieces were written based on it up to three centuries later.\r\n\r\n“ Like renaissance art, renaissance music was increasingly secular in subject matter and function.” (Fiero) Dufay’s piece was the first to depart away from this. Missa L’homme arme’ translates into the Mass of the Armed Man. Weapons had recently been invented that would enable individuals to carry them. Masses were an important part of life, not only for religious reasons , but for social and political reasons as well. The fact that a Mass was dedicated to an armed man or a soldier showed the significance of fighting for ones beliefs.\r\n\r\n“During both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance a clear line existed between music’s role as a branch of the sciences on the one hand and musical composition and performance on the other. “ ( Bleiberg) . Dufay’s Missa L’homme arme’ is of importance because this piece helps define the new era of having mutliple voices in one piece of music. He was a pioneer of composing. Today more than 200 pieces of his work still remain.\r\n\r\n“ According to executors of Dufay’s will, his homeland was the town of Brusells.  His name was originally spelled Du_Fayt. The earliest mention of Dufay is in 1409 where he is listed as Willemet. He was taught by two people in Cambrai. Dufay became a residentiary canon of the cathedral in 1408. He caught the attention of the cathedral authorities early on. His instruction in music and grammar followed the rigid curriculum common to most French cathedral schools in the late Middle Ages.  Dufay became a canon in 1436. In 1437 it is mentioned that he obtained a Bachelor of Law degree by papal decree. As a canon of St. Donation, he had trouble with the chapter over the collection of his revenues. in 1447 he resigned at St. Donation and was installed as canon of Ste. Waudru in Mons.” (Bloxam)\r\n\r\nA composer who competed with Dufay during his time was Josquin Des Prez.  Dufay and Des Prez were similar in that they both “ unified each polyphonic Mass around a single musical theme.” (Fiero) “Des Prez was different than Dufay in that his compositions contrived complex designs in which melody and harmony were distributed symmetrically and with geometric clarity. “ (Fiero) Des Prez motets are thought to represent his work the best. Dufay’s cantus firmus are his best pieces.\r\n\r\nAnother composer in the time of Dufay was Adrian Willaert. Willaert also had legal training similar to Dufay. Willaert was famous for his motets. Willaert’s works didn’t include any cantus firmus like Dufay’s. Unlike Dufay, Des Prez’ technical innovations “include a closer relationship between words and music and the use of imitation ( repetition by one voice of a melody sung by another voice). “( Encyclopedia of World Biography , Vol 16 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale,2004. P287-288, Willaert) Des Prez was similar to Dufay in that he was sought after by churches throughout Europe.\r\n\r\nToday Dufay’s works are studied by musical scholars as well a just the general public interested in musical history and how modern day music evolved from the days of the Gregorian chants.  Dufay is held as a genius of his time. He is compared to many other composers during his era. He stands above the rest in that the Missa L’ homme arme’ was the first of its kind. It became the model that was used by composers well into three centuries later. Dufay’s works mark what has come to be known as renaissance music.\r\n“The author of the song, an ingenious poet and composer, describes in a semi-dramatic , semi-narrative form what he heard in a late medieval town: the warning sound of the watchmen’s horn from the tower as a hostile army is approaching from across the plains- L’homme arme’” ( Planchart)\r\nThis would apply even in today’s world as news spreads about wars throughout the lands.\r\n\r\nWorks cited :\r\n\r\nPlanchart, Alejandro e. The Origins and Early History of L\'homme arme\'. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2003. Print.\r\nPlanchart, Alejandro e. “ Dufay Guillaume” Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. 28\r\nMar .2011 http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/08268\r\n“Music and the Renaissance.” Arts and Humanities Through the Eras. Ed.Edward I. Bleiberg, et al. Vol. 4 : Renaissance Europe 1300-1600. Detroit: Gale,2005. 173-176. Gale Virtual Reference Library.  Web. 29 Mar. 2011.\r\nM. Jennifer Bloxam. “ Cantus Firmus.” Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. 28 Mar. 2011 http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/04795\r\n\"Professional Careers in Music, Performer, Composer, Conductor: Your Passion for Making Music Can Become a Fulfilling Lifelong Career.\" chicago institute for career research 11 (2005): 6. netlibrary.com. Web. 5 Apr. 2011.\r\n“Josquin des Prez.\" Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 8. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 361-363. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 3 Apr. 2011.\r\n\"Adrian Willaert.\" Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 16. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 287-288. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 3 Apr. 2011.\r\nFiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2011. 75-76. Print.','BEWARE THE ARMED MAN','','inherit','open','open','','1005-revision-4','','','2011-04-16 19:52:54','2011-04-17 01:52:54','',1005,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1072',0,'revision','',0),(1073,1,'2011-04-16 19:55:49','2011-04-17 01:55:49','<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Tempietto was Donato Bramante\'s small commemorative martyrium. (Hurl) It was built in a courtyard of the San Pietro in Montorio. This masterpiece rests upon the area of St. Peter\'s crucifixion. It is centered on the posthole that held the cross upon which St. Peter was killed. This is a very holy site of Christianity. It is believed that St. Peter requested to be crucified upside down, because he didn\'t think himself worthy of dying as the same way as Jesus Christ. I believe that this building should be admired and taken with us into the future for the sheer perfection of proportions and architecture wonder of the High Italian Renaissance.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The use of this building was not for use, instead it was created as a symbolic memorial to the religious significance of this particular location in Christian history. It\'s circular design symbolic of divine perfection. Bramante sought a harmony with its proportions to exemplify this symbolism. He was influenced by,</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\"Roman\'s taste of gravity and majesty\" (Hartt 529)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This can also be seen in Bramante\'s designs for Santa Maria della Pace.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">During this era, most artists were commissioned by wealthy or influential patrons. The Tempietto was commission by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. Pope Julius II was a patron during the High Renaissance also, commissioning Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and Raphael to do the Vatican. (Campbell, viii) This was a time during history that people reveled in creating art to glorify religion. This can be seen in painting, architecture and sculpture\'s motifs of this time period.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">With that said, artists of the Italian Renaissance were greatly inspired by the ancient world. The populace reveled in the discovery and significance of ancient monuments &amp; works. This would give them tidbits of insight and knowledge of the past. A huge percent of artistic inspiration came from the desire to reconcile their Christian beliefs with the ideas of pagan humanity. This was seen in many works, including Bramante\'s Tempietto.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\"The human dignity &amp; critical reasoning that was found in the ancient writings played an important role in the transformation of the art &amp; society of the Italian Renaissance.\"(Hartt, 37)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\"ideals of art and architecture became unified in the acceptance of classical antiquity and in the belief that humanity was a measure of the universe\" (Columbia Encyclopedia)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Tempietto and St. Peter\'s Basilica have a few things in common. They both maintain histories of being built on Christian holy sites related to the apostle St. Peter. The question of how they should be proportioned was answered by Vitruvius. His theory of proportions of the human body were applied to the basic circle and square designs found in architecture.(Honours 444) When St. Peter\'s Basilica was ordered to be redone, these buildings were built on designs created by Donato Bramante. (Vatican, 2) Bramante started on the St. Peter\'s Basilica design, but it was finished by Michelangelo. Michelangelo established his design in correspondence to Bramante\'s original design concept.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The obvious difference of the two is the massive contrast of size. The Tempietto was a small sculpture of a building, standing a height of 13 meters and having a diameter of 8 meters, the attention to detail is what makes this building able to contend with bigger buildings being designed during the High Renaissance. St. Peter\'s Basilica is drastically bigger then Bramante\'s Tempietto, being hailed as the tallest dome in the world.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksYywbKG7L8&amp;feature=related\">Tempietto Tour on YouTube</a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Even with its small size, Bramante\'s Tempietto is still cherished today. It is a not to miss gem hidden in the cloister of San Pietro of Montorio. It is considered to be a prime example of the High Renaissance architecture. (Lonely Planet)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\"classically inspired design (a circular interior surrounded by a columned peristyle and topped by a proportionally perfect dome) beautifully captured the Renaissance zeitgeist\"  (Lonely Planet)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Personally, the story behind the building is more inspiring to me then it\'s impressive classical design. I am more interested in thereason behind the circular design being a symbol of divine power. I am from the Christian faith, so it\'s history of being created as a remembrance of St. Peter\'s martyred location is especially touching. I am reminded through its beauty of the detail, what God is capable of through us all.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Bibliography</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Campbell, Gordon. Renaissance Art and Architecture. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2004. Print.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Hartt, F., and C. Wilkins. History of Italian Renaissance. Print</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\"Saint Peter\'s Basilica\" Vatican CityState -History. 10 Dec. 2010. Web. 11 Apr. 2011.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&lt;http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/Monuments/Saint_Peters_Basilica/History--p--2.htm&gt;.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Honour, Hugh, and John Fleming. The Visual Arts: a History. New York: Abrams, 1995. Print.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\"Bramante, Donato\" A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape.    Architecture. 2000. JAMES STEVENS CURL</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">&nbsp;</p>','Bramante\'s Tempietto','','inherit','open','open','','1004-autosave','','','2011-04-16 19:55:49','2011-04-17 01:55:49','',1004,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1073',0,'revision','',0),(1074,1,'2011-04-11 20:01:41','2011-04-12 02:01:41','Bramante\'s Tempietto\r\n\r\nRome\r\n\r\nDonato Bramante\r\n\r\n1500 C.E.\r\n\r\nKris Cooley\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The Tempietto was Donato Bramante\'s small commemorative martyrium. (Hurl) It was built in a courtyard of the San Pietro in Montorio. This masterpiece rests upon the area of St. Peter\'s crucifixion. It is centered on the posthole that held the cross upon which St. Peter was killed. This is a very holy site of Christianity. It is believed that St. Peter requested to be crucified upside down, because he didn\'t think himself worthy of dying as the same way as Jesus Christ. I believe that this building should be admired and taken with us into the future for the sheer perfection of proportions and architecture wonder of the High Italian Renaissance.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The use of this building was not for use, instead it was created as a symbolic memorial to the religious significance of this particular location in Christian history. It\'s circular design symbolic of divine perfection. Bramante sought a harmony with its proportions to exemplify this symbolism. He was influenced by,</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\"Roman\'s taste of gravity and majesty\" (Hartt 529)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">This can also be seen in Bramante\'s designs for Santa Maria della Pace.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">During this era, most artists were commissioned by wealthy or influential patrons. The Tempietto was commission by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. Pope Julius II was a patron during the High Renaissance also, commissioning Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and Raphael to do the Vatican. (Campbell, viii) This was a time during history that people reveled in creating art to glorify religion. This can be seen in painting, architecture and sculpture\'s motifs of this time period.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">With that said, artists of the Italian Renaissance were greatly inspired by the ancient world. The populace reveled in the discovery and significance of ancient monuments &amp; works. This would give them tidbits of insight and knowledge of the past. A huge percent of artistic inspiration came from the desire to reconcile their Christian beliefs with the ideas of pagan humanity. This was seen in many works, including Bramante\'s Tempietto.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\"The human dignity &amp; critical reasoning that was found in the ancient writings played an important role in the transformation of the art &amp; society of the Italian Renaissance.\"(Hartt, 37)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\"ideals of art and architecture became unified in the acceptance of classical antiquity and in the belief that humanity was a measure of the universe\" (Columbia Encyclopedia)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The Tempietto and St. Peter\'s Basilica have a few things in common. They both maintain histories of being built on Christian holy sites related to the apostle St. Peter. The question of how they should be proportioned was answered by Vitruvius. His theory of proportions of the human body were applied to the basic circle and square designs found in architecture.(Honours 444) When St. Peter\'s Basilica was ordered to be redone, these buildings were built on designs created by Donato Bramante. (Vatican, 2) Bramante started on the St. Peter\'s Basilica design, but it was finished by Michelangelo. Michelangelo established his design in correspondence to Bramante\'s original design concept.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The obvious difference of the two is the massive contrast of size. The Tempietto was a small sculpture of a building, standing a height of 13 meters and having a diameter of 8 meters, the attention to detail is what makes this building able to contend with bigger buildings being designed during the High Renaissance. St. Peter\'s Basilica is drastically bigger then Bramante\'s Tempietto, being hailed as the tallest dome in the world.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksYywbKG7L8&amp;feature=related\">Tempietto Tour on YouTube</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Even with its small size, Bramante\'s Tempietto is still cherished today. It is a not to miss gem hidden in the cloister of San Pietro of Montorio. It is considered to be a prime example of the High Renaissance architecture. (Lonely Planet)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\"classically inspired design (a circular interior surrounded by a columned peristyle and topped by a proportionally perfect dome) beautifully captured the Renaissance zeitgeist\"  (Lonely Planet)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Personally, the story behind the building is more inspiring to me then it\'s impressive classical design. I am more interested in thereason behind the circular design being a symbol of divine power. I am from the Christian faith, so it\'s history of being created as a remembrance of St. Peter\'s martyred location is especially touching. I am reminded through its beauty of the detail, what God is capable of through us all.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Bibliography</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Campbell, Gordon. Renaissance Art and Architecture. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2004. Print.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Hartt, F., and C. Wilkins. History of Italian Renaissance. Print</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\"Saint Peter\'s Basilica\" Vatican CityState -History. 10 Dec. 2010. Web. 11 Apr. 2011.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&lt;http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/Monuments/Saint_Peters_Basilica/History--p--2.htm&gt;.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Honour, Hugh, and John Fleming. The Visual Arts: a History. New York: Abrams, 1995. Print.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\"Bramante, Donato\" A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape.    Architecture. 2000. JAMES STEVENS CURL</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','Bramante\'s Tempietto','','inherit','open','open','','1004-revision-4','','','2011-04-11 20:01:41','2011-04-12 02:01:41','',1004,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1074',0,'revision','',0),(1076,22,'2011-05-13 20:01:06','2011-05-14 02:01:06','<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/raphael-school-of-athens11.jpg\"></a>Raphael’s The School Of Athens</p>\n<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/raphael-school-of-athens11.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-955\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/raphael-school-of-athens11-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://tomalcockba5.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/composition-analysis/\">http://tomalcockba5.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/composition-analysis/</a></p>\nThe School of Athens is one of the most famous paintings by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. It was painted between 1510 and 1511 as a part of Raphael\'s commission to decorate with frescoes the rooms now known as the Stanze di Raffaello, in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.<!--more--> On the room where Raphael painted The School of Athens, can be observed two others important paints: The Stanza della Segnatura and La Disputa which is painting on the opposite wall than The School of Athens. The paint  has long been seen as \"Raphael\'s masterpiece and the perfect embodiment of the classical spirit of the High Renaissance. Unlike other paintings Raphael’s master piece includes the most important figures of its time, figures such as Plato and Aristotle’s who were found to be the main figures of the paint. The paint is divided in two different sections one included spiritual side [Plato’s ] while the other one represent physical side, [Aristotle’s] the painting was basically generated by Raphael and it clearly represented a clear view of the most intellectual and famous people of its time, people who were in the area of science and philosophy. Raphael’s master piece is been recognized to be one of the most important on the world because if its mystery, imagination and creativity in which it was created.\n\nRaphael’s master piece The School of Athens most important aspect was that it was created with geometry theory in which Artists used linear perspective for transforming the physical reality of 3-D objects into realistic illusions on 2-D flat surfaces. In The School of Athens Raphael shows main figures that came from different spaces and times to participate visually in the educational process, master symbolically secularization and influence literally people’s mind. In the historical art work of Raphael: he uses Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Pythagoras and Euclid to represent ancient Masters and Michelangelo, Bramante, Leonardo and himself to represent the contemporary humanists of the 1500s.\n\nThe school of Athens shows Plato and Aristotle centralized as is the case for holies surrounded by scientists and students, past and present, in splendid classical architectural setting illustrating the historical continuity of Platonic thought. Raphael fills an ordered and stable space with figures in a rich variety of symbolic postures and gestures showing strenuous efforts to attain knowledge. Raphel controls a theatrical setting in order to make one group of figures lead to the next in an interviewing and interlocking pattern, bringing the eye to the central figures of Plato and Aristotle at the vanishing point of the\nlinear space. All parts of this paint converge on the center, but the whole\nvision is broken up into a number of isolated groups. The figures are grouped\nin unity, but each retains its own individuality and shape.\"In addition, Raphael’s master piece included an emphasis on applying visual mathematics, numbers, ratio and\nharmony, especially when Pythagoras is represented by his harmonic theory on\nthe left side, and Euclid by the perfection of Geometry on the right. The elaborate\nperspective of the architectural setting seems to embody both.\" Arthur damto It is an\nhistorical artistic statement of gratitude towards the ancient masters and the\ncontemporary students, artists and architects who made possible the connection\nnot only between East and West, but also between natural and moral sciences.\nThe artist’s selection reflected his own personal concern with multi-cultured\nKnowledge. As a humanist artist, Raphael followed the scholarly and translated materials of his age. For instance he may have used Euclid’s musical theory to create the ideal Classical architectural background of The School of Athens.\n\nAccording to, The humanistic tradition vol. \"Raphael’s The School of Athens is an homage to knowledge in which it was concerned with multi-cultured knowledge defined as humanism. Now humanism is a philosophy of love and peace. It makes clear that to reach both love and peace, you have to feel them first in your soul and then allow others to feel them. During the Renaissance era, art was strongly tied to knowledge in fact, artists and commissioners were humanists, who knew a great deal of the purpose of art and secular knowledge. The School of Athens presents the value of secular knowledge through the depiction of ancient and contemporary masters, students and books. The school of Athens is therefore an allegory of two things: education, and a secular state in which Raphael uses a visual metaphor between Rome of the 1500s and Athens of 500 BC.\"W. Cook and R. Herzman\nRaphael also convey how Italy of the Renaissance adopted both Western and non-Western knowledge, regardless of race and belief and become a home for humanism in a general sense a place in which all are hand in hand to change both minds and lives for the better. However, there is still more to Raphael’s talent for its remarkable\nacknowledgment of people who, regardless of race and belief, made great contributions to the pursuit of knowledge. This study shows that Muslims made\nscientific and intellectual contributions to European Renaissance. Furthermore,\nin the early twelfth century, Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars produced\nmany scholarly works in great unity, transcending their differences and the\nSpace and time.\n\"To sum it all up, Raphael’s school of Athens is atribute to knowledge and a representation of Italy’s Renaissance, but above all, is an ideal representation\nof a love for knowledge that draws people together in peace. It is a work\nupholding humanism, a philosophy of love, peace life and spiritual values. Raphael’s\nsends a peaceful message to the whole world, representing all those who\nworked together for knowledge’s sake to delight people’s lives.\"W. Cook and R. Herzman\n\nIn conclusion, Raphael master piece The School of Athens have a tremendous impact in the history of humanism. The school of Athens should be preserved because three main reasons : the first one is the shape and the imagination that Raphael used to create this beautiful piece of art. The second one is the incredible geometry that its used to divide the spiritual (something that we cant see ) and the physical ( physically seem) and the last one and most important is that he included the most intellectual and famous people of its time in a way that they were separated and put it in a specific placed that described their role of importance over human history. In addition the School of Athens is important to future generations because it represent the line between spiritual and physical view which it gives an important aspect of god and what we have here in earth. Personally I feel that Raphael paint the school of Athens has an specific purpose in which he wanted to show future generations the importance of a balance between spirit and human knowledge therefore it should be preserved as a important piece for human history.\nReferences\n\n1. Arthur Danto, After the End of Art (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997).\n\n2. Julius II was a highly cultured man who was surrounded by the most illustrious\npersonalities of the Renaissance. See Emil Kren and Daniel Marx, “Raphael\nSanzio: Biography,” Web Gallery of Art (2004). http://keptar.demasz.hu/arthp/\nbio/r/raphael/biograph.htm.\n\n3. W. Cook and R. Herzman, The Medieval World View (Athens: Ohio University\nPress, 1983).\n\n4. The humanistic tradition vol. 1 book 1. Fiero 6 a\n\n5. http://www.ancientsites.com/aw/Article/555679 posted April 30 2005. Copyright 2002-2011 Ancient Worlds LLC .','RAPHAEL\'S THE SCHOOOL OF ATHENS','','inherit','open','open','','924-autosave','','','2011-05-13 20:01:06','2011-05-14 02:01:06','',924,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1076',0,'revision','',0),(1077,22,'2011-04-11 13:07:36','2011-04-11 19:07:36','<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/raphael-school-of-athens11.jpg\"></a>Raphael’s The School Of Athens</p>\r\n<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/raphael-school-of-athens11.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-955\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/raphael-school-of-athens11-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://tomalcockba5.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/composition-analysis/\">http://tomalcockba5.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/composition-analysis/</a></p>\r\nThe School of Athens is one of the most famous paintings by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. It was painted between 1510 and 1511 as a part of Raphael\'s commission to decorate with frescoes the rooms now known as the Stanze di Raffaello, in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.<!--more--> On the room where Raphael painted The School of Athens, can be observed two others important paints: The Stanza della Segnatura and La Disputa which is painting on the opposite wall than The School of Athens. The paint  has long been seen as \"Raphael\'s masterpiece and the perfect embodiment of the classical spirit of the High Renaissance. Unlike other paintings Raphael’s master piece includes the most important figures of its time, figures such as Plato and Aristotle’s who were found to be the main figures of the paint. The paint is divided in two different sections one included spiritual side [Plato’s ] while the other one represent physical side, [Aristotle’s] the painting was basically generated by Raphael and it clearly represented a clear view of the most intellectual and famous people of its time, people who were in the area of science and philosophy. Raphael’s master piece is been recognized to be one of the most important on the world because if its mystery, imagination and creativity in which it was created.\r\n\r\nRaphael’s master piece The School of Athens most important aspect was that it was created with geometry theory in which Artists used linear perspective for transforming the physical reality of 3-D objects into realistic illusions on 2-D flat surfaces. In The School of Athens Raphael shows main figures that came from different spaces and times to participate visually in the educational process, master symbolically secularization and influence literally people’s mind. In the historical art work of Raphael: he uses Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Pythagoras and Euclid to represent ancient Masters and Michelangelo, Bramante, Leonardo and himself to represent the contemporary humanists of the 1500s.\r\n\r\nThe school of Athens shows Plato and Aristotle centralized as is the case for holies surrounded by scientists and students, past and present, in splendid classical architectural setting illustrating the historical continuity of Platonic thought. Raphael fills an ordered and stable space with figures in a rich variety of symbolic postures and gestures showing strenuous efforts to attain knowledge. Raphel controls a theatrical setting in order to make one group of figures lead to the next in an interviewing and interlocking pattern, bringing the eye to the central figures of Plato and Aristotle at the vanishing point of the\r\nlinear space. All parts of this paint converge on the center, but the whole\r\nvision is broken up into a number of isolated groups. The figures are grouped\r\nin unity, but each retains its own individuality and shape.[ In addition, Raphael’s master piece included an emphasis on applying visual mathematics, numbers, ratio and\r\nharmony, especially when Pythagoras is represented by his harmonic theory on\r\nthe left side, and Euclid by the perfection of Geometry on the right. The elaborate\r\nperspective of the architectural setting seems to embody both.] arthur damto It is an\r\nhistorical artistic statement of gratitude towards the ancient masters and the\r\ncontemporary students, artists and architects who made possible the connection\r\nnot only between East and West, but also between natural and moral sciences.\r\nThe artist’s selection reflected his own personal concern with multi-cultured\r\nKnowledge. As a humanist artist, Raphael followed the scholarly and translated materials of his age. For instance he may have used Euclid’s musical theory to create the ideal Classical architectural background of The School of Athens.\r\n\r\nAccording to, The humanistic tradition vol. Raphael’s The School of Athens is an homage to knowledge in which it was concerned with multi-cultured knowledge defined as humanism. Now humanism is a philosophy of love and peace. It makes clear that to reach both love and peace, you have to feel them first in your soul and then allow others to feel them.[ During the Renaissance era, art was strongly tied to knowledge in fact, artists and commissioners were humanists, who knew a great deal of the purpose of art and secular knowledge. The School of Athens presents the value of secular knowledge through the depiction of ancient and contemporary masters, students and books. The school of Athens is therefore an allegory of two things: education, and a secular state in which Raphael uses a visual metaphor between Rome of the 1500s and Athens of 500 BC.] W. Cook and R. Herzman\r\nRaphael also convey how Italy of the Renaissance adopted both Western and non-Western knowledge, regardless of race and belief and become a home for humanism in a general sense a place in which all are hand in hand to change both minds and lives for the better. However, there is still more to Raphael’s talent for its remarkable\r\nacknowledgment of people who, regardless of race and belief, made great contributions to the pursuit of knowledge. This study shows that Muslims made\r\nscientific and intellectual contributions to European Renaissance. Furthermore,\r\nin the early twelfth century, Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars produced\r\nmany scholarly works in great unity, transcending their differences and the\r\nSpace and time.\r\n[To sum it all up, Raphael’s school of Athens is atribute to knowledge and a representation of Italy’s Renaissance, but above all, is an ideal representation\r\nof a love for knowledge that draws people together in peace. It is a work\r\nupholding humanism, a philosophy of love, peace life and spiritual values. Raphael’s\r\nsends a peaceful message to the whole world, representing all those who\r\nworked together for knowledge’s sake to delight people’s lives.] W. Cook and R. Herzman\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, Raphael master piece The School of Athens have a tremendous impact in the history of humanism. The school of Athens should be preserved because three main reasons : the first one is the shape and the imagination that Raphael used to create this beautiful piece of art. The second one is the incredible geometry that its used to divide the spiritual (something that we cant see ) and the physical ( physically seem) and the last one and most important is that he included the most intellectual and famous people of its time in a way that they were separated and put it in a specific placed that described their role of importance over human history. In addition the School of Athens is important to future generations because it represent the line between spiritual and physical view which it gives an important aspect of god and what we have here in earth. Personally I feel that Raphael paint the school of Athens has an specific purpose in which he wanted to show future generations the importance of a balance between spirit and human knowledge therefore it should be preserved as a important piece for human history.\r\nReferences\r\n\r\n1. Arthur Danto, After the End of Art (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997).\r\n\r\n2. Julius II was a highly cultured man who was surrounded by the most illustrious\r\npersonalities of the Renaissance. See Emil Kren and Daniel Marx, “Raphael\r\nSanzio: Biography,” Web Gallery of Art (2004). http://keptar.demasz.hu/arthp/\r\nbio/r/raphael/biograph.htm.\r\n\r\n3. W. Cook and R. Herzman, The Medieval World View (Athens: Ohio University\r\nPress, 1983).\r\n\r\n4. The humanistic tradition vol. 1 book 1. Fiero 6 a\r\n\r\n5. http://www.ancientsites.com/aw/Article/555679 posted April 30 2005. Copyright 2002-2011 Ancient Worlds LLC .','RAPHAEL\'S THE SCHOOOL OF ATHENS','','inherit','open','open','','924-revision-4','','','2011-04-11 13:07:36','2011-04-11 19:07:36','',924,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1077',0,'revision','',0),(1078,12,'2011-05-02 12:37:06','2011-05-02 18:37:06','Botticelli: The Birth of Venus\n\n<img class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http://www.gwennseemel.com/images/blog09/BotticelliBirthVenus.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"342\" /><!--more-->\n\nSandro Botticelli was an Italian painter of the Florentine school during the early renaissance. It is said that it was Botticelli’s belief that “objects of physical beauty move the soul to desire unity with God, divine fount of beauty and truth (Fiero, Gloria K).” It is my belief that Botticelli was triumphant in creating the most breath taking painting ever created, The Birth of Venus. This painting is the definition of beauty and needs to be saved for our future generations.\n<div>\n\nThe Birth of Venus was commissioned by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’Medici for the villa of Castello. In Previous eras, the painter had a specific story to tell on a specific spot; however, in Botticelli’s case, he was commissioned to paint whatever he desired. So, he chose to stay in the typical ‘closed’ renaissance style—meaning figures are shown in full. Because of this the story was critical, and had to be expressed in complete accuracy and detail (Bertsch, Cole).\n\nThe Birth of Venus was completed in 1485 on Canvas, which was fairly unusual for its time. Most artists used more expensive wooden panels, but this approach was not practical for the technique needed. Botticelli used a paint made of thin tempera, based on the use of diluted egg yolk (Johnson, Mary), which gives the paint an aspect of extraordinary transparency, allowing the magnificent highlights and softness used in the painting.\n\nThe story of this art starts off by first already knowing the myth of where Venus came from. During the middle ages, legends of the creations of the world and all its inhabitants were restricted to the stories of the Bible, all other beliefs were taken with a grain of salt. The Renaissance however brought the wisdom of the Greeks and considered the myths to be invaluable information of the past. The Greeks had thought that when the titan Cronus castrated his father, the god Uranus, his genitals fell into the sea—enabling the fertilization of Venus (Bertsch, Cole).\n\nFrom this story Botticelli depicts Venus being born from sea foam.  Standing naked on a pearlescent scallop shell, her right hand covers only her right breast, with long billowing hair to cover her pubic parts. Yet while looking at her, you start to wonder, “Have I seen this woman before?” Chances are you have. Botticelli never married; the popular view is that he suffered from unrequited love for Simonetta Vespucci, a married noblewoman that was coveted by many men. According to legend, she had served as the model for The Birth of Venus and reoccurs throughout his and others paintings, such as, Mars and Venus, La primavera, and Pallas Athena and the Centaur, to name a few (Niyazi, H).\n\nNow as to who accompanies her on this canvas is debatable. On her right are two beings, a man and a woman, flying above the sea, blowing Venus westward towards the shores of Paphos on the island of Cyprus. While everyone agrees that the man is the Greek god of the west wind, Zephyrus, the girl he is holding remains unclear. Some say she is Chloris, a Nymph that is associated with spring and flowers, and wife of Zephyrus.  Others say she is the titan goddess Aura, who is a divine personification of breezes.\n\nOn the shore, a woman in a flowery dress is awaiting Venus with a pink robe like garment, ready to cover her up. It is spectated that this woman is Pomona, the goddess of fruit trees and fecundity (Fiero, Gloria K). Many say she the Horai goddess of springtime due to the abundance of flowers and springtime like nature of the painting, however, it is popular belief that she is merely a visual representation of the city of Florence, receiving Venus as a welcomed gift from the Gods.\n\n</div>\n<div>\n\nNo matter who accompanies her, it is obvious that Venus is the center of attention, due to the fact that everything is angled towards her. The angle that the wind gods are positioned urges the eye to focus on Venus, as well as the way the robe seems ready to float onto her body. If separated from the rest of the painting and viewed solely, the movement of her body is enough evidence of her beauty and importance. Sculpted with very soft lines, the way her right foot dangles behind the other, and the way her arms move across her body, gives the impression of her innocence and elegance; separating her from the other figures. She is so beautiful that one tends to not even notice that Botticelli altered the nature of human anatomy. Venus has steep falling shoulders, and an unnaturally long neck —all to create a graceful harmonic outline (Bertsch, Cole). The uniqueness of this painting still receives wide scholarly attention even to this day.\n\nThis magnificent artwork wasn’t painted alone; it has a twin, La Primavera. Painted in 1482, before The Birth of Venus was created, it is meant to be placed in the same room. The two paintings together showed two parts of Venus.  In one, Venus has just been born, young and radiant, arriving on a shore where the fruit hasn’t yet been produced from the trees, and being welcomed by the world.  In the other, Venus is older and dressed in extravagant clothing, the trees are lush with flowers and fruit, and people are rejoicing. But, instead of being an object of beauty, she now represents love and marriage.  Even though both paintings are indeed breath taking, when placed side by side, you just can’t help but be drawn back to The Birth of Venus (Bowman, David).\n\nWe live in a world of death and violence; it constantly surrounds us. Without The Birth of Venus, how are we going to teach our children what the true meaning of love and beauty actually is? If we don’t preserve this gorgeous symbolic image of flawlessness, it would be stripping our society of all things that are incorrupt and harmonious, and that would be catastrophic.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCitation\n\nBertsch, Cole. \"The Birth of Venus.\" <em>Sauk</em><em> </em><em>Valley</em><em> </em><em>Community College</em><em> - Home</em>. Colebott. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.svcc.edu/academics/classes/murray/Ezine/colebott.htm&gt;.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBowman, David. \"Birth of Venus and La Primavera Conjoined - Alternative View on Art, Architecture and Religion.\" <em>Alternative Information Newsletter - Alternative View on Art, Architecture and Religion</em>. 2008. Web. 10 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.aiwaz.net/article/Birth-of-Venus-and-La-Primavera-Conjoined/a115&gt;.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFiero, Gloria K. \"Chapter 17. Renaissance Artists: Disciples of Nature, Masters of Invention Ca. 1400–1600.\" <em>The Humanistic Tradition</em>. 6th ed. Vol. 1. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2011. B3.44+. Print.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJohnson, Mary. \"Botticelli.\" <em>Gilford Multimedia: Since 1972 South Jersey\'s Oldest Existing Ad Agency</em>. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.sohoart.com/botticelli.htm&gt;.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNiyazi, H. \"Simonetta Vespucci: a Renaissance Muse?\" <em>Three Pipe Problem</em>. 26 Apr. 2010. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.3pipe.net/2010/04/simonetta-vespucci-real-life-muse-of.html&gt;.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nImage: http://www.gwennseemel.com/images/blog09/BotticelliBirthVenus.jpg\n\n</div>','The Birth of Venus','','inherit','open','open','','993-autosave','','','2011-05-02 12:37:06','2011-05-02 18:37:06','',993,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1078',0,'revision','',0),(1087,16,'2011-04-25 13:39:14','2011-04-25 19:39:14','','cortes8','','inherit','open','open','','cortes8','','','2011-04-25 13:39:14','2011-04-25 19:39:14','',1086,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1088,16,'2011-04-25 13:40:01','2011-04-25 19:40:01','<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1087 alignleft\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThe Letters from Mexico written by Cortes to the King and Queen of Spain, offer a glimpse of the time of the Spanish conquistadors and the exploration of the New World during the early 1500s. These letters describe the culture of the indigenous civilization, the Aztecs, their ancient city, their culture, and their way of life before the destruction of the ancient civilization, illustrating the clashing between two different cultures, and illustrate a very important perspective of the events in Spanish exploration of the New World through one of the most important figures in history.\n\n<!--more-->\n\nHernan Cortes was born 1485 into a noble family in Medellin, Spain. He studied law in Salamanca, ran away when he was nineteen, and entered the military under Diego Velazquez. He died 1547 (\"Cortés, Hernán\"). Cortes is the most famous conquistador in history known for being mistaken as a deity by the natives, having toppled the great city of Technochtitlan, and facilitated the fall of the Aztec Empire (\"conquistadores\").  During his travels in the New World, Cortes had contact with the various Native inhabitants and the Aztec people writing reports or letters to the King and Queen of Spain explaining various situations and events that happened. Like many notable works during this era, Cortes’ letters described the native peoples explaining in great detail about their wealth, “harmony,” culture, and civilization. Like other conqueror of any nation, he views the Natives as barbaric and uncivilized: an attitude that is often illustrated within his letters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe letters that Cortes wrote also give great insight into what the Conquistadors at the time were thinking of the Natives. One thing that sets the letters apart from other “works” is that it offers a conqueror’s perspective on history. Despite his notions of the natives, he still provides a very detailed account of what their culture, rich descriptions, praise, and even admiration towards the Natives to the point where he would compare them to Christian or Islamic nations. In one of his letters, he marvels at the structure and of the city: “There are in the city many large and beautiful houses, and the reason for this is that all the chiefs of the land, who are Montezuma\'s vassals, have houses in the city and live there for part of the year; and in addition there are many rich citizens who likewise have very good houses. All these houses have very large and very good rooms and also very pleasant gardens of various sorts of flowers both on the upper and lower floors” (Fiero), illustrating his awe at what the Aztecs achieved.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnother comparable work regarding the Natives and the New World is “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolome De Las Casas, a monk and philanthropist who objected against Spanish conquest in defense of the Natives, having witnessed their subjugation. His work provides a point of view that is different, completely opposite of the conqueror’s perspective. In his work, he focuses much on cruelty done to the Natives by the Spanish. His work also gain considerable influence and advocated for more humane policies regarding the Natives.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCortes’ letters were mainly received by his superiors and the King and Queen of Spain. He sent five long dispatches to the King describing his conquest. His fourth and fifth letters were not published until the nineteenth century (Angel) possibly because they were the least exciting of the five letters. The rest of the letters were quickly known throughout Europe and were translated into Latin, Italian, and German. They were published around 1522 to 1532 (Angel). Back then, the European civilizations where curious about the New World and its inhabitants and Cortes’ letters provided them a glimpse, albeit, a biased view, of the Natives and the New World. Many are still fascinated by ancient Native American civilizations. However, the letters of Cortes and many other works of the like are not as well known to the average citizen.  Yet, the fact that his writings are still studied and being published in books up to today represent that his writings still hold much value and relevance in today’s world, for it could be said that it is Cortes’ letters that paved the way for European opportunity (Angel). It was Cortes and his conquest of Mexico that allowed for the influx of wealth being poured into Spain and the rest of Europe. The discovery of the New World brought many new and interesting trades, foods, crops, and spices. At the same time, it meant massive death by common diseases brought over by the settlers (John), the destruction of their culture, the forced conversion of Christianity imposed upon them, and the enslavement of the indigenous people. In fact, the first fifty years of contact almost killed the whole native population and other densely populated areas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I was intrigued that Cortes found many similarities between his culture and the Natives to the point where he compares the great city of Technochtitlan to the Spanish city of Seville. Yet, he still finds one fault that lead to a great divide between the Natives and himself, leading onward to a culture clash, which unfolded into the mass extermination of the Natives and the elimination of their way of life: the fact that they were polytheistic and were not of the same religion as Cortes. Because of this fact, he continued to view the Natives as barbaric people who need to be brought the knowledge of God: “I will say only that these people live almost like those in Spain, and in as much harmony and order as there, and considering that they are barbarous and so far from the knowledge of God and cut off from all civilized nations, it is truly remarkable to see what they have achieved in all things” (Fiero).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough Cortes’ actions facilitated the growth of wealth into Europe’s economy and provided great detail of what was once the Aztec Empire before its fall future, offering a perspective of the events during his conquest, much that could be learned from the Aztecs have been lost. Generations should look back at it and learn one of the most important lessons that is still very relevant in today’s world. As illustrated in Cortes’ letters, culture clashes happen when people are not able to be able to think beyond the context of their own culture, thus creating conflict. Cortes had no doubts in his belief of the superiority of the Christian faith and did what he believed was what should be done in his understanding of it, which was to conquer for “God, king, and country” no matter what it meant (Angel). In the end, Technochtitlan was leveled to the ground. All the gold on the structures of the city were melted down and sent to Spain.  The Natives lost much of their identity and forgotten many of the great achievements that they had, and experienced and generations of conflict. Many of what the Aztecs valued, ancient knowledge, and what future generations could also benefit from their achievements have been destroyed, lost in time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\nWORKS CITED</p>\n&nbsp;\n\nAngel Delgado Gómez \"Cortés, Fernando\" The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican\n\nCultures. Ed. Davíd Carrasco. Oxford University Press, 2006.  Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t221.e151&gt;\n\n\"conquistadores\"  A Dictionary of World History. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford\n\nReference Online. Oxford University Press.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011&lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t48.e917&gt;\n\n\"Cortés, Hernán\"  The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance. Gordon Campbell. Oxford\n\nUniversity Press, 2003.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t175.e963&gt;\n\nJohn M. D. Pohl, Michael E. Smith, Deborah L. Nichols \"Aztec Civilization\"   <em>The Oxford </em>\n\n<em>Companion to Archaeology</em>. Brian M. Fagan, ed., Oxford University Press 1996. <em>Oxford Reference Online</em>. Oxford University Press. Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t136.e0043-s0004&gt;\n\n&nbsp;','','','inherit','open','open','','1086-revision','','','2011-04-25 13:40:01','2011-04-25 19:40:01','',1086,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1088',0,'revision','',0),(1090,16,'2011-04-25 13:41:01','2011-04-25 19:41:01','<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1087 alignleft\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"300\" /></a>The Letters from Mexico written by Cortes to the King and Queen of Spain, offer a glimpse of the time of the Spanish conquistadors and the exploration of the New World during the early 1500s. These letters describe the culture of the indigenous civilization, the Aztecs, their ancient city, their culture, and their way of life before the destruction of the ancient civilization, illustrating the clashing between two different cultures, and illustrate a very important perspective of the events in Spanish exploration of the New World through one of the most important figures in history.\n\n<!--more-->Hernan Cortes was born 1485 into a noble family in Medellin, Spain. He studied law in Salamanca, ran away when he was nineteen, and entered the military under Diego Velazquez. He died 1547 (\"Cortés, Hernán\"). Cortes is the most famous conquistador in history known for being mistaken as a deity by the natives, having toppled the great city of Technochtitlan, and facilitated the fall of the Aztec Empire (\"conquistadores\").  During his travels in the New World, Cortes had contact with the various Native inhabitants and the Aztec people writing reports or letters to the King and Queen of Spain explaining various situations and events that happened. Like many notable works during this era, Cortes’ letters described the native peoples explaining in great detail about their wealth, “harmony,” culture, and civilization. Like other conqueror of any nation, he views the Natives as barbaric and uncivilized: an attitude that is often illustrated within his letters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe letters that Cortes wrote also give great insight into what the Conquistadors at the time were thinking of the Natives. One thing that sets the letters apart from other “works” is that it offers a conqueror’s perspective on history. Despite his notions of the natives, he still provides a very detailed account of what their culture, rich descriptions, praise, and even admiration towards the Natives to the point where he would compare them to Christian or Islamic nations. In one of his letters, he marvels at the structure and of the city: “There are in the city many large and beautiful houses, and the reason for this is that all the chiefs of the land, who are Montezuma\'s vassals, have houses in the city and live there for part of the year; and in addition there are many rich citizens who likewise have very good houses. All these houses have very large and very good rooms and also very pleasant gardens of various sorts of flowers both on the upper and lower floors” (Fiero), illustrating his awe at what the Aztecs achieved.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnother comparable work regarding the Natives and the New World is “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolome De Las Casas, a monk and philanthropist who objected against Spanish conquest in defense of the Natives, having witnessed their subjugation. His work provides a point of view that is different, completely opposite of the conqueror’s perspective. In his work, he focuses much on cruelty done to the Natives by the Spanish. His work also gain considerable influence and advocated for more humane policies regarding the Natives.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCortes’ letters were mainly received by his superiors and the King and Queen of Spain. He sent five long dispatches to the King describing his conquest. His fourth and fifth letters were not published until the nineteenth century (Angel) possibly because they were the least exciting of the five letters. The rest of the letters were quickly known throughout Europe and were translated into Latin, Italian, and German. They were published around 1522 to 1532 (Angel). Back then, the European civilizations where curious about the New World and its inhabitants and Cortes’ letters provided them a glimpse, albeit, a biased view, of the Natives and the New World. Many are still fascinated by ancient Native American civilizations. However, the letters of Cortes and many other works of the like are not as well known to the average citizen.  Yet, the fact that his writings are still studied and being published in books up to today represent that his writings still hold much value and relevance in today’s world, for it could be said that it is Cortes’ letters that paved the way for European opportunity (Angel). It was Cortes and his conquest of Mexico that allowed for the influx of wealth being poured into Spain and the rest of Europe. The discovery of the New World brought many new and interesting trades, foods, crops, and spices. At the same time, it meant massive death by common diseases brought over by the settlers (John), the destruction of their culture, the forced conversion of Christianity imposed upon them, and the enslavement of the indigenous people. In fact, the first fifty years of contact almost killed the whole native population and other densely populated areas.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPersonally, I was intrigued that Cortes found many similarities between his culture and the Natives to the point where he compares the great city of Technochtitlan to the Spanish city of Seville. Yet, he still finds one fault that lead to a great divide between the Natives and himself, leading onward to a culture clash, which unfolded into the mass extermination of the Natives and the elimination of their way of life: the fact that they were polytheistic and were not of the same religion as Cortes. Because of this fact, he continued to view the Natives as barbaric people who need to be brought the knowledge of God: “I will say only that these people live almost like those in Spain, and in as much harmony and order as there, and considering that they are barbarous and so far from the knowledge of God and cut off from all civilized nations, it is truly remarkable to see what they have achieved in all things” (Fiero).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough Cortes’ actions facilitated the growth of wealth into Europe’s economy and provided great detail of what was once the Aztec Empire before its fall future, offering a perspective of the events during his conquest, much that could be learned from the Aztecs have been lost. Generations should look back at it and learn one of the most important lessons that is still very relevant in today’s world. As illustrated in Cortes’ letters, culture clashes happen when people are not able to be able to think beyond the context of their own culture, thus creating conflict. Cortes had no doubts in his belief of the superiority of the Christian faith and did what he believed was what should be done in his understanding of it, which was to conquer for “God, king, and country” no matter what it meant (Angel). In the end, Technochtitlan was leveled to the ground. All the gold on the structures of the city were melted down and sent to Spain.  The Natives lost much of their identity and forgotten many of the great achievements that they had, and experienced and generations of conflict. Many of what the Aztecs valued, ancient knowledge, and what future generations could also benefit from their achievements have been destroyed, lost in time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\nWORKS CITED</p>\n&nbsp;\n\nAngel Delgado Gómez \"Cortés, Fernando\" The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican\n\nCultures. Ed. Davíd Carrasco. Oxford University Press, 2006.  Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t221.e151&gt;\n\n\"conquistadores\"  A Dictionary of World History. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford\n\nReference Online. Oxford University Press.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011&lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t48.e917&gt;\n\n\"Cortés, Hernán\"  The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance. Gordon Campbell. Oxford\n\nUniversity Press, 2003.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t175.e963&gt;\n\nJohn M. D. Pohl, Michael E. Smith, Deborah L. Nichols \"Aztec Civilization\"   <em>The Oxford </em>\n\n<em>Companion to Archaeology</em>. Brian M. Fagan, ed., Oxford University Press 1996. <em>Oxford Reference Online</em>. Oxford University Press. Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t136.e0043-s0004&gt;\n\n&nbsp;','Cortes\' Letters from Mexico','','inherit','open','open','','1086-revision-3','','','2011-04-25 13:41:01','2011-04-25 19:41:01','',1086,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1090',0,'revision','',0),(1089,16,'2011-04-25 13:40:35','2011-04-25 19:40:35','<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1087 alignleft\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Letters from Mexico written by Cortes to the King and Queen of Spain, offer a glimpse of the time of the Spanish conquistadors and the exploration of the New World during the early 1500s. These letters describe the culture of the indigenous civilization, the Aztecs, their ancient city, their culture, and their way of life before the destruction of the ancient civilization, illustrating the clashing between two different cultures, and illustrate a very important perspective of the events in Spanish exploration of the New World through one of the most important figures in history.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->Hernan Cortes was born 1485 into a noble family in Medellin, Spain. He studied law in Salamanca, ran away when he was nineteen, and entered the military under Diego Velazquez. He died 1547 (\"Cortés, Hernán\"). Cortes is the most famous conquistador in history known for being mistaken as a deity by the natives, having toppled the great city of Technochtitlan, and facilitated the fall of the Aztec Empire (\"conquistadores\").  During his travels in the New World, Cortes had contact with the various Native inhabitants and the Aztec people writing reports or letters to the King and Queen of Spain explaining various situations and events that happened. Like many notable works during this era, Cortes’ letters described the native peoples explaining in great detail about their wealth, “harmony,” culture, and civilization. Like other conqueror of any nation, he views the Natives as barbaric and uncivilized: an attitude that is often illustrated within his letters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe letters that Cortes wrote also give great insight into what the Conquistadors at the time were thinking of the Natives. One thing that sets the letters apart from other “works” is that it offers a conqueror’s perspective on history. Despite his notions of the natives, he still provides a very detailed account of what their culture, rich descriptions, praise, and even admiration towards the Natives to the point where he would compare them to Christian or Islamic nations. In one of his letters, he marvels at the structure and of the city: “There are in the city many large and beautiful houses, and the reason for this is that all the chiefs of the land, who are Montezuma\'s vassals, have houses in the city and live there for part of the year; and in addition there are many rich citizens who likewise have very good houses. All these houses have very large and very good rooms and also very pleasant gardens of various sorts of flowers both on the upper and lower floors” (Fiero), illustrating his awe at what the Aztecs achieved.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother comparable work regarding the Natives and the New World is “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolome De Las Casas, a monk and philanthropist who objected against Spanish conquest in defense of the Natives, having witnessed their subjugation. His work provides a point of view that is different, completely opposite of the conqueror’s perspective. In his work, he focuses much on cruelty done to the Natives by the Spanish. His work also gain considerable influence and advocated for more humane policies regarding the Natives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCortes’ letters were mainly received by his superiors and the King and Queen of Spain. He sent five long dispatches to the King describing his conquest. His fourth and fifth letters were not published until the nineteenth century (Angel) possibly because they were the least exciting of the five letters. The rest of the letters were quickly known throughout Europe and were translated into Latin, Italian, and German. They were published around 1522 to 1532 (Angel). Back then, the European civilizations where curious about the New World and its inhabitants and Cortes’ letters provided them a glimpse, albeit, a biased view, of the Natives and the New World. Many are still fascinated by ancient Native American civilizations. However, the letters of Cortes and many other works of the like are not as well known to the average citizen.  Yet, the fact that his writings are still studied and being published in books up to today represent that his writings still hold much value and relevance in today’s world, for it could be said that it is Cortes’ letters that paved the way for European opportunity (Angel). It was Cortes and his conquest of Mexico that allowed for the influx of wealth being poured into Spain and the rest of Europe. The discovery of the New World brought many new and interesting trades, foods, crops, and spices. At the same time, it meant massive death by common diseases brought over by the settlers (John), the destruction of their culture, the forced conversion of Christianity imposed upon them, and the enslavement of the indigenous people. In fact, the first fifty years of contact almost killed the whole native population and other densely populated areas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I was intrigued that Cortes found many similarities between his culture and the Natives to the point where he compares the great city of Technochtitlan to the Spanish city of Seville. Yet, he still finds one fault that lead to a great divide between the Natives and himself, leading onward to a culture clash, which unfolded into the mass extermination of the Natives and the elimination of their way of life: the fact that they were polytheistic and were not of the same religion as Cortes. Because of this fact, he continued to view the Natives as barbaric people who need to be brought the knowledge of God: “I will say only that these people live almost like those in Spain, and in as much harmony and order as there, and considering that they are barbarous and so far from the knowledge of God and cut off from all civilized nations, it is truly remarkable to see what they have achieved in all things” (Fiero).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough Cortes’ actions facilitated the growth of wealth into Europe’s economy and provided great detail of what was once the Aztec Empire before its fall future, offering a perspective of the events during his conquest, much that could be learned from the Aztecs have been lost. Generations should look back at it and learn one of the most important lessons that is still very relevant in today’s world. As illustrated in Cortes’ letters, culture clashes happen when people are not able to be able to think beyond the context of their own culture, thus creating conflict. Cortes had no doubts in his belief of the superiority of the Christian faith and did what he believed was what should be done in his understanding of it, which was to conquer for “God, king, and country” no matter what it meant (Angel). In the end, Technochtitlan was leveled to the ground. All the gold on the structures of the city were melted down and sent to Spain.  The Natives lost much of their identity and forgotten many of the great achievements that they had, and experienced and generations of conflict. Many of what the Aztecs valued, ancient knowledge, and what future generations could also benefit from their achievements have been destroyed, lost in time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\r\nWORKS CITED</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAngel Delgado Gómez \"Cortés, Fernando\" The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican\r\n\r\nCultures. Ed. Davíd Carrasco. Oxford University Press, 2006.  Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t221.e151&gt;\r\n\r\n\"conquistadores\"  A Dictionary of World History. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford\r\n\r\nReference Online. Oxford University Press.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011&lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t48.e917&gt;\r\n\r\n\"Cortés, Hernán\"  The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance. Gordon Campbell. Oxford\r\n\r\nUniversity Press, 2003.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t175.e963&gt;\r\n\r\nJohn M. D. Pohl, Michael E. Smith, Deborah L. Nichols \"Aztec Civilization\"   <em>The Oxford </em>\r\n\r\n<em>Companion to Archaeology</em>. Brian M. Fagan, ed., Oxford University Press 1996. <em>Oxford Reference Online</em>. Oxford University Press. Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t136.e0043-s0004&gt;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Cortes\' Letters from Mexico','','inherit','open','open','','1086-revision-2','','','2011-04-25 13:40:35','2011-04-25 19:40:35','',1086,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1089',0,'revision','',0),(1091,16,'2011-04-25 13:41:10','2011-04-25 19:41:10','<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1087 alignleft\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"300\" /></a>The Letters from Mexico written by Cortes to the King and Queen of Spain, offer a glimpse of the time of the Spanish conquistadors and the exploration of the New World during the early 1500s. These letters describe the culture of the indigenous civilization, the Aztecs, their ancient city, their culture, and their way of life before the destruction of the ancient civilization, illustrating the clashing between two different cultures, and illustrate a very important perspective of the events in Spanish exploration of the New World through one of the most important figures in history.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->Hernan Cortes was born 1485 into a noble family in Medellin, Spain. He studied law in Salamanca, ran away when he was nineteen, and entered the military under Diego Velazquez. He died 1547 (\"Cortés, Hernán\"). Cortes is the most famous conquistador in history known for being mistaken as a deity by the natives, having toppled the great city of Technochtitlan, and facilitated the fall of the Aztec Empire (\"conquistadores\").  During his travels in the New World, Cortes had contact with the various Native inhabitants and the Aztec people writing reports or letters to the King and Queen of Spain explaining various situations and events that happened. Like many notable works during this era, Cortes’ letters described the native peoples explaining in great detail about their wealth, “harmony,” culture, and civilization. Like other conqueror of any nation, he views the Natives as barbaric and uncivilized: an attitude that is often illustrated within his letters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe letters that Cortes wrote also give great insight into what the Conquistadors at the time were thinking of the Natives. One thing that sets the letters apart from other “works” is that it offers a conqueror’s perspective on history. Despite his notions of the natives, he still provides a very detailed account of what their culture, rich descriptions, praise, and even admiration towards the Natives to the point where he would compare them to Christian or Islamic nations. In one of his letters, he marvels at the structure and of the city: “There are in the city many large and beautiful houses, and the reason for this is that all the chiefs of the land, who are Montezuma\'s vassals, have houses in the city and live there for part of the year; and in addition there are many rich citizens who likewise have very good houses. All these houses have very large and very good rooms and also very pleasant gardens of various sorts of flowers both on the upper and lower floors” (Fiero), illustrating his awe at what the Aztecs achieved.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother comparable work regarding the Natives and the New World is “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolome De Las Casas, a monk and philanthropist who objected against Spanish conquest in defense of the Natives, having witnessed their subjugation. His work provides a point of view that is different, completely opposite of the conqueror’s perspective. In his work, he focuses much on cruelty done to the Natives by the Spanish. His work also gain considerable influence and advocated for more humane policies regarding the Natives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCortes’ letters were mainly received by his superiors and the King and Queen of Spain. He sent five long dispatches to the King describing his conquest. His fourth and fifth letters were not published until the nineteenth century (Angel) possibly because they were the least exciting of the five letters. The rest of the letters were quickly known throughout Europe and were translated into Latin, Italian, and German. They were published around 1522 to 1532 (Angel). Back then, the European civilizations where curious about the New World and its inhabitants and Cortes’ letters provided them a glimpse, albeit, a biased view, of the Natives and the New World. Many are still fascinated by ancient Native American civilizations. However, the letters of Cortes and many other works of the like are not as well known to the average citizen.  Yet, the fact that his writings are still studied and being published in books up to today represent that his writings still hold much value and relevance in today’s world, for it could be said that it is Cortes’ letters that paved the way for European opportunity (Angel). It was Cortes and his conquest of Mexico that allowed for the influx of wealth being poured into Spain and the rest of Europe. The discovery of the New World brought many new and interesting trades, foods, crops, and spices. At the same time, it meant massive death by common diseases brought over by the settlers (John), the destruction of their culture, the forced conversion of Christianity imposed upon them, and the enslavement of the indigenous people. In fact, the first fifty years of contact almost killed the whole native population and other densely populated areas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I was intrigued that Cortes found many similarities between his culture and the Natives to the point where he compares the great city of Technochtitlan to the Spanish city of Seville. Yet, he still finds one fault that lead to a great divide between the Natives and himself, leading onward to a culture clash, which unfolded into the mass extermination of the Natives and the elimination of their way of life: the fact that they were polytheistic and were not of the same religion as Cortes. Because of this fact, he continued to view the Natives as barbaric people who need to be brought the knowledge of God: “I will say only that these people live almost like those in Spain, and in as much harmony and order as there, and considering that they are barbarous and so far from the knowledge of God and cut off from all civilized nations, it is truly remarkable to see what they have achieved in all things” (Fiero).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough Cortes’ actions facilitated the growth of wealth into Europe’s economy and provided great detail of what was once the Aztec Empire before its fall future, offering a perspective of the events during his conquest, much that could be learned from the Aztecs have been lost. Generations should look back at it and learn one of the most important lessons that is still very relevant in today’s world. As illustrated in Cortes’ letters, culture clashes happen when people are not able to be able to think beyond the context of their own culture, thus creating conflict. Cortes had no doubts in his belief of the superiority of the Christian faith and did what he believed was what should be done in his understanding of it, which was to conquer for “God, king, and country” no matter what it meant (Angel). In the end, Technochtitlan was leveled to the ground. All the gold on the structures of the city were melted down and sent to Spain.  The Natives lost much of their identity and forgotten many of the great achievements that they had, and experienced and generations of conflict. Many of what the Aztecs valued, ancient knowledge, and what future generations could also benefit from their achievements have been destroyed, lost in time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\r\nWORKS CITED</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAngel Delgado Gómez \"Cortés, Fernando\" The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican\r\n\r\nCultures. Ed. Davíd Carrasco. Oxford University Press, 2006.  Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t221.e151&gt;\r\n\r\n\"conquistadores\"  A Dictionary of World History. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford\r\n\r\nReference Online. Oxford University Press.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011&lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t48.e917&gt;\r\n\r\n\"Cortés, Hernán\"  The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance. Gordon Campbell. Oxford\r\n\r\nUniversity Press, 2003.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t175.e963&gt;\r\n\r\nJohn M. D. Pohl, Michael E. Smith, Deborah L. Nichols \"Aztec Civilization\"   <em>The Oxford </em>\r\n\r\n<em>Companion to Archaeology</em>. Brian M. Fagan, ed., Oxford University Press 1996. <em>Oxford Reference Online</em>. Oxford University Press. Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t136.e0043-s0004&gt;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Cortes\' Letters from Mexico','','inherit','open','open','','1086-revision-4','','','2011-04-25 13:41:10','2011-04-25 19:41:10','',1086,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1091',0,'revision','',0),(1092,16,'2011-04-25 13:41:18','2011-04-25 19:41:18','<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1087 alignleft\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cortes8-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"300\" /></a>The Letters from Mexico written by Cortes to the King and Queen of Spain, offer a glimpse of the time of the Spanish conquistadors and the exploration of the New World during the early 1500s. These letters describe the culture of the indigenous civilization, the Aztecs, their ancient city, their culture, and their way of life before the destruction of the ancient civilization, illustrating the clashing between two different cultures, and illustrate a very important perspective of the events in Spanish exploration of the New World through one of the most important figures in history.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->Hernan Cortes was born 1485 into a noble family in Medellin, Spain. He studied law in Salamanca, ran away when he was nineteen, and entered the military under Diego Velazquez. He died 1547 (\"Cortés, Hernán\"). Cortes is the most famous conquistador in history known for being mistaken as a deity by the natives, having toppled the great city of Technochtitlan, and facilitated the fall of the Aztec Empire (\"conquistadores\").  During his travels in the New World, Cortes had contact with the various Native inhabitants and the Aztec people writing reports or letters to the King and Queen of Spain explaining various situations and events that happened. Like many notable works during this era, Cortes’ letters described the native peoples explaining in great detail about their wealth, “harmony,” culture, and civilization. Like other conqueror of any nation, he views the Natives as barbaric and uncivilized: an attitude that is often illustrated within his letters.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe letters that Cortes wrote also give great insight into what the Conquistadors at the time were thinking of the Natives. One thing that sets the letters apart from other “works” is that it offers a conqueror’s perspective on history. Despite his notions of the natives, he still provides a very detailed account of what their culture, rich descriptions, praise, and even admiration towards the Natives to the point where he would compare them to Christian or Islamic nations. In one of his letters, he marvels at the structure and of the city: “There are in the city many large and beautiful houses, and the reason for this is that all the chiefs of the land, who are Montezuma\'s vassals, have houses in the city and live there for part of the year; and in addition there are many rich citizens who likewise have very good houses. All these houses have very large and very good rooms and also very pleasant gardens of various sorts of flowers both on the upper and lower floors” (Fiero), illustrating his awe at what the Aztecs achieved.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother comparable work regarding the Natives and the New World is “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolome De Las Casas, a monk and philanthropist who objected against Spanish conquest in defense of the Natives, having witnessed their subjugation. His work provides a point of view that is different, completely opposite of the conqueror’s perspective. In his work, he focuses much on cruelty done to the Natives by the Spanish. His work also gain considerable influence and advocated for more humane policies regarding the Natives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCortes’ letters were mainly received by his superiors and the King and Queen of Spain. He sent five long dispatches to the King describing his conquest. His fourth and fifth letters were not published until the nineteenth century (Angel) possibly because they were the least exciting of the five letters. The rest of the letters were quickly known throughout Europe and were translated into Latin, Italian, and German. They were published around 1522 to 1532 (Angel). Back then, the European civilizations where curious about the New World and its inhabitants and Cortes’ letters provided them a glimpse, albeit, a biased view, of the Natives and the New World. Many are still fascinated by ancient Native American civilizations. However, the letters of Cortes and many other works of the like are not as well known to the average citizen.  Yet, the fact that his writings are still studied and being published in books up to today represent that his writings still hold much value and relevance in today’s world, for it could be said that it is Cortes’ letters that paved the way for European opportunity (Angel). It was Cortes and his conquest of Mexico that allowed for the influx of wealth being poured into Spain and the rest of Europe. The discovery of the New World brought many new and interesting trades, foods, crops, and spices. At the same time, it meant massive death by common diseases brought over by the settlers (John), the destruction of their culture, the forced conversion of Christianity imposed upon them, and the enslavement of the indigenous people. In fact, the first fifty years of contact almost killed the whole native population and other densely populated areas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPersonally, I was intrigued that Cortes found many similarities between his culture and the Natives to the point where he compares the great city of Technochtitlan to the Spanish city of Seville. Yet, he still finds one fault that lead to a great divide between the Natives and himself, leading onward to a culture clash, which unfolded into the mass extermination of the Natives and the elimination of their way of life: the fact that they were polytheistic and were not of the same religion as Cortes. Because of this fact, he continued to view the Natives as barbaric people who need to be brought the knowledge of God: “I will say only that these people live almost like those in Spain, and in as much harmony and order as there, and considering that they are barbarous and so far from the knowledge of God and cut off from all civilized nations, it is truly remarkable to see what they have achieved in all things” (Fiero).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough Cortes’ actions facilitated the growth of wealth into Europe’s economy and provided great detail of what was once the Aztec Empire before its fall future, offering a perspective of the events during his conquest, much that could be learned from the Aztecs have been lost. Generations should look back at it and learn one of the most important lessons that is still very relevant in today’s world. As illustrated in Cortes’ letters, culture clashes happen when people are not able to be able to think beyond the context of their own culture, thus creating conflict. Cortes had no doubts in his belief of the superiority of the Christian faith and did what he believed was what should be done in his understanding of it, which was to conquer for “God, king, and country” no matter what it meant (Angel). In the end, Technochtitlan was leveled to the ground. All the gold on the structures of the city were melted down and sent to Spain.  The Natives lost much of their identity and forgotten many of the great achievements that they had, and experienced and generations of conflict. Many of what the Aztecs valued, ancient knowledge, and what future generations could also benefit from their achievements have been destroyed, lost in time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">WORKS CITED</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAngel Delgado Gómez \"Cortés, Fernando\" The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican\r\n\r\nCultures. Ed. Davíd Carrasco. Oxford University Press, 2006.  Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t221.e151&gt;\r\n\r\n\"conquistadores\"  A Dictionary of World History. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford\r\n\r\nReference Online. Oxford University Press.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011&lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t48.e917&gt;\r\n\r\n\"Cortés, Hernán\"  The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance. Gordon Campbell. Oxford\r\n\r\nUniversity Press, 2003.  Austin Community College.  25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t175.e963&gt;\r\n\r\nJohn M. D. Pohl, Michael E. Smith, Deborah L. Nichols \"Aztec Civilization\"   <em>The Oxford </em>\r\n\r\n<em>Companion to Archaeology</em>. Brian M. Fagan, ed., Oxford University Press 1996. <em>Oxford Reference Online</em>. Oxford University Press. Austin Community College. 25 April 2011 &lt;http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&amp;entry=t136.e0043-s0004&gt;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Cortes\' Letters from Mexico','','inherit','open','open','','1086-revision-5','','','2011-04-25 13:41:18','2011-04-25 19:41:18','',1086,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1092',0,'revision','',0),(1095,25,'2011-04-26 20:20:14','2011-04-27 02:20:14','','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision','','','2011-04-26 20:20:14','2011-04-27 02:20:14','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1095',0,'revision','',0),(1096,25,'2011-04-26 20:30:26','2011-04-27 02:30:26','To the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed of the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision-2','','','2011-04-26 20:30:26','2011-04-27 02:30:26','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1096',0,'revision','',0),(1097,25,'2011-04-27 18:22:47','2011-04-28 00:22:47','To the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed on the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.\n\n<!--more-->\n\nIn Egypt during the 18th dynasty (1570-1304 BC) religion played an important role in the Egyptian life. The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they believed in more than one god. The multiple Egyptian gods and manifestations caused a great source of modern conceptual problems with the religion. In polytheistic religious regions, it is hard for the social order of the state to enforce conformity on its people. Therefore it gave the Egyptians a chance to become individuals with a great sense of freedom to determine his or her own relationship with the divine. The multiple individual Egyptian views have caused a blur on deciphering a single meaning of the ancient religion itself (Goelet).\n\nThe ancient Egyptians believed that at any time their souls would perish. The Egyptians built elaborate tombs and went to great lengths of mummification to ensure that the body and certain elements of the soul would stay persevered forever. After death, the Egyptians believed that their souls were to enter the underworld where he or she would have to pass a series of test. The Book of the Dead came about as a guide for the Egyptians in order to pass the tests and reach their final judgment (“Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs”).  It was a system of rituals and spells that one was to have and behold before they deceased. The knowledge within the Book of the Dead was considered essential for a successful afterlife (Wallis). The spiritual texts of the Book of the Dead symbolized the ancient culture. The significance of the Book of the Dead was that it represented equality for all Egyptians going through the series of test. No matter male or female, rich or poor, one’s judgment day of morality was unbiased and impersonal during their afterlife (Goelet).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, the texts seen in The Book of the Dead originated solely for the purpose of the king and his family by inscribing the rituals and spells on pyramids. The pyramid texts are dated back to ca. 2400 b.c.e. The magical rituals were written privately to benefit the leader of Egypt.  After a few centuries passed, the spells and rituals began to appear on coffins (Peck). Gradually the texts became open to the public for anyone who could afford a sarcophagus, a stone coffin.  By the time of the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550 b.c.e.) the texst found on the coffins began to be replaced by what we now know as The Book of the Dead (Goelet).\n\nThe Book of the Dead contains, “Spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas” for one’s success through the afterlife. The texts were written on papyrus, now known as scrolls, and were placed inside the sarcophagus to be close at hand with the dead (Wallis). The texts were written in hieroglyphics that usually were illustrated with pictures to give the Egyptians an image of each test they would enter. The pictures were vignettes, “a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell” (Parsons). The Book of the Dead was distributed in various ways depending solely on the individual. The collection of texts was available for the Egyptians to pick or chose to individualize their own scroll to the afterlife. He or she based their chosen texts on either what they could afford or what their views were during that period of time (Goelet).\n\nPeople like to consider the Egyptian Book of the Dead as Egypt’s Bible. Though they seem similar, the Bible and the Koran compared to The Book of the Dead are total opposites. The Bible and the Koran stand for the, “ Obligations of god to man and man to god and the moral code by which adherents should conduct themselves” (Goelet). The Book of the Dead on the other hand is entirely concerned with life after death. The purpose of the texts in the Book of the Dead were not to guide the Egyptians through a religious life but stood as a guide into a new world after life on earth (Goelet).\n\nThough the Egyptian Book of the Dead does not preach about life on earth like the Bible or the Koran, it is similar to the moral codes of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Exodus. The Book of the Dead has no comparison to the first two commandments, which includes, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…” due to the fact that the Egyptians were polytheistic. The Egyptians and the Israelites did find common ground by believing, “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”. Spell 125 of the Book of the Dead beholds a moral code of “negative confessions” which is also seen in a form or fashion in the Book of Exodus (“The Ten Commandments”).\n\nThe Book of the Dead is meaningful for the great lengths the Egyptians took in order to make sure they had a guide to a successful afterlife experience. The presumption on afterlife the Egyptians acquired is astonishing. It perks my interest as to how the beliefs of the series of test and final judgment day came about. A book that contains historical views on life after death centuries ago is important to have knowledge of for future generations. The Book of the Dead should be preserved because it is what defines the life of an ancient Egyptian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong> </strong>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Work Cited </strong></p>\n<strong> </strong>\n\n\"Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs.\" <em>Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication &amp; Training</em>. Kwintessential. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGoelet, Ogden. \"Introduction.\" <em>Egyptian Book of the Dead</em>. 2005, AaXia Interactive. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nParsons, Marie. \"Book of the Dead, an Introduction.\" <em>Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt</em>. 1996-2010 Tour Egypt. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPeck, Caroline. \"Book of the Dead.\" <em>The MYSTICA.ORG</em>. 1997-2011 Alan G. Hefner. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"The Ten Commandments and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>LOVE- EVOLVE- TRANSEND</em>. Religion Science vs Faith. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWallis Budge, E.A. \"Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>Essenes, Essene Teachings and Essene Theology</em>. The Nazarene Way. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision-3','','','2011-04-27 18:22:47','2011-04-28 00:22:47','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1097',0,'revision','',0),(1098,25,'2011-04-27 18:31:08','2011-04-28 00:31:08','','Screen shot 2011-04-26 at 5.47.05 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5-47-05-pm','','','2011-04-27 18:31:08','2011-04-28 00:31:08','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(1099,25,'2011-04-27 18:27:02','2011-04-28 00:27:02','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\nTo the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed on the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.\n\n<!--more-->\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\nIn Egypt during the 18th dynasty (1570-1304 BC) religion played an important role in the Egyptian life. The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they believed in more than one god. The multiple Egyptian gods and manifestations caused a great source of modern conceptual problems with the religion. In polytheistic religious regions, it is hard for the social order of the state to enforce conformity on its people. Therefore it gave the Egyptians a chance to become individuals with a great sense of freedom to determine his or her own relationship with the divine. The multiple individual Egyptian views have caused a blur on deciphering a single meaning of the ancient religion itself (Goelet).\n\nThe ancient Egyptians believed that at any time their souls would perish. The Egyptians built elaborate tombs and went to great lengths of mummification to ensure that the body and certain elements of the soul would stay persevered forever. After death, the Egyptians believed that their souls were to enter the underworld where he or she would have to pass a series of test. The Book of the Dead came about as a guide for the Egyptians in order to pass the tests and reach their final judgment (“Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs”).  It was a system of rituals and spells that one was to have and behold before they deceased. The knowledge within the Book of the Dead was considered essential for a successful afterlife (Wallis). The spiritual texts of the Book of the Dead symbolized the ancient culture. The significance of the Book of the Dead was that it represented equality for all Egyptians going through the series of test. No matter male or female, rich or poor, one’s judgment day of morality was unbiased and impersonal during their afterlife (Goelet).\n\nAt first, the texts seen in The Book of the Dead originated solely for the purpose of the king and his family by inscribing the rituals and spells on pyramids. The pyramid texts are dated back to ca. 2400 b.c.e. The magical rituals were written privately to benefit the leader of Egypt.  After a few centuries passed, the spells and rituals began to appear on coffins (Peck). Gradually the texts became open to the public for anyone who could afford a sarcophagus, a stone coffin.  By the time of the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550 b.c.e.) the texst found on the coffins began to be replaced by what we now know as The Book of the Dead (Goelet).\n\nThe Book of the Dead contains, “Spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas” for one’s success through the afterlife. The texts were written on papyrus, now known as scrolls, and were placed inside the sarcophagus to be close at hand with the dead (Wallis). The texts were written in hieroglyphics that usually were illustrated with pictures to give the Egyptians an image of each test they would enter. The pictures were vignettes, “a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell” (Parsons). The Book of the Dead was distributed in various ways depending solely on the individual. The collection of texts was available for the Egyptians to pick or chose to individualize their own scroll to the afterlife. He or she based their chosen texts on either what they could afford or what their views were during that period of time (Goelet).\n\nPeople like to consider the Egyptian Book of the Dead as Egypt’s Bible. Though they seem similar, the Bible and the Koran compared to The Book of the Dead are total opposites. The Bible and the Koran stand for the, “ Obligations of god to man and man to god and the moral code by which adherents should conduct themselves” (Goelet). The Book of the Dead on the other hand is entirely concerned with life after death. The purpose of the texts in the Book of the Dead were not to guide the Egyptians through a religious life but stood as a guide into a new world after life on earth (Goelet).\n\nThough the Egyptian Book of the Dead does not preach about life on earth like the Bible or the Koran, it is similar to the moral codes of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Exodus. The Book of the Dead has no comparison to the first two commandments, which includes, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…” due to the fact that the Egyptians were polytheistic. The Egyptians and the Israelites did find common ground by believing, “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”. Spell 125 of the Book of the Dead beholds a moral code of “negative confessions” which is also seen in a form or fashion in the Book of Exodus (“The Ten Commandments”).\n\nThe Book of the Dead is meaningful for the great lengths the Egyptians took in order to make sure they had a guide to a successful afterlife experience. The presumption on afterlife the Egyptians acquired is astonishing. It perks my interest as to how the beliefs of the series of test and final judgment day came about. A book that contains historical views on life after death centuries ago is important to have knowledge of for future generations. The Book of the Dead should be preserved because it is what defines the life of an ancient Egyptian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong> </strong>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Work Cited </strong></p>\n<strong> </strong>\n\n\"Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs.\" <em>Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication &amp; Training</em>. Kwintessential. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGoelet, Ogden. \"Introduction.\" <em>Egyptian Book of the Dead</em>. 2005, AaXia Interactive. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nParsons, Marie. \"Book of the Dead, an Introduction.\" <em>Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt</em>. 1996-2010 Tour Egypt. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPeck, Caroline. \"Book of the Dead.\" <em>The MYSTICA.ORG</em>. 1997-2011 Alan G. Hefner. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"The Ten Commandments and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>LOVE- EVOLVE- TRANSEND</em>. Religion Science vs Faith. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWallis Budge, E.A. \"Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>Essenes, Essene Teachings and Essene Theology</em>. The Nazarene Way. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision-4','','','2011-04-27 18:27:02','2011-04-28 00:27:02','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1099',0,'revision','',0),(1100,25,'2011-04-27 18:33:47','2011-04-28 00:33:47','','Screen shot 2011-04-26 at 5.42.26 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5-42-26-pm','','','2011-04-27 18:33:47','2011-04-28 00:33:47','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(1101,25,'2011-04-27 18:35:12','2011-04-28 00:35:12','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\nTo the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed on the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.\n\n<!--more-->\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1098\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM-300x148.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.crystalinks.com/bookofdead.jpg</p>\nIn Egypt during the 18th dynasty (1570-1304 BC) religion played an important role in the Egyptian life. The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they believed in more than one god. The multiple Egyptian gods and manifestations caused a great source of modern conceptual problems with the religion. In polytheistic religious regions, it is hard for the social order of the state to enforce conformity on its people. Therefore it gave the Egyptians a chance to become individuals with a great sense of freedom to determine his or her own relationship with the divine. The multiple individual Egyptian views have caused a blur on deciphering a single meaning of the ancient religion itself (Goelet).\n\nThe ancient Egyptians believed that at any time their souls would perish. The Egyptians built elaborate tombs and went to great lengths of mummification to ensure that the body and certain elements of the soul would stay persevered forever. After death, the Egyptians believed that their souls were to enter the underworld where he or she would have to pass a series of test. The Book of the Dead came about as a guide for the Egyptians in order to pass the tests and reach their final judgment (“Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs”).  It was a system of rituals and spells that one was to have and behold before they deceased. The knowledge within the Book of the Dead was considered essential for a successful afterlife (Wallis). The spiritual texts of the Book of the Dead symbolized the ancient culture. The significance of the Book of the Dead was that it represented equality for all Egyptians going through the series of test. No matter male or female, rich or poor, one’s judgment day of morality was unbiased and impersonal during their afterlife (Goelet).\n\nAt first, the texts seen in The Book of the Dead originated solely for the purpose of the king and his family by inscribing the rituals and spells on pyramids. The pyramid texts are dated back to ca. 2400 b.c.e. The magical rituals were written privately to benefit the leader of Egypt.  After a few centuries passed, the spells and rituals began to appear on coffins (Peck). Gradually the texts became open to the public for anyone who could afford a sarcophagus, a stone coffin.  By the time of the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550 b.c.e.) the texst found on the coffins began to be replaced by what we now know as The Book of the Dead (Goelet).\n\nThe Book of the Dead contains, “Spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas” for one’s success through the afterlife. The texts were written on papyrus, now known as scrolls, and were placed inside the sarcophagus to be close at hand with the dead (Wallis). The texts were written in hieroglyphics that usually were illustrated with pictures to give the Egyptians an image of each test they would enter. The pictures were vignettes, “a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell” (Parsons). The Book of the Dead was distributed in various ways depending solely on the individual. The collection of texts was available for the Egyptians to pick or chose to individualize their own scroll to the afterlife. He or she based their chosen texts on either what they could afford or what their views were during that period of time (Goelet).\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1100\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM-300x222.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"222\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\nPeople like to consider the Egyptian Book of the Dead as Egypt’s Bible. Though they seem similar, the Bible and the Koran compared to The Book of the Dead are total opposites. The Bible and the Koran stand for the, “ Obligations of god to man and man to god and the moral code by which adherents should conduct themselves” (Goelet). The Book of the Dead on the other hand is entirely concerned with life after death. The purpose of the texts in the Book of the Dead were not to guide the Egyptians through a religious life but stood as a guide into a new world after life on earth (Goelet).\n\nThough the Egyptian Book of the Dead does not preach about life on earth like the Bible or the Koran, it is similar to the moral codes of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Exodus. The Book of the Dead has no comparison to the first two commandments, which includes, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…” due to the fact that the Egyptians were polytheistic. The Egyptians and the Israelites did find common ground by believing, “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”. Spell 125 of the Book of the Dead beholds a moral code of “negative confessions” which is also seen in a form or fashion in the Book of Exodus (“The Ten Commandments”).\n\nThe Book of the Dead is meaningful for the great lengths the Egyptians took in order to make sure they had a guide to a successful afterlife experience. The presumption on afterlife the Egyptians acquired is astonishing. It perks my interest as to how the beliefs of the series of test and final judgment day came about. A book that contains historical views on life after death centuries ago is important to have knowledge of for future generations. The Book of the Dead should be preserved because it is what defines the life of an ancient Egyptian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong> </strong>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Work Cited </strong></p>\n<strong> </strong>\n\n\"Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs.\" <em>Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication &amp; Training</em>. Kwintessential. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGoelet, Ogden. \"Introduction.\" <em>Egyptian Book of the Dead</em>. 2005, AaXia Interactive. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nParsons, Marie. \"Book of the Dead, an Introduction.\" <em>Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt</em>. 1996-2010 Tour Egypt. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPeck, Caroline. \"Book of the Dead.\" <em>The MYSTICA.ORG</em>. 1997-2011 Alan G. Hefner. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"The Ten Commandments and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>LOVE- EVOLVE- TRANSEND</em>. Religion Science vs Faith. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWallis Budge, E.A. \"Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>Essenes, Essene Teachings and Essene Theology</em>. The Nazarene Way. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision-5','','','2011-04-27 18:35:12','2011-04-28 00:35:12','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1101',0,'revision','',0),(1103,25,'2011-04-27 18:36:50','2011-04-28 00:36:50','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\nTo the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed on the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.\n\n<!--more-->\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1098\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM-300x148.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.crystalinks.com/bookofdead.jpg</p>\nIn Egypt during the 18th dynasty (1570-1304 BC) religion played an important role in the Egyptian life. The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they believed in more than one god. The multiple Egyptian gods and manifestations caused a great source of modern conceptual problems with the religion. In polytheistic religious regions, it is hard for the social order of the state to enforce conformity on its people. Therefore it gave the Egyptians a chance to become individuals with a great sense of freedom to determine his or her own relationship with the divine. The multiple individual Egyptian views have caused a blur on deciphering a single meaning of the ancient religion itself (Goelet).\n\nThe ancient Egyptians believed that at any time their souls would perish. The Egyptians built elaborate tombs and went to great lengths of mummification to ensure that the body and certain elements of the soul would stay persevered forever. After death, the Egyptians believed that their souls were to enter the underworld where he or she would have to pass a series of test. The Book of the Dead came about as a guide for the Egyptians in order to pass the tests and reach their final judgment (“Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs”).  It was a system of rituals and spells that one was to have and behold before they deceased. The knowledge within the Book of the Dead was considered essential for a successful afterlife (Wallis). The spiritual texts of the Book of the Dead symbolized the ancient culture. The significance of the Book of the Dead was that it represented equality for all Egyptians going through the series of test. No matter male or female, rich or poor, one’s judgment day of morality was unbiased and impersonal during their afterlife (Goelet).\n\nAt first, the texts seen in The Book of the Dead originated solely for the purpose of the king and his family by inscribing the rituals and spells on pyramids. The pyramid texts are dated back to ca. 2400 b.c.e. The magical rituals were written privately to benefit the leader of Egypt.  After a few centuries passed, the spells and rituals began to appear on coffins (Peck). Gradually the texts became open to the public for anyone who could afford a sarcophagus, a stone coffin.  By the time of the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550 b.c.e.) the texst found on the coffins began to be replaced by what we now know as The Book of the Dead (Goelet).\n\nThe Book of the Dead contains, “Spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas” for one’s success through the afterlife. The texts were written on papyrus, now known as scrolls, and were placed inside the sarcophagus to be close at hand with the dead (Wallis). The texts were written in hieroglyphics that usually were illustrated with pictures to give the Egyptians an image of each test they would enter. The pictures were vignettes, “a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell” (Parsons). The Book of the Dead was distributed in various ways depending solely on the individual. The collection of texts was available for the Egyptians to pick or chose to individualize their own scroll to the afterlife. He or she based their chosen texts on either what they could afford or what their views were during that period of time (Goelet).\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1100\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM-300x222.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"222\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.wayfaring.info/images/book_of_the_dead.gif</p>\nPeople like to consider the Egyptian Book of the Dead as Egypt’s Bible. Though they seem similar, the Bible and the Koran compared to The Book of the Dead are total opposites. The Bible and the Koran stand for the, “ Obligations of god to man and man to god and the moral code by which adherents should conduct themselves” (Goelet). The Book of the Dead on the other hand is entirely concerned with life after death. The purpose of the texts in the Book of the Dead were not to guide the Egyptians through a religious life but stood as a guide into a new world after life on earth (Goelet).\n\nThough the Egyptian Book of the Dead does not preach about life on earth like the Bible or the Koran, it is similar to the moral codes of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Exodus. The Book of the Dead has no comparison to the first two commandments, which includes, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…” due to the fact that the Egyptians were polytheistic. The Egyptians and the Israelites did find common ground by believing, “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”. Spell 125 of the Book of the Dead beholds a moral code of “negative confessions” which is also seen in a form or fashion in the Book of Exodus (“The Ten Commandments”).\n\nThe Book of the Dead is meaningful for the great lengths the Egyptians took in order to make sure they had a guide to a successful afterlife experience. The presumption on afterlife the Egyptians acquired is astonishing. It perks my interest as to how the beliefs of the series of test and final judgment day came about. A book that contains historical views on life after death centuries ago is important to have knowledge of for future generations. The Book of the Dead should be preserved because it is what defines the life of an ancient Egyptian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong> </strong>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Work Cited </strong></p>\n<strong> </strong>\n\n\"Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs.\" <em>Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication &amp; Training</em>. Kwintessential. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGoelet, Ogden. \"Introduction.\" <em>Egyptian Book of the Dead</em>. 2005, AaXia Interactive. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nParsons, Marie. \"Book of the Dead, an Introduction.\" <em>Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt</em>. 1996-2010 Tour Egypt. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPeck, Caroline. \"Book of the Dead.\" <em>The MYSTICA.ORG</em>. 1997-2011 Alan G. Hefner. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"The Ten Commandments and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>LOVE- EVOLVE- TRANSEND</em>. Religion Science vs Faith. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWallis Budge, E.A. \"Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>Essenes, Essene Teachings and Essene Theology</em>. The Nazarene Way. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision-7','','','2011-04-27 18:36:50','2011-04-28 00:36:50','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1103',0,'revision','',0),(1102,25,'2011-04-27 18:35:27','2011-04-28 00:35:27','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nTo the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed on the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1098\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM-300x148.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.crystalinks.com/bookofdead.jpg</p>\r\nIn Egypt during the 18th dynasty (1570-1304 BC) religion played an important role in the Egyptian life. The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they believed in more than one god. The multiple Egyptian gods and manifestations caused a great source of modern conceptual problems with the religion. In polytheistic religious regions, it is hard for the social order of the state to enforce conformity on its people. Therefore it gave the Egyptians a chance to become individuals with a great sense of freedom to determine his or her own relationship with the divine. The multiple individual Egyptian views have caused a blur on deciphering a single meaning of the ancient religion itself (Goelet).\r\n\r\nThe ancient Egyptians believed that at any time their souls would perish. The Egyptians built elaborate tombs and went to great lengths of mummification to ensure that the body and certain elements of the soul would stay persevered forever. After death, the Egyptians believed that their souls were to enter the underworld where he or she would have to pass a series of test. The Book of the Dead came about as a guide for the Egyptians in order to pass the tests and reach their final judgment (“Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs”).  It was a system of rituals and spells that one was to have and behold before they deceased. The knowledge within the Book of the Dead was considered essential for a successful afterlife (Wallis). The spiritual texts of the Book of the Dead symbolized the ancient culture. The significance of the Book of the Dead was that it represented equality for all Egyptians going through the series of test. No matter male or female, rich or poor, one’s judgment day of morality was unbiased and impersonal during their afterlife (Goelet).\r\n\r\nAt first, the texts seen in The Book of the Dead originated solely for the purpose of the king and his family by inscribing the rituals and spells on pyramids. The pyramid texts are dated back to ca. 2400 b.c.e. The magical rituals were written privately to benefit the leader of Egypt.  After a few centuries passed, the spells and rituals began to appear on coffins (Peck). Gradually the texts became open to the public for anyone who could afford a sarcophagus, a stone coffin.  By the time of the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550 b.c.e.) the texst found on the coffins began to be replaced by what we now know as The Book of the Dead (Goelet).\r\n\r\nThe Book of the Dead contains, “Spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas” for one’s success through the afterlife. The texts were written on papyrus, now known as scrolls, and were placed inside the sarcophagus to be close at hand with the dead (Wallis). The texts were written in hieroglyphics that usually were illustrated with pictures to give the Egyptians an image of each test they would enter. The pictures were vignettes, “a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell” (Parsons). The Book of the Dead was distributed in various ways depending solely on the individual. The collection of texts was available for the Egyptians to pick or chose to individualize their own scroll to the afterlife. He or she based their chosen texts on either what they could afford or what their views were during that period of time (Goelet).\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1100\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM-300x222.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"222\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.wayfaring.info/images/book_of_the_dead.gif</p>\r\nPeople like to consider the Egyptian Book of the Dead as Egypt’s Bible. Though they seem similar, the Bible and the Koran compared to The Book of the Dead are total opposites. The Bible and the Koran stand for the, “ Obligations of god to man and man to god and the moral code by which adherents should conduct themselves” (Goelet). The Book of the Dead on the other hand is entirely concerned with life after death. The purpose of the texts in the Book of the Dead were not to guide the Egyptians through a religious life but stood as a guide into a new world after life on earth (Goelet).\r\n\r\nThough the Egyptian Book of the Dead does not preach about life on earth like the Bible or the Koran, it is similar to the moral codes of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Exodus. The Book of the Dead has no comparison to the first two commandments, which includes, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…” due to the fact that the Egyptians were polytheistic. The Egyptians and the Israelites did find common ground by believing, “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”. Spell 125 of the Book of the Dead beholds a moral code of “negative confessions” which is also seen in a form or fashion in the Book of Exodus (“The Ten Commandments”).\r\n\r\nThe Book of the Dead is meaningful for the great lengths the Egyptians took in order to make sure they had a guide to a successful afterlife experience. The presumption on afterlife the Egyptians acquired is astonishing. It perks my interest as to how the beliefs of the series of test and final judgment day came about. A book that contains historical views on life after death centuries ago is important to have knowledge of for future generations. The Book of the Dead should be preserved because it is what defines the life of an ancient Egyptian.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Work Cited </strong></p>\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n\"Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs.\" <em>Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication &amp; Training</em>. Kwintessential. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGoelet, Ogden. \"Introduction.\" <em>Egyptian Book of the Dead</em>. 2005, AaXia Interactive. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nParsons, Marie. \"Book of the Dead, an Introduction.\" <em>Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt</em>. 1996-2010 Tour Egypt. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeck, Caroline. \"Book of the Dead.\" <em>The MYSTICA.ORG</em>. 1997-2011 Alan G. Hefner. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"The Ten Commandments and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>LOVE- EVOLVE- TRANSEND</em>. Religion Science vs Faith. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWallis Budge, E.A. \"Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>Essenes, Essene Teachings and Essene Theology</em>. The Nazarene Way. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision-6','','','2011-04-27 18:35:27','2011-04-28 00:35:27','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1102',0,'revision','',0),(1104,25,'2011-04-27 18:37:21','2011-04-28 00:37:21','<p style=\"text-align: left\">To the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed on the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1098\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM-300x148.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.crystalinks.com/bookofdead.jpg</p>\r\nIn Egypt during the 18th dynasty (1570-1304 BC) religion played an important role in the Egyptian life. The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they believed in more than one god. The multiple Egyptian gods and manifestations caused a great source of modern conceptual problems with the religion. In polytheistic religious regions, it is hard for the social order of the state to enforce conformity on its people. Therefore it gave the Egyptians a chance to become individuals with a great sense of freedom to determine his or her own relationship with the divine. The multiple individual Egyptian views have caused a blur on deciphering a single meaning of the ancient religion itself (Goelet).\r\n\r\nThe ancient Egyptians believed that at any time their souls would perish. The Egyptians built elaborate tombs and went to great lengths of mummification to ensure that the body and certain elements of the soul would stay persevered forever. After death, the Egyptians believed that their souls were to enter the underworld where he or she would have to pass a series of test. The Book of the Dead came about as a guide for the Egyptians in order to pass the tests and reach their final judgment (“Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs”).  It was a system of rituals and spells that one was to have and behold before they deceased. The knowledge within the Book of the Dead was considered essential for a successful afterlife (Wallis). The spiritual texts of the Book of the Dead symbolized the ancient culture. The significance of the Book of the Dead was that it represented equality for all Egyptians going through the series of test. No matter male or female, rich or poor, one’s judgment day of morality was unbiased and impersonal during their afterlife (Goelet).\r\n\r\nAt first, the texts seen in The Book of the Dead originated solely for the purpose of the king and his family by inscribing the rituals and spells on pyramids. The pyramid texts are dated back to ca. 2400 b.c.e. The magical rituals were written privately to benefit the leader of Egypt.  After a few centuries passed, the spells and rituals began to appear on coffins (Peck). Gradually the texts became open to the public for anyone who could afford a sarcophagus, a stone coffin.  By the time of the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550 b.c.e.) the texst found on the coffins began to be replaced by what we now know as The Book of the Dead (Goelet).\r\n\r\nThe Book of the Dead contains, “Spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas” for one’s success through the afterlife. The texts were written on papyrus, now known as scrolls, and were placed inside the sarcophagus to be close at hand with the dead (Wallis). The texts were written in hieroglyphics that usually were illustrated with pictures to give the Egyptians an image of each test they would enter. The pictures were vignettes, “a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell” (Parsons). The Book of the Dead was distributed in various ways depending solely on the individual. The collection of texts was available for the Egyptians to pick or chose to individualize their own scroll to the afterlife. He or she based their chosen texts on either what they could afford or what their views were during that period of time (Goelet).\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1100\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM-300x222.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"222\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.wayfaring.info/images/book_of_the_dead.gif</p>\r\nPeople like to consider the Egyptian Book of the Dead as Egypt’s Bible. Though they seem similar, the Bible and the Koran compared to The Book of the Dead are total opposites. The Bible and the Koran stand for the, “ Obligations of god to man and man to god and the moral code by which adherents should conduct themselves” (Goelet). The Book of the Dead on the other hand is entirely concerned with life after death. The purpose of the texts in the Book of the Dead were not to guide the Egyptians through a religious life but stood as a guide into a new world after life on earth (Goelet).\r\n\r\nThough the Egyptian Book of the Dead does not preach about life on earth like the Bible or the Koran, it is similar to the moral codes of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Exodus. The Book of the Dead has no comparison to the first two commandments, which includes, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…” due to the fact that the Egyptians were polytheistic. The Egyptians and the Israelites did find common ground by believing, “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”. Spell 125 of the Book of the Dead beholds a moral code of “negative confessions” which is also seen in a form or fashion in the Book of Exodus (“The Ten Commandments”).\r\n\r\nThe Book of the Dead is meaningful for the great lengths the Egyptians took in order to make sure they had a guide to a successful afterlife experience. The presumption on afterlife the Egyptians acquired is astonishing. It perks my interest as to how the beliefs of the series of test and final judgment day came about. A book that contains historical views on life after death centuries ago is important to have knowledge of for future generations. The Book of the Dead should be preserved because it is what defines the life of an ancient Egyptian.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Work Cited </strong></p>\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n\"Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs.\" <em>Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication &amp; Training</em>. Kwintessential. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGoelet, Ogden. \"Introduction.\" <em>Egyptian Book of the Dead</em>. 2005, AaXia Interactive. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nParsons, Marie. \"Book of the Dead, an Introduction.\" <em>Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt</em>. 1996-2010 Tour Egypt. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeck, Caroline. \"Book of the Dead.\" <em>The MYSTICA.ORG</em>. 1997-2011 Alan G. Hefner. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"The Ten Commandments and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>LOVE- EVOLVE- TRANSEND</em>. Religion Science vs Faith. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWallis Budge, E.A. \"Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>Essenes, Essene Teachings and Essene Theology</em>. The Nazarene Way. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-revision-8','','','2011-04-27 18:37:21','2011-04-28 00:37:21','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1104',0,'revision','',0),(1105,25,'2011-04-27 18:38:33','2011-04-28 00:38:33','<p style=\"text-align: left\">To the Egyptians, life after death played an important role to their daily life on earth. Up until the day of their death the Egyptians prepared for what was to come next. As a guide for the Egyptians to their afterlife, the Book of the Dead was constructed with spells, magical formulas, and passwords in order to pass the tests to get to their final destination. The Book of the Dead should be preserved so that further generations can also be well informed on the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1098\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.47.05-PM-300x148.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.crystalinks.com/bookofdead.jpg</p>\nIn Egypt during the 18th dynasty (1570-1304 BC) religion played an important role in the Egyptian life. The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they believed in more than one god. The multiple Egyptian gods and manifestations caused a great source of modern conceptual problems with the religion. In polytheistic religious regions, it is hard for the social order of the state to enforce conformity on its people. Therefore it gave the Egyptians a chance to become individuals with a great sense of freedom to determine his or her own relationship with the divine. The multiple individual Egyptian views have caused a blur on deciphering a single meaning of the ancient religion itself (Goelet).\n\nThe ancient Egyptians believed that at any time their souls would perish. The Egyptians built elaborate tombs and went to great lengths of mummification to ensure that the body and certain elements of the soul would stay persevered forever. After death, the Egyptians believed that their souls were to enter the underworld where he or she would have to pass a series of test. The Book of the Dead came about as a guide for the Egyptians in order to pass the tests and reach their final judgment (“Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs”).  It was a system of rituals and spells that one was to have and behold before they deceased. The knowledge within the Book of the Dead was considered essential for a successful afterlife (Wallis). The spiritual texts of the Book of the Dead symbolized the ancient culture. The significance of the Book of the Dead was that it represented equality for all Egyptians going through the series of test. No matter male or female, rich or poor, one’s judgment day of morality was unbiased and impersonal during their afterlife (Goelet).\n\nAt first, the texts seen in The Book of the Dead originated solely for the purpose of the king and his family by inscribing the rituals and spells on pyramids. The pyramid texts are dated back to ca. 2400 b.c.e. The magical rituals were written privately to benefit the leader of Egypt.  After a few centuries passed, the spells and rituals began to appear on coffins (Peck). Gradually the texts became open to the public for anyone who could afford a sarcophagus, a stone coffin.  By the time of the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550 b.c.e.) the texst found on the coffins began to be replaced by what we now know as The Book of the Dead (Goelet).\n\nThe Book of the Dead contains, “Spells, charms, passwords, numbers, and magical formulas” for one’s success through the afterlife. The texts were written on papyrus, now known as scrolls, and were placed inside the sarcophagus to be close at hand with the dead (Wallis). The texts were written in hieroglyphics that usually were illustrated with pictures to give the Egyptians an image of each test they would enter. The pictures were vignettes, “a symbolic representation in pictorial form summarizing the intent or content of a spell” (Parsons). The Book of the Dead was distributed in various ways depending solely on the individual. The collection of texts was available for the Egyptians to pick or chose to individualize their own scroll to the afterlife. He or she based their chosen texts on either what they could afford or what their views were during that period of time (Goelet).\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1100\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Screen-shot-2011-04-26-at-5.42.26-PM-300x222.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"222\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://www.wayfaring.info/images/book_of_the_dead.gif</p>\nPeople like to consider the Egyptian Book of the Dead as Egypt’s Bible. Though they seem similar, the Bible and the Koran compared to The Book of the Dead are total opposites. The Bible and the Koran stand for the, “ Obligations of god to man and man to god and the moral code by which adherents should conduct themselves” (Goelet). The Book of the Dead on the other hand is entirely concerned with life after death. The purpose of the texts in the Book of the Dead were not to guide the Egyptians through a religious life but stood as a guide into a new world after life on earth (Goelet).\n\nThough the Egyptian Book of the Dead does not preach about life on earth like the Bible or the Koran, it is similar to the moral codes of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Exodus. The Book of the Dead has no comparison to the first two commandments, which includes, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…” due to the fact that the Egyptians were polytheistic. The Egyptians and the Israelites did find common ground by believing, “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”. Spell 125 of the Book of the Dead beholds a moral code of “negative confessions” which is also seen in a form or fashion in the Book of Exodus (“The Ten Commandments”).\n\nThe Book of the Dead is meaningful for the great lengths the Egyptians took in order to make sure they had a guide to a successful afterlife experience. The presumption on afterlife the Egyptians acquired is astonishing. It perks my interest as to how the beliefs of the series of test and final judgment day came about. A book that contains historical views on life after death centuries ago is important to have knowledge of for future generations. The Book of the Dead should be preserved because it is what defines the life of an ancient Egyptian.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong> </strong>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Work Cited </strong></p>\n<strong> </strong>\n\n\"Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs.\" <em>Professional Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication &amp; Training</em>. Kwintessential. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGoelet, Ogden. \"Introduction.\" <em>Egyptian Book of the Dead</em>. 2005, AaXia Interactive. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nParsons, Marie. \"Book of the Dead, an Introduction.\" <em>Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt</em>. 1996-2010 Tour Egypt. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPeck, Caroline. \"Book of the Dead.\" <em>The MYSTICA.ORG</em>. 1997-2011 Alan G. Hefner. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"The Ten Commandments and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>LOVE- EVOLVE- TRANSEND</em>. Religion Science vs Faith. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWallis Budge, E.A. \"Egyptian Book of the Dead.\" <em>Essenes, Essene Teachings and Essene Theology</em>. The Nazarene Way. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.\n\n&nbsp;','The Egyptian Book of the Dead ','','inherit','open','open','','1094-autosave','','','2011-04-27 18:38:33','2011-04-28 00:38:33','',1094,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1105',0,'revision','',0),(1108,4,'2011-04-28 02:45:56','2011-04-28 08:45:56','<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"307\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><!--more--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese. Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary. For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more. Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls were a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique through a historical perspective, since many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, using them as a defense against wild animals or intruders; Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">My personal reaction, as with just about everyone, is one of admiration and intrigue. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! This particular fact is what I found the most mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more interesting. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed - whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create an expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design) The Hadrian Wall held something</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Works Cited</strong></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\r\n\r\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\r\n\r\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\r\n\r\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\r\n\r\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\r\n\r\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','publish','open','open','','the-great-wall-of-china','','','2011-05-01 14:07:53','2011-05-01 20:07:53','',0,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1108',0,'post','',7),(1109,4,'2011-04-28 02:45:43','2011-04-28 08:45:43','The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)\n\nPrevious measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)\n\nEmperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.\n\nQin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.\n\nFor many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)\n\nAt 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.\n\nOver time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)\n\nWith the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)\n\nThe concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, in that many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, in that they use them as a defense against wild animals or intruders - Particularly, the Chinese showed a great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.\n\nThe wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.\n\nPersonally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.\n\nThe Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.\n\nWhen Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)\n\nThe Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.\n\n&nbsp;','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision','','','2011-04-28 02:45:43','2011-04-28 08:45:43','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1109',0,'revision','',0),(1110,4,'2011-04-28 02:45:56','2011-04-28 08:45:56','The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)\r\n\r\nPrevious measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)\r\n\r\nEmperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.\r\n\r\nQin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.\r\n\r\nFor many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)\r\n\r\nAt 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.\r\n\r\nOver time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)\r\n\r\nWith the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)\r\n\r\nThe concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, in that many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, in that they use them as a defense against wild animals or intruders - Particularly, the Chinese showed a great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.\r\n\r\nThe wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.\r\n\r\nPersonally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.\r\n\r\nWhen Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-2','','','2011-04-28 02:45:56','2011-04-28 08:45:56','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1110',0,'revision','',0),(1111,4,'2011-04-30 23:14:43','2011-05-01 05:14:43','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\n<a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"307\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese. Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary. For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more. Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls were a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique through a historical perspective, since many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, using them as a defense against wild animals or intruders; Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">My personal reaction, as with just about everyone, is one of admiration and intrigue. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! This particular fact is what I found the most mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more interesting. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed - whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\n<img class=\"alignright\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" />\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create an expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design) The Hadrian Wall held something</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Works Cited</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\n\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\n\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\n\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\n\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\n\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\n\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\n\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-autosave','','','2011-04-30 23:14:43','2011-05-01 05:14:43','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1111',0,'revision','',0),(1112,4,'2011-04-28 02:46:06','2011-04-28 08:46:06','The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)\r\n\r\nPrevious measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)\r\n\r\nEmperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.\r\n\r\nQin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.\r\n\r\nFor many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)\r\n\r\nAt 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.\r\n\r\nOver time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)\r\n\r\nWith the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)\r\n\r\nThe concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, in that many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, in that they use them as a defense against wild animals or intruders - Particularly, the Chinese showed a great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.\r\n\r\nThe wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.\r\n\r\nPersonally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.\r\n\r\nWhen Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-3','','','2011-04-28 02:46:06','2011-04-28 08:46:06','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1112',0,'revision','',0),(1113,4,'2011-04-28 02:48:27','2011-04-28 08:48:27','The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)\r\n\r\nPrevious measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)\r\n\r\nEmperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.\r\n\r\nQin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.\r\n\r\nFor many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)\r\n\r\nAt 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.\r\n\r\nOver time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)\r\n\r\nWith the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)\r\n\r\nThe concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, meaning that they commonly used them as a defense against wild animals or intruders. Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.\r\n\r\nThe wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.\r\n\r\nPersonally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.\r\n\r\nWhen Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-4','','','2011-04-28 02:48:27','2011-04-28 08:48:27','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1113',0,'revision','',0),(1114,4,'2011-04-28 02:54:06','2011-04-28 08:54:06','<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_O6DHEpMqQ4E/S_2aCFiZi4I/AAAAAAAAABM/G8_rNf4Kxo8/s1600/great_wall_of_china.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_O6DHEpMqQ4E/S_2aCFiZi4I/AAAAAAAAABM/G8_rNf4Kxo8/s1600/great_wall_of_china.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"461\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_O6DHEpMqQ4E/S_2aCFiZi4I/AAAAAAAAABM/G8_rNf4Kxo8/s1600/great_wall_of_china.jpg</p>\r\nThe Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)\r\n\r\nPrevious measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)\r\n\r\nEmperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.\r\n\r\nQin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.\r\n\r\nFor many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)\r\n\r\nAt 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.\r\n\r\nOver time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)\r\n\r\nWith the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)\r\n\r\nThe concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, meaning that they commonly used them as a defense against wild animals or intruders. Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.\r\n\r\nThe wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.\r\n\r\nPersonally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-5','','','2011-04-28 02:54:06','2011-04-28 08:54:06','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1114',0,'revision','',0),(1115,4,'2011-04-28 02:55:10','2011-04-28 08:55:10','<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_O6DHEpMqQ4E/S_2aCFiZi4I/AAAAAAAAABM/G8_rNf4Kxo8/s1600/great_wall_of_china.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_O6DHEpMqQ4E/S_2aCFiZi4I/AAAAAAAAABM/G8_rNf4Kxo8/s1600/great_wall_of_china.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"331\" height=\"249\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_O6DHEpMqQ4E/S_2aCFiZi4I/AAAAAAAAABM/G8_rNf4Kxo8/s1600/great_wall_of_china.jpg</p>\r\nThe Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)\r\n\r\nPrevious measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)\r\n\r\nEmperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.\r\n\r\nQin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.\r\n\r\nFor many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)\r\n\r\nAt 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.\r\n\r\nOver time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)\r\n\r\nWith the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)\r\n\r\nThe concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, meaning that they commonly used them as a defense against wild animals or intruders. Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.\r\n\r\nThe wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.\r\n\r\nPersonally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)\r\n\r\nThe Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-6','','','2011-04-28 02:55:10','2011-04-28 08:55:10','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1115',0,'revision','',0),(1116,4,'2011-04-28 02:58:55','2011-04-28 08:58:55','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"384\" height=\"384\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, meaning that they commonly used them as a defense against wild animals or intruders. Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Personally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-7','','','2011-04-28 02:58:55','2011-04-28 08:58:55','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1116',0,'revision','',0),(1117,4,'2011-04-28 02:59:49','2011-04-28 08:59:49','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"384\" height=\"384\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, meaning that they commonly used them as a defense against wild animals or intruders. Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Personally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-8','','','2011-04-28 02:59:49','2011-04-28 08:59:49','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1117',0,'revision','',0),(1126,4,'2011-04-30 23:14:47','2011-05-01 05:14:47','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"307\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese. Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary. For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more. Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls were a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique through a historical perspective, since many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, using them as a defense against wild animals or intruders; Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">My personal reaction, as with just about everyone, is one of admiration and intrigue. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! This particular fact is what I found the most mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more interesting. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed - whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<img class=\"alignright\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create an expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design) The Hadrian Wall held something</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Works Cited</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\r\n\r\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\r\n\r\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\r\n\r\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\r\n\r\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\r\n\r\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-11','','','2011-04-30 23:14:47','2011-05-01 05:14:47','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1126',0,'revision','',0),(1120,26,'2011-04-29 10:05:11','2011-04-29 16:05:11','Kris Cooley<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-1122\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1-194x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCarnivalAh! Essay\r\n\r\nExtra Credit\r\n\r\nSpring 2011\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had the opportunity to attend ACC\'s CarnivalAh! Humanities event. Students from several different humanities classes were chosen by popular vote, to present a seven minute speech on a person from history who still inspires and influences humanity today. There were a few students who spoke about many different individuals who has shaped culture, art, and modern society with their accomplishments. This included the Italian Renaissance master, Leonardo Da Vinci, whose masterpieces and thoughts contributed to science and the arts. The philosopher, Plato was mentioned for his ideas of higher education and individualistic freedom to think for yourself. The Byzantine emperor, Charlemange was exalted as a revolutionary man of tolerance and change.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nI was impressed to hear about lesser known Jay Adrian Willaert. He was a protege composer born in 1490. The student presenter made reference to modern styles of instrument composing. Willaert developed the canzone (a form of polyphonic secular song) and ricercare, which were forerunners of modern instrumental forms. He used examples such as Austin\'s SXSW artists to portray Willaert\'s influence on today\'s music scene. I loved the live music experience of Austin, so this piece of information was a delight to learn.\r\n\r\nOne student\'s take on the inspirational story of the civil rights leader, Fredrick Douglas, sent chills down my spine. Douglas was born into slavery. His owner\'s wife enjoyed Douglas\'s company and started teaching him the basic reading skills. When her husband learned of this, he criticized and ridiculed his wife. He was adamant that an educated negro slave was harder to control. Douglas overheard this discussion and became aware that education was the key to his freedom. I recognized that in my own life of struggling to break free of the poverty has created the drive to seek opportunity in gaining my own higher education. This brought to mind the fact that I’m graduating in December and receiving my own sort of personal freedom.\r\n\r\nA man of change was also brought into description. His change can be felt in every corner of the world. He was the Roman emperor Charlemagne.  His ideas and values change and shaped the European culture. He founded a system of appointed nobles, establish a growing economic policy, and believed in preserving and education based on the teachings and arts of the ancient world. He ordered the preservation of 90% of the ancient Latin scripts. His thoughts and moral challenged the world to respectful to people and things in a humble way. This spawn the idealistic chivalric fascination.\r\n\r\nThroughout this special presentation, I realize the significance of our ancestors and how the study of their culture and beliefs can have an impact still on today\'s society, structures and beliefs. I wish that more of us would open our eyes to every great leader, take their lessons and strive to have a vision of our own masterpieces.','CarnivalAh!','','publish','open','open','','carnivalah','','','2011-05-01 14:09:05','2011-05-01 20:09:05','',0,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1120',0,'post','',2),(1125,4,'2011-04-28 05:48:11','2011-04-28 11:48:11','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"384\" height=\"384\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese. Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary. For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more. Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls were a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique through a historical perspective, since many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, using them as a defense against wild animals or intruders; Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">My personal reaction, as with just about everyone, is one of admiration and intrigue. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! This particular fact is what I found the most mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more interesting. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed - whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create an expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design) The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Works Cited</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\r\n\r\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\r\n\r\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\r\n\r\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\r\n\r\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\r\n\r\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-10','','','2011-04-28 05:48:11','2011-04-28 11:48:11','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1125',0,'revision','',0),(1118,4,'2011-04-28 03:04:08','2011-04-28 09:04:08','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"384\" height=\"384\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, up and down plateaus, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls would become a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique, many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, meaning that they commonly used them as a defense against wild animals or intruders. Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Personally, as with virtually everyone, the wall is stunning. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! It is absolutely mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more intriguing. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed, whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design)The Hadrian Wall held something similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Works Cited</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\r\n\r\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\r\n\r\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\r\n\r\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\r\n\r\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\r\n\r\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-9','','','2011-04-28 03:04:08','2011-04-28 09:04:08','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1118',0,'revision','',0),(1121,26,'2011-04-29 10:01:39','2011-04-29 16:01:39','','ah_poster','','inherit','open','open','','ah_poster','','','2011-04-29 10:01:39','2011-04-29 16:01:39','',1120,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1122,26,'2011-04-29 10:03:48','2011-04-29 16:03:48','','ah_poster1','','inherit','open','open','','ah_poster-2','','','2011-04-29 10:03:48','2011-04-29 16:03:48','',1120,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1123,26,'2011-04-29 10:04:17','2011-04-29 16:04:17','Kris Cooley<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-1122\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1-194x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nCarnivalAh! Essay\n\nExtra Credit\n\nSpring 2011\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had the opportunity to attend ACC\'s CarnivalAh! Humanities event. Students from several different humanities classes were chosen by popular vote, to present a seven minute speech on a person from history who still inspires and influences humanity today. There were a few students who spoke about many different individuals who has shaped culture, art, and modern society with their accomplishments. This included the Italian Renaissance master, Leonardo Da Vinci, whose masterpieces and thoughts contributed to science and the arts. The philosopher, Plato was mentioned for his ideas of higher education and individualistic freedom to think for yourself. The Byzantine emperor, Charlemange was exalted as a revolutionary man of tolerance and change.\n\nI was impressed to hear about lesser known Jay Adrian Willaert. He was a protege composer born in 1490. The student presenter made reference to modern styles of instrument composing. Willaert developed the canzone (a form of polyphonic secular song) and ricercare, which were forerunners of modern instrumental forms. He used examples such as Austin\'s SXSW artists to portray Willaert\'s influence on today\'s music scene. I loved the live music experience of Austin, so this piece of information was a delight to learn.\n\nOne student\'s take on the inspirational story of the civil rights leader, Fredrick Douglas, sent chills down my spine. Douglas was born into slavery. His owner\'s wife enjoyed Douglas\'s company and started teaching him the basic reading skills. When her husband learned of this, he criticized and ridiculed his wife. He was adamant that an educated negro slave was harder to control. Douglas overheard this discussion and became aware that education was the key to his freedom. I recognized that in my own life of struggling to break free of the poverty has created the drive to seek opportunity in gaining my own higher education. This brought to mind the fact that I’m graduating in December and receiving my own sort of personal freedom.\n\nA man of change was also brought into description. His change can be felt in every corner of the world. He was the Roman emperor Charlemagne.  His ideas and values change and shaped the European culture. He founded a system of appointed nobles, establish a growing economic policy, and believed in preserving and education based on the teachings and arts of the ancient world. He ordered the preservation of 90% of the ancient Latin scripts. His thoughts and moral challenged the world to respectful to people and things in a humble way. This spawn the idealistic chivalric fascination.\n\nThroughout this special presentation, I realize the significance of our ancestors and how the study of their culture and beliefs can have an impact still on today\'s society, structures and beliefs. I wish that more of us would open our eyes to every great leader, take their lessons and strive to have a vision of our own masterpieces.','CarnivalAh!','','inherit','open','open','','1120-revision','','','2011-04-29 10:04:17','2011-04-29 16:04:17','',1120,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1123',0,'revision','',0),(1124,26,'2011-04-29 10:04:24','2011-04-29 16:04:24','Kris Cooley<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-1122\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1-194x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCarnivalAh! Essay\r\n\r\nExtra Credit\r\n\r\nSpring 2011\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had the opportunity to attend ACC\'s CarnivalAh! Humanities event. Students from several different humanities classes were chosen by popular vote, to present a seven minute speech on a person from history who still inspires and influences humanity today. There were a few students who spoke about many different individuals who has shaped culture, art, and modern society with their accomplishments. This included the Italian Renaissance master, Leonardo Da Vinci, whose masterpieces and thoughts contributed to science and the arts. The philosopher, Plato was mentioned for his ideas of higher education and individualistic freedom to think for yourself. The Byzantine emperor, Charlemange was exalted as a revolutionary man of tolerance and change.\r\n\r\nI was impressed to hear about lesser known Jay Adrian Willaert. He was a protege composer born in 1490. The student presenter made reference to modern styles of instrument composing. Willaert developed the canzone (a form of polyphonic secular song) and ricercare, which were forerunners of modern instrumental forms. He used examples such as Austin\'s SXSW artists to portray Willaert\'s influence on today\'s music scene. I loved the live music experience of Austin, so this piece of information was a delight to learn.\r\n\r\nOne student\'s take on the inspirational story of the civil rights leader, Fredrick Douglas, sent chills down my spine. Douglas was born into slavery. His owner\'s wife enjoyed Douglas\'s company and started teaching him the basic reading skills. When her husband learned of this, he criticized and ridiculed his wife. He was adamant that an educated negro slave was harder to control. Douglas overheard this discussion and became aware that education was the key to his freedom. I recognized that in my own life of struggling to break free of the poverty has created the drive to seek opportunity in gaining my own higher education. This brought to mind the fact that I’m graduating in December and receiving my own sort of personal freedom.\r\n\r\nA man of change was also brought into description. His change can be felt in every corner of the world. He was the Roman emperor Charlemagne.  His ideas and values change and shaped the European culture. He founded a system of appointed nobles, establish a growing economic policy, and believed in preserving and education based on the teachings and arts of the ancient world. He ordered the preservation of 90% of the ancient Latin scripts. His thoughts and moral challenged the world to respectful to people and things in a humble way. This spawn the idealistic chivalric fascination.\r\n\r\nThroughout this special presentation, I realize the significance of our ancestors and how the study of their culture and beliefs can have an impact still on today\'s society, structures and beliefs. I wish that more of us would open our eyes to every great leader, take their lessons and strive to have a vision of our own masterpieces.','CarnivalAh!','','inherit','open','open','','1120-revision-2','','','2011-04-29 10:04:24','2011-04-29 16:04:24','',1120,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1124',0,'revision','',0),(1127,4,'2011-04-30 23:16:02','2011-05-01 05:16:02','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"307\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese. Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary. For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more. Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls were a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique through a historical perspective, since many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, using them as a defense against wild animals or intruders; Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">My personal reaction, as with just about everyone, is one of admiration and intrigue. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! This particular fact is what I found the most mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more interesting. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed - whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create an expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design) The Hadrian Wall held something</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Works Cited</strong></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\r\n\r\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\r\n\r\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\r\n\r\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\r\n\r\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\r\n\r\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-12','','','2011-04-30 23:16:02','2011-05-01 05:16:02','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1127',0,'revision','',0),(1128,4,'2011-04-30 23:16:52','2011-05-01 05:16:52','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"307\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><!--more--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese. Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary. For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more. Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls were a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique through a historical perspective, since many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, using them as a defense against wild animals or intruders; Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">My personal reaction, as with just about everyone, is one of admiration and intrigue. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! This particular fact is what I found the most mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more interesting. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed - whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create an expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design) The Hadrian Wall held something</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Works Cited</strong></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\r\n\r\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\r\n\r\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\r\n\r\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\r\n\r\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\r\n\r\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-13','','','2011-04-30 23:16:52','2011-05-01 05:16:52','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1128',0,'revision','',0),(1129,1,'2011-04-30 23:17:59','2011-05-01 05:17:59','<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"307\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://library.thinkquest.org/27638/great_wall.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall of China is an engineering masterpiece that stretches through six provinces, across lonesome deserts, over mountains and great rivers like a marvelous, winding dragon; built from stone, mud-brick and even as legend tells us, the bones of those who lost their lives in its making. Beginning at the Shanghai Pass up until the Bohai Sea, dating back to 5th century BC to early 17th century AD, different rulers contributed to it’s monumental size to protect against nomadic invaders. The part that has withstood the test of time the greatest and which you would most likely encounter if you were to visit, dates to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644. Although it is not used as a wall of defense any longer, the Great Wall sees millions of tourists annually. It is definitely worthy of preservation as it captivates historians still in search for missing or hidden walls, to some - represents the countless people who slaved over such a monumental task, and marks what has been described by the World Monuments Fund as, “one of the most extensive cultural landscapes on earth” - giving us a, literally, immense look into the history of Ancient China. (Greenfield)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><!--more--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Previous measures of the wall based upon historical records say it stretches, an estimated, 3,100 miles. An extensive two-year mapping survey with the help of infra-red and other advanced technologies unveiled areas previously covered by sandstorms; This concluded a wall that goes on for over 5, 500 miles. (BBC)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Emperors ruled Ancient China, who would establish order and keep peace within the country. The Chinese led a very elaborate, civilized life with their own writing, silk and rice while the nomads kept on the move to keep their livestock alive - their only source of survival, which offered them food, clothes, shelter, meat and dung to fuel the fires. They lived within grassy, arid plains and sought the Chinese to trade horses for things they did not have themselves. When the Chinese refused trade, they raided their area for what they wanted. Thus, the construction of a Great wall was built as a barrier between the barbarians and the settled life of the Chinese. Qin Shi Huang, the very first Emperor, ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC, unified the states of Wei, Zhongstand, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Yan (who had previously built walls to protect their own borders throughout an era known as “Warring States Period”) He ordered walls that divided the empire to be demolished and a single, long wall to be formed of the remaining, along the northern frontier, to ward of the constant threat of the Huns. As sections fell into ruins in the years after, dynasties following, such as the Han (202 BC - 220 AD), Sui (581 - 618), Jin (265 - 420) and Northern (420 - 589) contributed to, repaired and extended parts of the Wall to continue in the defense against invaders whenever necessary. For many years after the fall of the Han dynasty, work on the Great Wall was at a standstill, especially during the Tang (618 - 907) in which China held great military strength, so the maintenance and additional construction to the wall was not critical. (The Great Wall of China)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">At 1260, for up to another thirty-four years, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan ruled as Mongol emperor, overthrew the emperor of China and claimed his dynasty as Yuan (modern-day Beijing) Finally, a man by the name of Zhu Tuanzhang, in an effort to drive the Mongols out of China, enlisted himself in the Red Turbans. After his defeat, he became the emperor of China and named his dynasty, Ming. China began to prosper once more. Over time, the Ming dynasty which began in 1368 became increasingly threatened by the Mongol raids and began revival and worked on an extension to the wall in late 1400s, in fear of the Mongols gaining power again. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">With the strength of long-lasting brick and stone, unlike the rammed Earth of earlier dynasties’ construction, each town or area contributed their own section to the wall where they felt the Mongols would most likely invade. This seemingly insecure yet effective “plan” continued on for 200 years, and these chunks of wall were then connected to form the final Great Wall of China, where watchtowers and cannons were added reaching daunting heights of 25 feet. At the downfall of the Ming at the 1600s, the Great Wall continued to defend the empire against another nomadic tribe, the Manchus. Eventually the Manchu forces crossed the wall and took control of China, establishing themselves as the Qing dynasty. After the Chinese and Manchu united and drove away the Mongols, the construction of the Great Wall came to an end. (Mann)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The concept of a “wall” itself is typical of it’s time because walls have always played in an important role in the history of ancient China. Walls were a common feature of almost every Chinese village or town. Although walls themselves are not exactly unique through a historical perspective, since many civilizations other than the Chinese have been wall-conscious, using them as a defense against wild animals or intruders; Particularly, the Chinese showed great enthusiasm, where they often outlined their houses, farms or temples in walls. (Slavicek) In fact, walls are such highly recognized with homes and villages, that the Chinese character for “wall” and “city” are the same.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The wall today is seen today as a great role in the defense and protection of the people from raids and wars, in order to sustain a stable and peace-filled society. It’s sheer size and age strike people with awe. Although, at the time of the Qin dynasty, such a magnificent structure was accomplished at the cost of human life. Holes on the sides of walls were filled with corpses of those who’d literally worked to death. In efforts of sustaining such a project, heavy taxation was put upon the people. Given the abundance of peasants and soldiers working on the wall, it became “the most hated imperial project in Chinese history.” (Noll) At the death of Qin, the city was susceptible to barbarians since millions of people could not stand the bloodshed the construction of such a wall entailed.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">My personal reaction, as with just about everyone, is one of admiration and intrigue. The “pounded earth method,” consists of giant wood frames supported with dug-up earth, stomped in with one’s feet or sticks; Then, the method is consistently repeated into a tall structure at a rate of about four inches! This particular fact is what I found the most mind-boggling. To think, millions of workers had to move on after such a tiresome procedure, and onto the next segment makes this wonder of the world all the more interesting. It is meaningful because it is unmatched in grandeur and is the resting ground for the millions of people who contributed - whose remarkably skillful methods are proven in what still stands today.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall is comparable to another man-made wall known as Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Just as the Great Wall borders the Chinese empire, the Hadrian Wall borders the Roman Empire. Both are similar, in that, they were built as a boundary to keep invading tribes from taking over power. Although, they hold very different measures in building time-frame and size: The Great Wall’s construction was taken on from Qin’s reign in 220 BC up until the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644 and measures over 5,000 miles long, while Hadrian’s started in 122 AD and took about six years to complete, measuring about 73 miles in length. It spreads across the complete width of Great Britain. Both were highly susceptible to invasion, heavily needy for resources, and were unfortunately breached at times. The Hadrian Wall, is similar in function and was used as a defense against the Picts, barbarians of ancient Scotland.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"203\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/77126982_909dc904b4.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">When Emperor Hadrian noticed issues arising within other parts of the empire, he decided to create an expansive, colossal wall in Great Britain and demanded its construction. The Hadrian, similar to some parts of the Great Wall’s areas, was built from stone - yet, also included turf, a kind of earth with rotting vegetation. Hadrian could have possibly known of the Chinese walls built over 500 years earlier since they are quite alike in design. The Chinese fortification held watch towers, two stories tall, separated at wide uneven segments, which functioned as a storage area at the bottom and lookout area and signal area above (WatchTowers and Wall Design) The Hadrian Wall held something</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">similar: small forts distributed throughout, totaling at about 80 within the wall, known as milecastles. As the Great Wall, Hadrian’s Wall still stands today and is available for visitation. (DuTemple)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The Great Wall should be preserved because it represents an architecturally advanced civilization, where millions of people slaved over its creation. Chinese people take pride in it due to its great staple in Ancient China, as it contains a wealth of historical value. Each segment across northern China displaying its own unique building techniques, shows dynasties of profound intelligence. It is truly astonishing how portions of this mega-structure have lasted so long and should be preserved for future generations to come.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Works Cited</strong></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>\r\nBBC. \"Great Wall of China \'even longer\'.\" <em>BBC News</em>. N.p., 20 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm\">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8008108.stm</a>&gt;\r\n\r\nDuTemple, Lesley . \"About Great Building Feats.\" <em>The Great Wall of China</em>. Minneapolis: Learner Publications, 2003. 7. Print.\r\n\r\nGreenfield, Jeanette. <em>The return of cultural treasures </em>. 3. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.\r\n\r\nMann, Elizabeth. <em>The Great Wall: The Story of Thousands of Miles of Earth and Stone </em>. New York: Mikaya Press, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nNoll, Paul. \"Defense and Cost of The Great Wall .\" <em>History of The Great Wall of China</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html\">http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Tourism/history-Great-Wall-3-defense.html</a>&gt;.\r\n\r\nSlavicek, Louise Chipley. \"Before the Great Wall.\" <em>The Great Wall of China </em>. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. 7. Print.\r\n\r\n\"The Great Wall of China.\" <em>Global Mountain Summit</em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html\">http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/great-wall-of-china.html</a>&gt;\r\n\r\n\"WatchTowers and Wall Design.\" <em>Beijing Travel </em>. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;<a href=\"http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html\">http://www.kinabaloo.com/great_wall.html</a>&gt;.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">&nbsp;</p>','The Great Wall of China','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-14','','','2011-04-30 23:17:59','2011-05-01 05:17:59','',1108,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1129',0,'revision','',0),(1488,34,'2011-05-15 19:27:31','2011-05-16 01:27:31','The Bayeux Tapestry displayed a various amount of war scenes. It portrayed over 70 scenes from the Norman Invasion and the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry was made by Queen Matilda, with the help of other woman needle-workers, to honor her husband, William the Conqueror.  This tapestry is not actually a tapestry, it is embroidery. It reaches 20 inches high and 230 inches long. This admirable work of art “consists of eight long strips of unbleached linen which have been sewn together to form a continuous panel- this linen formed the background of the Bayeux tapestry” (middle-ages.org). There were many people and animals portrayed in this tapestry. There were people, dogs, horses, trees, ships, buildings, other birds and animals (some mythical), and Latin inscriptions that approximately had 2000 letters in each inscription. The colors displayed in the tapestry were dark blue, blue-green, light green, dark green, tan, buff, and yellow; all of them representing something beautiful. <!--more-->\r\n\r\nAll around the border was filled with mythical creatures, such as dragons. It, also, displayed hunting and farming scenes from “Aesop Fables.” Around the border, the scenes from the Aesop Fables were portrayed as the fox, the wolf, and the kid. These themes were thought to be the meaning of “deceit and unlawful possession” (middle-ages.org). I feel that this beautiful piece of art should be preserved because our children should be able to see the different styles of art and how and why they were made. They would also be able to see a general description of what went on during the Norman Invasion and the Battle of Hastings. The historical context from the Bayeux Tapestry is that what is so interesting are the scenes depicted in it. In the first scene, it mainly depicts the controversies leading up to the Norman Invasion and the Battle of Hastings. In the second scene, the tapestry roughly depicts Duke William preparing everyone for the Norman Invasion fleet, which happened in 1066. In the third scene, the actions depicted are the controversies from the Battle of Hastings, “it shows the battle between the Normans and English with the armor on and weapons in hand, while others lay dead on the ground” (middle-ages.org). The Bayeux Tapestry was typical for its time because women would usually make rugs and other things of that nature for their job. It was also typical of its time due to the illustrations portrayed in the tapestry and how it shows their attire, why they were going to battle, and the symbols from each person, animal, and place of battle.\r\n\r\nThe Bayeux Tapestry is unusual for its time because there were no other tapestries made like this tapestry. There was not any other tapestry made that reached 20 inches in height and 230 inches long. It is a very long, thin strip of linen that has different pictures, words, and meanings illustrated throughout the entire embroidery. During its time, people received the embroidery as an honor to the men battling at the Norman Invasion and Battle of Hastings. It shows the bravery and courage that the men had offered and how they were preparing and fighting in these battles. People in today’s society receive this work as a beautiful piece of art. I personally view this work of art as inspiring. This embroidery shows the incredible patience and loyalty it took to make something as time-consuming as this tapestry. I find it so interesting that the illustrations are so detailed and the colors are so vibrant. This work of art compares, specifically, to another piece of art called the <em>Song of Roland</em>. They are both “epic in theme and robust in style. Both consist of sweeping narratives whose episodes are irregular rather than uniform in length. Like the stereotypical characters in the <em>chanson</em>, the figures in the tapestry are delineated by means of expressive gestures and simplified physical features; the Normans, for instance, are distinguished by the shaved back of their heads” (Fiero). Both the <em>Song of Roland</em> and the Bayeux tapestry portray very dynamic history of medieval life. The Bayeux tapestry is most significant for future generations to know because it’s a remarkable piece of work that never fails to fascinate people. The Bayeux tapestry needs to remind them of the creative thought and illustrations portrayed in something so ancient. This would also benefit our future generations by having it show them the skill that the women had back in 1082. The beautifully detailed artwork shows it took great patience and care, something that would be good for future generations to learn.','The Bayeux Tapestry','','publish','open','open','','the-bayeux-tapestry','','','2011-05-16 10:16:05','2011-05-16 16:16:05','',0,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1488',0,'post','',2),(1131,1,'2011-04-29 10:05:11','2011-04-29 16:05:11','Kris Cooley<a href=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-1122\" src=\"http://jeanatacc.com/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ah_poster1-194x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCarnivalAh! Essay\r\n\r\nExtra Credit\r\n\r\nSpring 2011\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had the opportunity to attend ACC\'s CarnivalAh! Humanities event. Students from several different humanities classes were chosen by popular vote, to present a seven minute speech on a person from history who still inspires and influences humanity today. There were a few students who spoke about many different individuals who has shaped culture, art, and modern society with their accomplishments. This included the Italian Renaissance master, Leonardo Da Vinci, whose masterpieces and thoughts contributed to science and the arts. The philosopher, Plato was mentioned for his ideas of higher education and individualistic freedom to think for yourself. The Byzantine emperor, Charlemange was exalted as a revolutionary man of tolerance and change.\r\n\r\nI was impressed to hear about lesser known Jay Adrian Willaert. He was a protege composer born in 1490. The student presenter made reference to modern styles of instrument composing. Willaert developed the canzone (a form of polyphonic secular song) and ricercare, which were forerunners of modern instrumental forms. He used examples such as Austin\'s SXSW artists to portray Willaert\'s influence on today\'s music scene. I loved the live music experience of Austin, so this piece of information was a delight to learn.\r\n\r\nOne student\'s take on the inspirational story of the civil rights leader, Fredrick Douglas, sent chills down my spine. Douglas was born into slavery. His owner\'s wife enjoyed Douglas\'s company and started teaching him the basic reading skills. When her husband learned of this, he criticized and ridiculed his wife. He was adamant that an educated negro slave was harder to control. Douglas overheard this discussion and became aware that education was the key to his freedom. I recognized that in my own life of struggling to break free of the poverty has created the drive to seek opportunity in gaining my own higher education. This brought to mind the fact that I’m graduating in December and receiving my own sort of personal freedom.\r\n\r\nA man of change was also brought into description. His change can be felt in every corner of the world. He was the Roman emperor Charlemagne.  His ideas and values change and shaped the European culture. He founded a system of appointed nobles, establish a growing economic policy, and believed in preserving and education based on the teachings and arts of the ancient world. He ordered the preservation of 90% of the ancient Latin scripts. His thoughts and moral challenged the world to respectful to people and things in a humble way. This spawn the idealistic chivalric fascination.\r\n\r\nThroughout this special presentation, I realize the significance of our ancestors and how the study of their culture and beliefs can have an impact still on today\'s society, structures and beliefs. I wish that more of us would open our eyes to every great leader, take their lessons and strive to have a vision of our own masterpieces.','CarnivalAh!','','inherit','open','open','','1120-revision-3','','','2011-04-29 10:05:11','2011-04-29 16:05:11','',1120,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1131',0,'revision','',0),(1133,12,'2011-05-02 10:30:11','2011-05-02 16:30:11','<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44004000/jpg/_44004316_canonofmed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"416\" height=\"300\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44004000/jpg/_44004316_canonofmed.jpg</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--more--></p>\r\nAvicenna, or commonly known as Ibn Sina, lived in a time were medicine had limited laws.  Medicine in the 11<sup>th</sup> century was almost hazardous to your health. Back then they thought that simple bad hygiene, odors, and a sinful soul were the causes of sickness. If you were stricken with a serious illness, good luck. You’re only real chance for survival against the bacteria that lingered underneath your feet, and in the air that you breathed, was to be Avicenna’s (or commonly known as Ibn Sina) best friend. He was not only an Iranian astronomer, chemist, psychologist, teacher, mathematician, and poet, but he was physician. A brilliant physician that wrote a book in 1025 called the Canon of Medicine which changed the field of medicine to what it is today, and we cannot leave it behind.\r\n\r\nAvicenna was a brilliant mind. Rare to children of his time, and even to the children of now, he was highly enthusiastic about his studies, and engaged heavily in self-education. He read avidly and mastered Islamic law, medicine, and even metaphysics by the age of 17 (Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Historical Vignette: Historical Case). With his profound knowledge he was able to cure Shams al-Dawlah, the King of Hamadan, for severe colic, In Rayy he cured their king\'s melancholia (which was later documented in his book <em>State of the Human Soul</em>), and was able cure Nuh ibn Mansur, the King of Bukhhara, of an illness considered untreatable by well-known physicians (Hawkridge, Owen).\r\n\r\nEven through all his triumphs he wasn’t truly thought of as head of the pack until he wrote Canon of Medicine. In this book he broke down all the knowledge he had accumulated throughout his studies about human illnesses and their cures into 5 books. Book one is the most complicated. It is the study of the four elements, four humors, symptoms, hygiene, causes of sickness, therapy, surgical treatments and inevitability of death –basically the framework for medical practice. Book two is the on the physical properties of drugs, and their qualities. Book three focuses on diseases starting with the brain, nerves, eyes, ears, and ending with pains in joints. The fourth book is the general pathologies such as fevers, wounds, fractures, and poisons. Finally, book five centers on compound drugs and their applications (Archives Avicenna Canon of Medicine).\r\n\r\nHuge contributions for modern medicine were within these 5 sections of the Canon of Medicine. In it was the recognition that tuberculosis is contagious; diseases can be spread through water and soil; and a person’s emotional health influences their physical health. It was also the first to describe parts of the eye, heart valves, and that nerves were responsible for perceiving pain (The Islamic World to 1600).\r\n\r\nAfter its publishing, it served as the medical authority throughout Europe for 600 years. When it was translated into Latin in the 12<sup>th</sup> century, it gained wide fame through the west (Fiero, Gloria K). Quickly becoming the predominant textbook used in European medical schools all the way until the 17<sup>th</sup> century, it is still used today in Islamic medical schools in Pakistan and India. No other medical book has remained so highly acclaimed for the amount of time that this one has, and it was even one of the first books to be produced on the invention of the printing press in Arabic in 1593 (The Islamic World to 1600).\r\n\r\nThere was another Canon of Medicine that was published by the Chinese called <em>Yellow Emperor\'s Inner Canon </em>that describes Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and is thought to be the most important ancient text in Chinese medicine. Unlike Avicenna’s, it is written by many different scholars and physicians instead of one mind, and has been translated into multiple versions that sometimes lose important sections.  Also, instead of representing its information like a typical text book, it is structured as a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and one of his physicians. It is spectated that the reasoning for this is so anonymous authors could avoid attribution and blame. Despite all the flaws related to this Canon, it is still considered a fundamental doctrine for Chinese medicine (Huangdi Neijing).\r\n\r\nAvicenna later died in 1037 of a disease he was ironically able to treat successfully; Severe colic. Him, along with his works, must not be forgotten. How can we move our lives and civilization forward if we leave behind the only thing that kept us free of death by illness? We cannot resort back to the primitive methods of removing sickness with leeches. Diseases exist and we NEED this book to combat it. We are taking it with us. End of discussion.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCITATION\r\n\r\n\"Archives Avicenna Canon of Medicine.\" <em>The Institution of Engineering and Technology - The IET</em>. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.theiet.org/about/libarc/archives/featured/avicenna.cfm&gt;.\r\n\r\nFiero, Gloria K. \"Chapter 10. The Islamic World: Religion and Culture Ca. 570–1300.\" <em>The Humanistic Tradition</em>. 6th ed. Vol. 1. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2011. B2.54+. Print.\r\n\r\nHawkridge, Owen. \"Science Vignette: Ibn Sïnā (Avicenna).\" <em>Quasar</em>. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.quasar.ualberta.ca/edse456/apt/vignettes/ibnsina.htm&gt;.\r\n\r\n\"Huangdi Neijing.\" <em>Wikipedia.org</em>. Wikipedia. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huangdi_Neijing&gt;.\r\n\r\n\"Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Historical Vignette: Historical Case.\" <em>Medscape</em>. American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2001. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/405737_2&gt;.\r\n\r\n\"The Islamic World to 1600: The Arts, Learning, and Knowledge (Ibn Sina).\" <em>Home | University of Calgary</em>. The Applied History Research Group, 1998. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/learning/ibnsina.html&gt;.','Ibn Sina\'s Canon of Medicine','','publish','open','open','','ibn-sinas-canon-of-medicine','','','2011-05-08 13:41:49','2011-05-08 19:41:49','',0,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1133',0,'post','',5),(1134,12,'2011-05-02 10:29:18','2011-05-02 16:29:18','<p style=\"text-align: center\">Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44004000/jpg/_44004316_canonofmed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"416\" height=\"300\" /><!--more--></p>\nAvicenna, or commonly known as Ibn Sina, lived in a time were medicine had limited laws.  Medicine in the 11<sup>th</sup> century was almost hazardous to your health. Back then they thought that simple bad hygiene, odors, and a sinful soul were the causes of sickness. If you were stricken with a serious illness, good luck. You’re only real chance for survival against the bacteria that lingered underneath your feet, and in the air that you breathed, was to be Avicenna’s (or commonly known as Ibn Sina) best friend. He was not only an Iranian astronomer, chemist, psychologist, teacher, mathematician, and poet, but he was physician. A brilliant physician that wrote a book in 1025 called the Canon of Medicine which changed the field of medicine to what it is today, and we cannot leave it behind.\n\nAvicenna was a brilliant mind. Rare to children of his time, and even to the children of now, he was highly enthusiastic about his studies, and engaged heavily in self-education. He read avidly and mastered Islamic law, medicine, and even metaphysics by the age of 17 (Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Historical Vignette: Historical Case). With his profound knowledge he was able to cure Shams al-Dawlah, the King of Hamadan, for severe colic, In Rayy he cured their king\'s melancholia (which was later documented in his book <em>State of the Human Soul</em>), and was able cure Nuh ibn Mansur, the King of Bukhhara, of an illness considered untreatable by well-known physicians (Hawkridge, Owen).\n\nEven through all his triumphs he wasn’t truly thought of as head of the pack until he wrote Canon of Medicine. In this book he broke down all the knowledge he had accumulated throughout his studies about human illnesses and their cures into 5 books. Book one is the most complicated. It is the study of the four elements, four humors, symptoms, hygiene, causes of sickness, therapy, surgical treatments and inevitability of death –basically the framework for medical practice. Book two is the on the physical properties of drugs, and their qualities. Book three focuses on diseases starting with the brain, nerves, eyes, ears, and ending with pains in joints. The fourth book is the general pathologies such as fevers, wounds, fractures, and poisons. Finally, book five centers on compound drugs and their applications (Archives Avicenna Canon of Medicine).\n\nHuge contributions for modern medicine were within these 5 sections of the Canon of Medicine. In it was the recognition that tuberculosis is contagious; diseases can be spread through water and soil; and a person’s emotional health influences their physical health. It was also the first to describe parts of the eye, heart valves, and that nerves were responsible for perceiving pain (The Islamic World to 1600).\n\nAfter its publishing, it served as the medical authority throughout Europe for 600 years. When it was translated into Latin in the 12<sup>th</sup> century, it gained wide fame through the west (Fiero, Gloria K). Quickly becoming the predominant textbook used in European medical schools all the way until the 17<sup>th</sup> century, it is still used today in Islamic medical schools in Pakistan and India. No other medical book has remained so highly acclaimed for the amount of time that this one has, and it was even one of the first books to be produced on the invention of the printing press in Arabic in 1593 (The Islamic World to 1600).\n\nThere was another Canon of Medicine that was published by the Chinese called <em>Yellow Emperor\'s Inner Canon </em>that describes Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and is thought to be the most important ancient text in Chinese medicine. Unlike Avicenna’s, it is written by many different scholars and physicians instead of one mind, and has been translated into multiple versions that sometimes lose important sections.  Also, instead of representing its information like a typical text book, it is structured as a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and one of his physicians. It is spectated that the reasoning for this is so anonymous authors could avoid attribution and blame. Despite all the flaws related to this Canon, it is still considered a fundamental doctrine for Chinese medicine (Huangdi Neijing).\n\nAvicenna later died in 1037 of a disease he was ironically able to treat successfully; Severe colic. Him, along with his works, must not be forgotten. How can we move our lives and civilization forward if we leave behind the only thing that kept us free of death by illness? We cannot resort back to the primitive methods of removing sickness with leeches. Diseases exist and we NEED this book to combat it. We are taking it with us. End of discussion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCITATION\n\n\"Archives Avicenna Canon of Medicine.\" <em>The Institution of Engineering and Technology - The IET</em>. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.theiet.org/about/libarc/archives/featured/avicenna.cfm&gt;.\n\nFiero, Gloria K. \"Chapter 10. The Islamic World: Religion and Culture Ca. 570–1300.\" <em>The Humanistic Tradition</em>. 6th ed. Vol. 1. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2011. B2.54+. Print.\n\nHawkridge, Owen. \"Science Vignette: Ibn Sïnā (Avicenna).\" <em>Quasar</em>. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.quasar.ualberta.ca/edse456/apt/vignettes/ibnsina.htm&gt;.\n\n\"Huangdi Neijing.\" <em>Wikipedia.org</em>. Wikipedia. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huangdi_Neijing&gt;.\n\n\"Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Historical Vignette: Historical Case.\" <em>Medscape</em>. American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2001. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/405737_2&gt;.\n\n\"The Islamic World to 1600: The Arts, Learning, and Knowledge (Ibn Sina).\" <em>Home | University of Calgary</em>. The Applied History Research Group, 1998. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/learning/ibnsina.html&gt;.\n\nImage: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44004000/jpg/_44004316_canonofmed.jpg','','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision','','','2011-05-02 10:29:18','2011-05-02 16:29:18','',1133,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1134',0,'revision','',0),(1135,12,'2011-05-02 12:49:56','2011-05-02 18:49:56','<p style=\"text-align: center\">Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44004000/jpg/_44004316_canonofmed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"416\" height=\"300\" /><!--more--></p>\nAvicenna, or commonly known as Ibn Sina, lived in a time were medicine had limited laws.  Medicine in the 11<sup>th</sup> century was almost hazardous to your health. Back then they thought that simple bad hygiene, odors, and a sinful soul were the causes of sickness. If you were stricken with a serious illness, good luck. You’re only real chance for survival against the bacteria that lingered underneath your feet, and in the air that you breathed, was to be Avicenna’s (or commonly known as Ibn Sina) best friend. He was not only an Iranian astronomer, chemist, psychologist, teacher, mathematician, and poet, but he was physician. A brilliant physician that wrote a book in 1025 called the Canon of Medicine which changed the field of medicine to what it is today, and we cannot leave it behind.\n\nAvicenna was a brilliant mind. Rare to children of his time, and even to the children of now, he was highly enthusiastic about his studies, and engaged heavily in self-education. He read avidly and mastered Islamic law, medicine, and even metaphysics by the age of 17 (Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Historical Vignette: Historical Case). With his profound knowledge he was able to cure Shams al-Dawlah, the King of Hamadan, for severe colic, In Rayy he cured their king\'s melancholia (which was later documented in his book <em>State of the Human Soul</em>), and was able cure Nuh ibn Mansur, the King of Bukhhara, of an illness considered untreatable by well-known physicians (Hawkridge, Owen).\n\nEven through all his triumphs he wasn’t truly thought of as head of the pack until he wrote Canon of Medicine. In this book he broke down all the knowledge he had accumulated throughout his studies about human illnesses and their cures into 5 books. Book one is the most complicated. It is the study of the four elements, four humors, symptoms, hygiene, causes of sickness, therapy, surgical treatments and inevitability of death –basically the framework for medical practice. Book two is the on the physical properties of drugs, and their qualities. Book three focuses on diseases starting with the brain, nerves, eyes, ears, and ending with pains in joints. The fourth book is the general pathologies such as fevers, wounds, fractures, and poisons. Finally, book five centers on compound drugs and their applications (Archives Avicenna Canon of Medicine).\n\nHuge contributions for modern medicine were within these 5 sections of the Canon of Medicine. In it was the recognition that tuberculosis is contagious; diseases can be spread through water and soil; and a person’s emotional health influences their physical health. It was also the first to describe parts of the eye, heart valves, and that nerves were responsible for perceiving pain (The Islamic World to 1600).\n\nAfter its publishing, it served as the medical authority throughout Europe for 600 years. When it was translated into Latin in the 12<sup>th</sup> century, it gained wide fame through the west (Fiero, Gloria K). Quickly becoming the predominant textbook used in European medical schools all the way until the 17<sup>th</sup> century, it is still used today in Islamic medical schools in Pakistan and India. No other medical book has remained so highly acclaimed for the amount of time that this one has, and it was even one of the first books to be produced on the invention of the printing press in Arabic in 1593 (The Islamic World to 1600).\n\nThere was another Canon of Medicine that was published by the Chinese called <em>Yellow Emperor\'s Inner Canon </em>that describes Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and is thought to be the most important ancient text in Chinese medicine. Unlike Avicenna’s, it is written by many different scholars and physicians instead of one mind, and has been translated into multiple versions that sometimes lose important sections.  Also, instead of representing its information like a typical text book, it is structured as a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and one of his physicians. It is spectated that the reasoning for this is so anonymous authors could avoid attribution and blame. Despite all the flaws related to this Canon, it is still considered a fundamental doctrine for Chinese medicine (Huangdi Neijing).\n\nAvicenna later died in 1037 of a disease he was ironically able to treat successfully; Severe colic. Him, along with his works, must not be forgotten. How can we move our lives and civilization forward if we leave behind the only thing that kept us free of death by illness? We cannot resort back to the primitive methods of removing sickness with leeches. Diseases exist and we NEED this book to combat it. We are taking it with us. End of discussion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCITATION\n\n\"Archives Avicenna Canon of Medicine.\" <em>The Institution of Engineering and Technology - The IET</em>. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.theiet.org/about/libarc/archives/featured/avicenna.cfm&gt;.\n\nFiero, Gloria K. \"Chapter 10. The Islamic World: Religion and Culture Ca. 570–1300.\" <em>The Humanistic Tradition</em>. 6th ed. Vol. 1. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2011. B2.54+. Print.\n\nHawkridge, Owen. \"Science Vignette: Ibn Sïnā (Avicenna).\" <em>Quasar</em>. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.quasar.ualberta.ca/edse456/apt/vignettes/ibnsina.htm&gt;.\n\n\"Huangdi Neijing.\" <em>Wikipedia.org</em>. Wikipedia. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huangdi_Neijing&gt;.\n\n\"Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Historical Vignette: Historical Case.\" <em>Medscape</em>. American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2001. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/405737_2&gt;.\n\n\"The Islamic World to 1600: The Arts, Learning, and Knowledge (Ibn Sina).\" <em>Home | University of Calgary</em>. The Applied History Research Group, 1998. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. &lt;http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/learning/ibnsina.html&gt;.\n\nImage: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44004000/jpg/_44004316_canonofmed.jpg','Ibn Sina\'s Canon of Medicine','','inherit','open','open','','1133-autosave','','','2011-05-02 12:49:56','2011-05-02 18:49:56','',1133,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1135',0,'revision','',0),(1137,5,'2011-05-02 10:46:35','2011-05-02 16:46:35','<em>The Dao De Jing</em> is a wisdom text whose teachings form the basis of Daoism, a school of thought that is based on the principles of simplicity of life and non-striving. Daoism encourages its followers to live according to the Dao, or Way, which can be described as finding the path to fulfillment through the wise application of silence and non-action, allowing nature to take its course.<!--more--> The Dao De Jing emerged in China at approximately 500 B.C., a time when life was changing from pastoral seclusion to a more regimented society in the wake of newfound political and philosophical systems. The simplicity that Daoism encouraged was meant to help its followers balance the requirements of a new achievement driven society with the passive reflection that had been encouraged by earlier stages of Chinese culture.  Learning to take relief from a hectic world by tuning in to the rhythms of nature can be a very therapeutic way of reconnecting with our humanity and cultivating a peaceful society. Future generations should have the opportunity to reflect on this path to stillness, opened by <em>The Dao De Jing</em>.\r\n\r\n<em>The Dao De Jing</em> consists of two complementary halves, the 37 verse Dao portion and the 44 verse De portion that follows it. Translated literally, the title means “The Canonical Text (Jing) of The Way (Dao) and Virtue (De)” (Roberts 3). Prior to the ascension of Emperor Ching in 156 B.C. the book was simply called <em>The Lao Tzu, </em>after its author. The emperor was so impressed with the work that he elevated it to the status of a <em>Jing</em>, or sacred text (Chen 43).\r\n\r\nThe Dao part of the book describes an un-nameable, indescribable force from which all other things flow. The Dao simply creates and sets things into motion; it does not guide or expect any sort of tribute (Roberts 21).  The objects and forces that the Dao unleashes are known as the ten thousand things. The only influence that the Dao seems to exert is by imbuing each of the ten thousand things with a unique nature, through which they interact and find their proper purpose. The Dao is both remote and ever present; remote in its impartiality, and ever present as the source from which everything flows.\r\n\r\nOnce the Dao has been revealed, the book goes on to describe how the sage follows the Dao just as heaven and earth do; by striving not for themselves but by simply carrying out the role for which they were created. In not actively seeking their own gain they naturally find their proper place, in which they will thrive. It goes on to apply these principles to government, warning against the heavy hand that will make the people feel untrustworthy, and so behave in an untrustworthy way. If a leader takes a more natural approach the people will go about their business as a matter of course (Tzu 97).\r\n\r\nThe Daoist is also discouraged from being boastful, which is described as a “superfluous action[s]” (Tzu 115). War is also inconsistent with the Dao; even a successful military conquest is sure to sow the seeds of future difficulty (Tzu 128). In the wake of an all pervasive Dao, all of this striving and personal ambition is unnecessary: “Nothing under heaven can subjugate it. If kings and barons can abide by it, all creatures will arrive as guests to a banquet” (Tzu 133). One of the final verses of the Dao chapter gives what I feel is a great summation of the ways of the Dao:\r\n\r\n1.      The great Tao [sic] floods over, to the left, to the right\r\n\r\n2.      Ten thousand beings live by it, and it does not reject them. Work is accomplished, yet it has no name. It clothes and nourishes ten thousand beings, but does not lord over them.\r\n\r\n3.      Always without desire, it may be named the small; ten thousand beings return to it, yet is does not lord over them, it may be named the great.\r\n\r\n4.      Because it never considers itself great, therefore it can accomplish its greatness (Tzu 137-138).\r\n\r\nNow that the Dao has been properly introduced, the book shifts its focus to the De, or virtue, that may be gained through following the Dao.  The virtuous sage is described as having “...no set mind, he takes the mind of the people as his mind.” This is how the Sage selflessly arrives at the best point of view from which to guide the people according to the De of the Dao. Like the impartial Dao, he is accepting of the good and the evil alike, treating “...them all like children.” This causes the people to “...lift up their eyes and ears...” The good remain so because they have not been interfered with, and the evil become good because they have been accepted and not accused. This is how the Dao cultivates virtue.\r\n\r\nOnce society is operating in tune with the impartial Dao, the principles of non-striving and simplicity again enter the picture. In a virtuous society, education is to be shunned because it makes the people difficult to rule (Tzu 204). Government, too, is meant to be kept “dull” in order to make the people “wholesome” (Tzu 191). The ideally virtuous society is described in the next to last verse of the Dao De Jing:\r\n\r\nLet them enjoy their food, consider their clothing beautiful, be contented with their dwellings, and happy with their customs. The neighbouring [sic] states overlooking one another, the dogs’ barking and the cocks’ crowings [sic] are heard from other states, yet till they are old and dying the people do not visit one another (Tzu 228).\r\n\r\nThis simple but contented lifestyle is to be cultivated by the sage, who again spreads his virtuous ways by simply setting a good example:\r\n\r\nTherefore the sage says: I do not act, hence the people transform themselves; I love tranquility, hence the people are normal by themselves; I have no business, hence the people grow rich by themselves; I have no desire, hence the people are like the uncarved [sic] wood by themselves (Tzu, 190).\r\n\r\nPreserving this simple, virtuous lifestyle was the main reason that the Dao De Jing was written. The book was originally said to be the work of a wise man known as Lao Tzu, who recorded his thoughts circa 500 B.C. In the introduction to his translation of the work, Jonathan Star gives an engaging account of the Dao De Jing’s creation myth:\r\n\r\n…during the time of Confucius (around 500 B.C.) Lao-tsu [sic] practiced <em>Tao</em> [sic] and <em>Te</em> [sic] (The Supreme way and its Expression) and focused his teachings on humility and being nameless. He was the keeper of the royal archives in the state of Chou. After he foresaw that the state would fall into decay, he packed his belongings and decided to leave through the Western gateway. The gatekeeper, Yin-his, seeing that this great sage was about to leave the world said, “Master, you are about to renounce this world, please compose a book for me.” Thereupon the “Old Master” came down from his oxcart, took out his pen and ink, and began to compose a book of two parts, discussing Tao [sic] and Te [sic]. Several hours later, Lao-tsu [sic] handed the finished text of slightly more than five thousand characters to the gatekeeper and then departed toward the West (Star 1).\r\n\r\nThe decay spoken of refers to the fall of the kingdom of Zhou (Chou), and Lao Tzu’s role as its archivist is significant. For centuries, Zhou seems to have been the spiritual center of the various Chinese states. Zhou was considered the last refuge of the cultural traditions of the people’s “founding fathers”. Though it was a small kingdom, its ruler was considered a royal “Son of Heaven” who received tribute from the surrounding larger states in the name of ritual and diplomacy. In Lao Tzu’s time the influence of Zhou was waning as larger states conquered and absorbed other kingdoms (Roberts 10-11). It seems that the book now known as <em>The Dao De Jing</em> may have been Lao Tzu’s (successful) attempt to preserve the wisdom he had acquired through his time in Zhou and his access to its archives.\r\n\r\nThis view had been challenged in the 1920’s and 1930’s by scholars who felt that the work’s characteristics were more in keeping with the “Warring States” period (403-222 B.C.) which followed the “Spring and Autumn” period (722-481 B.C.) in which Lao Tzu lived. Another scholar, D.C. Lau, determined that the work was a compilation that borrowed from earlier sources (Henricks 2). Recently discovered manuscripts may prove that all three of these stories have a measure of truth.\r\n\r\nIn 1973, two complete manuscripts of <em>The Dao De Jing </em>were found in the tomb of the son of an official that was sealed in 168 B.C. The manuscripts themselves date from 200 B.C. and include the complete modern text, however the De portion precedes the Dao portion and there are no chapter divisions and page numbers. The text was found among other important documents on topics such as politics and cosmology. This shows that by 200 B.C. the text was already complete and was revered enough to be included in the tomb of an important citizen.\r\n\r\nThen, in 1993, another manuscript was discovered in a tomb that had been sealed a full century earlier in 300 B.C. The tomb belonged to a royal tutor and <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was again found among other important documents, further illustrating the reverence that was already attached to it (Roberts 4-5)<em>.</em> This earlier text is known as <em>The Guodian Laozi</em> after the location where it was found, and has some interesting characteristics that invite speculation. The text is not complete, and includes only one of the many chapters that discusses the Dao in detail. Likewise, only one of the chapters that describe the “Way of Heaven” is included. These omitted chapters contain many anti-aristocracy sentiments, which is significant. Also, the feminine aspects that are portrayed in the full text are absent in <em>The Guodian Laozi.</em>\r\n\r\nSome have argued that this means that the text was not yet complete, which is a viable possibility. I would like to offer another theory. It is possible that redundant verses were omitted to expedite the instruction of a royal pupil who was undoubtedly studying other lengthy texts at the same time. The anti-aristocracy portions could have been omitted so as not to offend a wealthy patron. And, the more feminine verses could have been omitted so as not to undermine the masculinity of a future sovereign.\r\n\r\nThis angle shows that it is very possible that <em>The Guodian Laozi</em> could be a selection of key verses from an already completed volume. Taking into consideration that the manuscript had already been in use before the tomb was sealed and that it must have been copied from an older source, the text could have been completed as early as 350-400 B.C. Added to this is the fact that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> also would have needed to circulate for quite some time to become revered as a sacred text.\r\n\r\nReinforcing the early date theory are several ancient accounts of Lao Tzu, his preeminent wisdom, and his understanding of the Dao. The story of Lao Tzu’s life and works seems to have existed as a widely known and at times varied oral tradition. There was no controversy about the origins of <em>The Dao De Jing</em> until a certain historian sought to write Lao Tzu’s biography sometime after 255 B.C. and was unable to find a definitive source (Chen, 18).\r\n\r\nStill, there is evidence that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was modified numerous times for political reasons (Star, 5). Taken as a whole, the evidence seems to indicate that around 500 B.C. Lao Tzu drafted a wisdom text that probably drew from the archives of Zhou that later generations edited for their own purposes. All of this controversy and manipulation demonstrate that even in ancient times <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was a widely read and appreciated work that held a privileged position in Chinese culture.\r\n\r\nIn modern times, <em>The Dao De Jing</em> continues to be contemplated and admired. Jonathan Star considers <em>The Dao De Jing</em> to be a text that must be studied in depth if its true meaning is to be revealed, in order to transcend the view of only one translator. Once he felt that he had grasped its true meaning, he realized that “It was never meant to fully explain the mysteries of the universe, only to allude to them.” Star also says that he “…was moved by the power of its words and the mystical spirit it imparted” (2-3).\r\n\r\nMoss Roberts compares sections of <em>The Dao De Jing </em>to “…paintings of striking detail that compel the gaze but always remain partly out of focus.” He describes the broad range of topics that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> covers as beyond compare in western literature. He also believes that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> shares characteristics with the works of authors such as Lucretius, Gandhi, and even Thoreau (2).\r\n\r\nThe enigmatic style of <em>The Dao De Jing<strong> </strong></em>is one of its main innovations. The text leads the reader to discover their own inner perspective, much like a Rorschach test. It was also popularized during a time that was awash in philosophical treatises, known as the era of “100 Schools of Thought.” <em>The Dao De Jing’s</em> origins in the idealized ways of the waning kingdom of Zhou can be seen as both innovative and typical for its time. This is innovative in that most were turning away from these traditional ways in favor of newer and more aggressive ideologies. This can also be considered typical as the traditional ways espoused in <em>The Dao De Jing</em> formed the backdrop against which these new philosophies were compared.\r\n\r\nDaoism was one of the most prominent schools to emerge from the “100 Schools” period, the other was Confucianism. Confucianism originated with a sage named Confucius, whose thoughts and recommendations were recorded in a book known as <em>The Analects</em>. <em>The Analects of Confucius</em> and <em>The Dao De Jing </em>serve as “…philosophical counterpart[s]” and represent the opposite ends of China’s philosophical culture. While <em>The Dao De Jing </em>is more “reflective”, <em>The Analects</em> can be seen as promoting an “activist” stance (Roberts, 8).\r\n\r\n<em>The Analects </em>document Confucius’ efforts to build a name for himself as a wise teacher. His ultimate goal was to gain a position as an official in some local government so that he could use his position to spread his teachings throughout the land. This blatant ambition could not be further removed from <em>The Dao De Jing’s </em>doctrine of non-action.\r\n\r\nStill, throughout <em>The Analects</em> Confucius speaks of himself as one who pursues the Dao. In the second verse of book one he tries to tease out the specific actions that will make the way flourish, using the context of social roles (47). This demonstrates the real world focus of <em>The Analects</em> versus the spiritual translucence of <em>The Dao De Jing.</em> Later, in the tenth verse of the same book, Confucius is described as seeking information “…through gentleness, benevolence, respectfulness, frugality, and deference” (49).  The overall impression is that Confucius had become familiar with the Way and was attempting to put it into practical terms that could be easily taught and understood.\r\n\r\nEven though many verses of <em>The Analects</em> show a preoccupation with the Way, the two works disagree on many points. Learning and self development are repeatedly stressed as essential. Specific behaviors are also recommended for certain situations. Confucius himself also traveled extensively, rejecting the contented, stationary life recommended in <em>The Dao De Jing</em> (Confucius). <em>The Dao De Jing </em>offered a spiritual counterpoint to the achievement driven teachings of <em>The Analects.</em>\r\n\r\nMy personal reaction to <em>The Dao De Jing</em> is that it is a thought provoking and unique look at life. It was easy to see how in a world without aggressors or competition the concepts that are alluded to would lead to a happy population. The elusive yet descriptive language is truly the work of a master wordsmith and the figurative illustrations give insight even as they prompt the reader to consider their own inner perspective. It is clearly the product of a culture that places great value on spiritual well being.\r\n\r\nFuture generations should know that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was written to preserve the ways of an idealized era when people took a more peaceful approach to life. Its role as a tranquil refuge in an era of great upheaval should also be remembered, and the transcendent quality of the prose should be available to inspire those in need of respite themselves. <em>The Dao De Jing </em>is without compare, and should remain a part of humanity’s cultural legacy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWorks Cited:\r\n\r\nChen, Ellen M. \"The Tao Te Ching: An Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation With Commentary</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Paragon House, 1989. 3-48. Print.\r\n\r\nConfucius. <em>The Analects of Confucius: Lun Yu</em>. Trans. Chichung Huang. New York: Oxford UP, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nHenricks, Robert G. \"Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>Lao Tzu\'s Tao Te Ching: A Translation of the  Startling New Documents Found at Guodian</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Columbia UP, 2000. 1-22. Print.\r\n\r\nRoberts, Moss. \"Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>Dao De Jing: The Book of the Way</em>. By Laozi. Berkeley [etc.: University of California, 2001. 1-23. Print.\r\n\r\nStar, Jonathan. Introduction. <em>Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Edition</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 2001. 1-11. Print.\r\n\r\nTzu, Lao. <em>The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation With Commentary</em>. Trans. Ellen M. Chen. New  York: Paragon House, 1989. Print.','Lao Tzu\'s Dao De Jing','','publish','open','open','','lao-tzus-dao-de-jing','','','2011-05-02 10:46:35','2011-05-02 16:46:35','',0,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1137',0,'post','',8),(1139,5,'2011-05-02 10:45:07','2011-05-02 16:45:07','<em>The Dao De Jing</em> is a wisdom text whose teachings form the basis of Daoism, a school of thought that is based on the principles of simplicity of life and non-striving. Daoism encourages its followers to live according to the Dao, or Way, which can be described as finding the path to fulfillment through the wise application of silence and non-action, allowing nature to take its course. The Dao De Jing emerged in China at approximately 500 B.C., a time when life was changing from pastoral seclusion to a more regimented society in the wake of newfound political and philosophical systems. The simplicity that Daoism encouraged was meant to help its followers balance the requirements of a new achievement driven society with the passive reflection that had been encouraged by earlier stages of Chinese culture.  Learning to take relief from a hectic world by tuning in to the rhythms of nature can be a very therapeutic way of reconnecting with our humanity and cultivating a peaceful society. Future generations should have the opportunity to reflect on this path to stillness, opened by <em>The Dao De Jing</em>.\r\n\r\n<em>The Dao De Jing</em> consists of two complementary halves, the 37 verse Dao portion and the 44 verse De portion that follows it. Translated literally, the title means “The Canonical Text (Jing) of The Way (Dao) and Virtue (De)” (Roberts 3). Prior to the ascension of Emperor Ching in 156 B.C. the book was simply called <em>The Lao Tzu, </em>after its author. The emperor was so impressed with the work that he elevated it to the status of a <em>Jing</em>, or sacred text (Chen 43).\r\n\r\nThe Dao part of the book describes an un-nameable, indescribable force from which all other things flow. The Dao simply creates and sets things into motion; it does not guide or expect any sort of tribute (Roberts 21).  The objects and forces that the Dao unleashes are known as the ten thousand things. The only influence that the Dao seems to exert is by imbuing each of the ten thousand things with a unique nature, through which they interact and find their proper purpose. The Dao is both remote and ever present; remote in its impartiality, and ever present as the source from which everything flows.\r\n\r\nOnce the Dao has been revealed, the book goes on to describe how the sage follows the Dao just as heaven and earth do; by striving not for themselves but by simply carrying out the role for which they were created. In not actively seeking their own gain they naturally find their proper place, in which they will thrive. It goes on to apply these principles to government, warning against the heavy hand that will make the people feel untrustworthy, and so behave in an untrustworthy way. If a leader takes a more natural approach the people will go about their business as a matter of course (Tzu 97).\r\n\r\nThe Daoist is also discouraged from being boastful, which is described as a “superfluous action[s]” (Tzu 115). War is also inconsistent with the Dao; even a successful military conquest is sure to sow the seeds of future difficulty (Tzu 128). In the wake of an all pervasive Dao, all of this striving and personal ambition is unnecessary: “Nothing under heaven can subjugate it. If kings and barons can abide by it, all creatures will arrive as guests to a banquet” (Tzu 133). One of the final verses of the Dao chapter gives what I feel is a great summation of the ways of the Dao:\r\n\r\n1.      The great Tao [sic] floods over, to the left, to the right\r\n\r\n2.      Ten thousand beings live by it, and it does not reject them. Work is accomplished, yet it has no name. It clothes and nourishes ten thousand beings, but does not lord over them.\r\n\r\n3.      Always without desire, it may be named the small; ten thousand beings return to it, yet is does not lord over them, it may be named the great.\r\n\r\n4.      Because it never considers itself great, therefore it can accomplish its greatness (Tzu 137-138).\r\n\r\nNow that the Dao has been properly introduced, the book shifts its focus to the De, or virtue, that may be gained through following the Dao.  The virtuous sage is described as having “...no set mind, he takes the mind of the people as his mind.” This is how the Sage selflessly arrives at the best point of view from which to guide the people according to the De of the Dao. Like the impartial Dao, he is accepting of the good and the evil alike, treating “...them all like children.” This causes the people to “...lift up their eyes and ears...” The good remain so because they have not been interfered with, and the evil become good because they have been accepted and not accused. This is how the Dao cultivates virtue.\r\n\r\nOnce society is operating in tune with the impartial Dao, the principles of non-striving and simplicity again enter the picture. In a virtuous society, education is to be shunned because it makes the people difficult to rule (Tzu 204). Government, too, is meant to be kept “dull” in order to make the people “wholesome” (Tzu 191). The ideally virtuous society is described in the next to last verse of the Dao De Jing:\r\n\r\nLet them enjoy their food, consider their clothing beautiful, be contented with their dwellings, and happy with their customs. The neighbouring [sic] states overlooking one another, the dogs’ barking and the cocks’ crowings [sic] are heard from other states, yet till they are old and dying the people do not visit one another (Tzu 228).\r\n\r\nThis simple but contented lifestyle is to be cultivated by the sage, who again spreads his virtuous ways by simply setting a good example:\r\n\r\nTherefore the sage says: I do not act, hence the people transform themselves; I love tranquility, hence the people are normal by themselves; I have no business, hence the people grow rich by themselves; I have no desire, hence the people are like the uncarved [sic] wood by themselves (Tzu, 190).\r\n\r\nPreserving this simple, virtuous lifestyle was the main reason that the Dao De Jing was written. The book was originally said to be the work of a wise man known as Lao Tzu, who recorded his thoughts circa 500 B.C. In the introduction to his translation of the work, Jonathan Star gives an engaging account of the Dao De Jing’s creation myth:\r\n\r\n…during the time of Confucius (around 500 B.C.) Lao-tsu [sic] practiced <em>Tao</em> [sic] and <em>Te</em> [sic] (The Supreme way and its Expression) and focused his teachings on humility and being nameless. He was the keeper of the royal archives in the state of Chou. After he foresaw that the state would fall into decay, he packed his belongings and decided to leave through the Western gateway. The gatekeeper, Yin-his, seeing that this great sage was about to leave the world said, “Master, you are about to renounce this world, please compose a book for me.” Thereupon the “Old Master” came down from his oxcart, took out his pen and ink, and began to compose a book of two parts, discussing Tao [sic] and Te [sic]. Several hours later, Lao-tsu [sic] handed the finished text of slightly more than five thousand characters to the gatekeeper and then departed toward the West (Star 1).\r\n\r\nThe decay spoken of refers to the fall of the kingdom of Zhou (Chou), and Lao Tzu’s role as its archivist is significant. For centuries, Zhou seems to have been the spiritual center of the various Chinese states. Zhou was considered the last refuge of the cultural traditions of the people’s “founding fathers”. Though it was a small kingdom, its ruler was considered a royal “Son of Heaven” who received tribute from the surrounding larger states in the name of ritual and diplomacy. In Lao Tzu’s time the influence of Zhou was waning as larger states conquered and absorbed other kingdoms (Roberts 10-11). It seems that the book now known as <em>The Dao De Jing</em> may have been Lao Tzu’s (successful) attempt to preserve the wisdom he had acquired through his time in Zhou and his access to its archives.\r\n\r\nThis view had been challenged in the 1920’s and 1930’s by scholars who felt that the work’s characteristics were more in keeping with the “Warring States” period (403-222 B.C.) which followed the “Spring and Autumn” period (722-481 B.C.) in which Lao Tzu lived. Another scholar, D.C. Lau, determined that the work was a compilation that borrowed from earlier sources (Henricks 2). Recently discovered manuscripts may prove that all three of these stories have a measure of truth.\r\n\r\nIn 1973, two complete manuscripts of <em>The Dao De Jing </em>were found in the tomb of the son of an official that was sealed in 168 B.C. The manuscripts themselves date from 200 B.C. and include the complete modern text, however the De portion precedes the Dao portion and there are no chapter divisions and page numbers. The text was found among other important documents on topics such as politics and cosmology. This shows that by 200 B.C. the text was already complete and was revered enough to be included in the tomb of an important citizen.\r\n\r\nThen, in 1993, another manuscript was discovered in a tomb that had been sealed a full century earlier in 300 B.C. The tomb belonged to a royal tutor and <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was again found among other important documents, further illustrating the reverence that was already attached to it (Roberts 4-5)<em>.</em> This earlier text is known as <em>The Guodian Laozi</em> after the location where it was found, and has some interesting characteristics that invite speculation. The text is not complete, and includes only one of the many chapters that discusses the Dao in detail. Likewise, only one of the chapters that describe the “Way of Heaven” is included. These omitted chapters contain many anti-aristocracy sentiments, which is significant. Also, the feminine aspects that are portrayed in the full text are absent in <em>The Guodian Laozi.</em>\r\n\r\nSome have argued that this means that the text was not yet complete, which is a viable possibility. I would like to offer another theory. It is possible that redundant verses were omitted to expedite the instruction of a royal pupil who was undoubtedly studying other lengthy texts at the same time. The anti-aristocracy portions could have been omitted so as not to offend a wealthy patron. And, the more feminine verses could have been omitted so as not to undermine the masculinity of a future sovereign.\r\n\r\nThis angle shows that it is very possible that <em>The Guodian Laozi</em> could be a selection of key verses from an already completed volume. Taking into consideration that the manuscript had already been in use before the tomb was sealed and that it must have been copied from an older source, the text could have been completed as early as 350-400 B.C. Added to this is the fact that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> also would have needed to circulate for quite some time to become revered as a sacred text.\r\n\r\nReinforcing the early date theory are several ancient accounts of Lao Tzu, his preeminent wisdom, and his understanding of the Dao. The story of Lao Tzu’s life and works seems to have existed as a widely known and at times varied oral tradition. There was no controversy about the origins of <em>The Dao De Jing</em> until a certain historian sought to write Lao Tzu’s biography sometime after 255 B.C. and was unable to find a definitive source (Chen, 18).\r\n\r\nStill, there is evidence that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was modified numerous times for political reasons (Star, 5). Taken as a whole, the evidence seems to indicate that around 500 B.C. Lao Tzu drafted a wisdom text that probably drew from the archives of Zhou that later generations edited for their own purposes. All of this controversy and manipulation demonstrate that even in ancient times <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was a widely read and appreciated work that held a privileged position in Chinese culture.\r\n\r\nIn modern times, <em>The Dao De Jing</em> continues to be contemplated and admired. Jonathan Star considers <em>The Dao De Jing</em> to be a text that must be studied in depth if its true meaning is to be revealed, in order to transcend the view of only one translator. Once he felt that he had grasped its true meaning, he realized that “It was never meant to fully explain the mysteries of the universe, only to allude to them.” Star also says that he “…was moved by the power of its words and the mystical spirit it imparted” (2-3).\r\n\r\nMoss Roberts compares sections of <em>The Dao De Jing </em>to “…paintings of striking detail that compel the gaze but always remain partly out of focus.” He describes the broad range of topics that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> covers as beyond compare in western literature. He also believes that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> shares characteristics with the works of authors such as Lucretius, Gandhi, and even Thoreau (2).\r\n\r\nThe enigmatic style of <em>The Dao De Jing<strong> </strong></em>is one of its main innovations. The text leads the reader to discover their own inner perspective, much like a Rorschach test. It was also popularized during a time that was awash in philosophical treatises, known as the era of “100 Schools of Thought.” <em>The Dao De Jing’s</em> origins in the idealized ways of the waning kingdom of Zhou can be seen as both innovative and typical for its time. This is innovative in that most were turning away from these traditional ways in favor of newer and more aggressive ideologies. This can also be considered typical as the traditional ways espoused in <em>The Dao De Jing</em> formed the backdrop against which these new philosophies were compared.\r\n\r\nDaoism was one of the most prominent schools to emerge from the “100 Schools” period, the other was Confucianism. Confucianism originated with a sage named Confucius, whose thoughts and recommendations were recorded in a book known as <em>The Analects</em>. <em>The Analects of Confucius</em> and <em>The Dao De Jing </em>serve as “…philosophical counterpart[s]” and represent the opposite ends of China’s philosophical culture. While <em>The Dao De Jing </em>is more “reflective”, <em>The Analects</em> can be seen as promoting an “activist” stance (Roberts, 8).\r\n\r\n<em>The Analects </em>document Confucius’ efforts to build a name for himself as a wise teacher. His ultimate goal was to gain a position as an official in some local government so that he could use his position to spread his teachings throughout the land. This blatant ambition could not be further removed from <em>The Dao De Jing’s </em>doctrine of non-action.\r\n\r\nStill, throughout <em>The Analects</em> Confucius speaks of himself as one who pursues the Dao. In the second verse of book one he tries to tease out the specific actions that will make the way flourish, using the context of social roles (47). This demonstrates the real world focus of <em>The Analects</em> versus the spiritual translucence of <em>The Dao De Jing.</em> Later, in the tenth verse of the same book, Confucius is described as seeking information “…through gentleness, benevolence, respectfulness, frugality, and deference” (49).  The overall impression is that Confucius had become familiar with the Way and was attempting to put it into practical terms that could be easily taught and understood.\r\n\r\nEven though many verses of <em>The Analects</em> show a preoccupation with the Way, the two works disagree on many points. Learning and self development are repeatedly stressed as essential. Specific behaviors are also recommended for certain situations. Confucius himself also traveled extensively, rejecting the contented, stationary life recommended in <em>The Dao De Jing</em> (Confucius). <em>The Dao De Jing </em>offered a spiritual counterpoint to the achievement driven teachings of <em>The Analects.</em>\r\n\r\nMy personal reaction to <em>The Dao De Jing</em> is that it is a thought provoking and unique look at life. It was easy to see how in a world without aggressors or competition the concepts that are alluded to would lead to a happy population. The elusive yet descriptive language is truly the work of a master wordsmith and the figurative illustrations give insight even as they prompt the reader to consider their own inner perspective. It is clearly the product of a culture that places great value on spiritual well being.\r\n\r\nFuture generations should know that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was written to preserve the ways of an idealized era when people took a more peaceful approach to life. Its role as a tranquil refuge in an era of great upheaval should also be remembered, and the transcendent quality of the prose should be available to inspire those in need of respite themselves. <em>The Dao De Jing </em>is without compare, and should remain a part of humanity’s cultural legacy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWorks Cited:\r\n\r\nChen, Ellen M. \"The Tao Te Ching: An Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation With Commentary</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Paragon House, 1989. 3-48. Print.\r\n\r\nConfucius. <em>The Analects of Confucius: Lun Yu</em>. Trans. Chichung Huang. New York: Oxford UP, 1997. Print.\r\n\r\nHenricks, Robert G. \"Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>Lao Tzu\'s Tao Te Ching: A Translation of the  Startling New Documents Found at Guodian</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Columbia UP, 2000. 1-22. Print.\r\n\r\nRoberts, Moss. \"Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>Dao De Jing: The Book of the Way</em>. By Laozi. Berkeley [etc.: University of California, 2001. 1-23. Print.\r\n\r\nStar, Jonathan. Introduction. <em>Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Edition</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 2001. 1-11. Print.\r\n\r\nTzu, Lao. <em>The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation With Commentary</em>. Trans. Ellen M. Chen. New  York: Paragon House, 1989. Print.','Lao Tzu\'s Dao De Jing','','inherit','open','open','','1137-revision-2','','','2011-05-02 10:45:07','2011-05-02 16:45:07','',1137,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1139',0,'revision','',0),(1138,5,'2011-05-02 10:44:27','2011-05-02 16:44:27','<em>The Dao De Jing</em> is a wisdom text whose teachings form the basis of Daoism, a school of thought that is based on the principles of simplicity of life and non-striving. Daoism encourages its followers to live according to the Dao, or Way, which can be described as finding the path to fulfillment through the wise application of silence and non-action, allowing nature to take its course. The Dao De Jing emerged in China at approximately 500 B.C., a time when life was changing from pastoral seclusion to a more regimented society in the wake of newfound political and philosophical systems. The simplicity that Daoism encouraged was meant to help its followers balance the requirements of a new achievement driven society with the passive reflection that had been encouraged by earlier stages of Chinese culture.  Learning to take relief from a hectic world by tuning in to the rhythms of nature can be a very therapeutic way of reconnecting with our humanity and cultivating a peaceful society. Future generations should have the opportunity to reflect on this path to stillness, opened by <em>The Dao De Jing</em>.\n\n<em>The Dao De Jing</em> consists of two complementary halves, the 37 verse Dao portion and the 44 verse De portion that follows it. Translated literally, the title means “The Canonical Text (Jing) of The Way (Dao) and Virtue (De)” (Roberts 3). Prior to the ascension of Emperor Ching in 156 B.C. the book was simply called <em>The Lao Tzu, </em>after its author. The emperor was so impressed with the work that he elevated it to the status of a <em>Jing</em>, or sacred text (Chen 43).\n\nThe Dao part of the book describes an un-nameable, indescribable force from which all other things flow. The Dao simply creates and sets things into motion; it does not guide or expect any sort of tribute (Roberts 21).  The objects and forces that the Dao unleashes are known as the ten thousand things. The only influence that the Dao seems to exert is by imbuing each of the ten thousand things with a unique nature, through which they interact and find their proper purpose. The Dao is both remote and ever present; remote in its impartiality, and ever present as the source from which everything flows.\n\nOnce the Dao has been revealed, the book goes on to describe how the sage follows the Dao just as heaven and earth do; by striving not for themselves but by simply carrying out the role for which they were created. In not actively seeking their own gain they naturally find their proper place, in which they will thrive. It goes on to apply these principles to government, warning against the heavy hand that will make the people feel untrustworthy, and so behave in an untrustworthy way. If a leader takes a more natural approach the people will go about their business as a matter of course (Tzu 97).\n\nThe Daoist is also discouraged from being boastful, which is described as a “superfluous action[s]” (Tzu 115). War is also inconsistent with the Dao; even a successful military conquest is sure to sow the seeds of future difficulty (Tzu 128). In the wake of an all pervasive Dao, all of this striving and personal ambition is unnecessary: “Nothing under heaven can subjugate it. If kings and barons can abide by it, all creatures will arrive as guests to a banquet” (Tzu 133). One of the final verses of the Dao chapter gives what I feel is a great summation of the ways of the Dao:\n\n1.      The great Tao [sic] floods over, to the left, to the right\n\n2.      Ten thousand beings live by it, and it does not reject them. Work is accomplished, yet it has no name. It clothes and nourishes ten thousand beings, but does not lord over them.\n\n3.      Always without desire, it may be named the small; ten thousand beings return to it, yet is does not lord over them, it may be named the great.\n\n4.      Because it never considers itself great, therefore it can accomplish its greatness (Tzu 137-138).\n\nNow that the Dao has been properly introduced, the book shifts its focus to the De, or virtue, that may be gained through following the Dao.  The virtuous sage is described as having “...no set mind, he takes the mind of the people as his mind.” This is how the Sage selflessly arrives at the best point of view from which to guide the people according to the De of the Dao. Like the impartial Dao, he is accepting of the good and the evil alike, treating “...them all like children.” This causes the people to “...lift up their eyes and ears...” The good remain so because they have not been interfered with, and the evil become good because they have been accepted and not accused. This is how the Dao cultivates virtue.\n\nOnce society is operating in tune with the impartial Dao, the principles of non-striving and simplicity again enter the picture. In a virtuous society, education is to be shunned because it makes the people difficult to rule (Tzu 204). Government, too, is meant to be kept “dull” in order to make the people “wholesome” (Tzu 191). The ideally virtuous society is described in the next to last verse of the Dao De Jing:\n\nLet them enjoy their food, consider their clothing beautiful, be contented with their dwellings, and happy with their customs. The neighbouring [sic] states overlooking one another, the dogs’ barking and the cocks’ crowings [sic] are heard from other states, yet till they are old and dying the people do not visit one another (Tzu 228).\n\nThis simple but contented lifestyle is to be cultivated by the sage, who again spreads his virtuous ways by simply setting a good example:\n\nTherefore the sage says: I do not act, hence the people transform themselves; I love tranquility, hence the people are normal by themselves; I have no business, hence the people grow rich by themselves; I have no desire, hence the people are like the uncarved [sic] wood by themselves (Tzu, 190).\n\nPreserving this simple, virtuous lifestyle was the main reason that the Dao De Jing was written. The book was originally said to be the work of a wise man known as Lao Tzu, who recorded his thoughts circa 500 B.C. In the introduction to his translation of the work, Jonathan Star gives an engaging account of the Dao De Jing’s creation myth:\n\n…during the time of Confucius (around 500 B.C.) Lao-tsu [sic] practiced <em>Tao</em> [sic] and <em>Te</em> [sic] (The Supreme way and its Expression) and focused his teachings on humility and being nameless. He was the keeper of the royal archives in the state of Chou. After he foresaw that the state would fall into decay, he packed his belongings and decided to leave through the Western gateway. The gatekeeper, Yin-his, seeing that this great sage was about to leave the world said, “Master, you are about to renounce this world, please compose a book for me.” Thereupon the “Old Master” came down from his oxcart, took out his pen and ink, and began to compose a book of two parts, discussing Tao [sic] and Te [sic]. Several hours later, Lao-tsu [sic] handed the finished text of slightly more than five thousand characters to the gatekeeper and then departed toward the West (Star 1).\n\nThe decay spoken of refers to the fall of the kingdom of Zhou (Chou), and Lao Tzu’s role as its archivist is significant. For centuries, Zhou seems to have been the spiritual center of the various Chinese states. Zhou was considered the last refuge of the cultural traditions of the people’s “founding fathers”. Though it was a small kingdom, its ruler was considered a royal “Son of Heaven” who received tribute from the surrounding larger states in the name of ritual and diplomacy. In Lao Tzu’s time the influence of Zhou was waning as larger states conquered and absorbed other kingdoms (Roberts 10-11). It seems that the book now known as <em>The Dao De Jing</em> may have been Lao Tzu’s (successful) attempt to preserve the wisdom he had acquired through his time in Zhou and his access to its archives.\n\nThis view had been challenged in the 1920’s and 1930’s by scholars who felt that the work’s characteristics were more in keeping with the “Warring States” period (403-222 B.C.) which followed the “Spring and Autumn” period (722-481 B.C.) in which Lao Tzu lived. Another scholar, D.C. Lau, determined that the work was a compilation that borrowed from earlier sources (Henricks 2). Recently discovered manuscripts may prove that all three of these stories have a measure of truth.\n\nIn 1973, two complete manuscripts of <em>The Dao De Jing </em>were found in the tomb of the son of an official that was sealed in 168 B.C. The manuscripts themselves date from 200 B.C. and include the complete modern text, however the De portion precedes the Dao portion and there are no chapter divisions and page numbers. The text was found among other important documents on topics such as politics and cosmology. This shows that by 200 B.C. the text was already complete and was revered enough to be included in the tomb of an important citizen.\n\nThen, in 1993, another manuscript was discovered in a tomb that had been sealed a full century earlier in 300 B.C. The tomb belonged to a royal tutor and <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was again found among other important documents, further illustrating the reverence that was already attached to it (Roberts 4-5)<em>.</em> This earlier text is known as <em>The Guodian Laozi</em> after the location where it was found, and has some interesting characteristics that invite speculation. The text is not complete, and includes only one of the many chapters that discusses the Dao in detail. Likewise, only one of the chapters that describe the “Way of Heaven” is included. These omitted chapters contain many anti-aristocracy sentiments, which is significant. Also, the feminine aspects that are portrayed in the full text are absent in <em>The Guodian Laozi.</em>\n\nSome have argued that this means that the text was not yet complete, which is a viable possibility. I would like to offer another theory. It is possible that redundant verses were omitted to expedite the instruction of a royal pupil who was undoubtedly studying other lengthy texts at the same time. The anti-aristocracy portions could have been omitted so as not to offend a wealthy patron. And, the more feminine verses could have been omitted so as not to undermine the masculinity of a future sovereign.\n\nThis angle shows that it is very possible that <em>The Guodian Laozi</em> could be a selection of key verses from an already completed volume. Taking into consideration that the manuscript had already been in use before the tomb was sealed and that it must have been copied from an older source, the text could have been completed as early as 350-400 B.C. Added to this is the fact that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> also would have needed to circulate for quite some time to become revered as a sacred text.\n\nReinforcing the early date theory are several ancient accounts of Lao Tzu, his preeminent wisdom, and his understanding of the Dao. The story of Lao Tzu’s life and works seems to have existed as a widely known and at times varied oral tradition. There was no controversy about the origins of <em>The Dao De Jing</em> until a certain historian sought to write Lao Tzu’s biography sometime after 255 B.C. and was unable to find a definitive source (Chen, 18).\n\nStill, there is evidence that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was modified numerous times for political reasons (Star, 5). Taken as a whole, the evidence seems to indicate that around 500 B.C. Lao Tzu drafted a wisdom text that probably drew from the archives of Zhou that later generations edited for their own purposes. All of this controversy and manipulation demonstrate that even in ancient times <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was a widely read and appreciated work that held a privileged position in Chinese culture.\n\nIn modern times, <em>The Dao De Jing</em> continues to be contemplated and admired. Jonathan Star considers <em>The Dao De Jing</em> to be a text that must be studied in depth if its true meaning is to be revealed, in order to transcend the view of only one translator. Once he felt that he had grasped its true meaning, he realized that “It was never meant to fully explain the mysteries of the universe, only to allude to them.” Star also says that he “…was moved by the power of its words and the mystical spirit it imparted” (2-3).\n\nMoss Roberts compares sections of <em>The Dao De Jing </em>to “…paintings of striking detail that compel the gaze but always remain partly out of focus.” He describes the broad range of topics that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> covers as beyond compare in western literature. He also believes that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> shares characteristics with the works of authors such as Lucretius, Gandhi, and even Thoreau (2).\n\nThe enigmatic style of <em>The Dao De Jing<strong> </strong></em>is one of its main innovations. The text leads the reader to discover their own inner perspective, much like a Rorschach test. It was also popularized during a time that was awash in philosophical treatises, known as the era of “100 Schools of Thought.” <em>The Dao De Jing’s</em> origins in the idealized ways of the waning kingdom of Zhou can be seen as both innovative and typical for its time. This is innovative in that most were turning away from these traditional ways in favor of newer and more aggressive ideologies. This can also be considered typical as the traditional ways espoused in <em>The Dao De Jing</em> formed the backdrop against which these new philosophies were compared.\n\nDaoism was one of the most prominent schools to emerge from the “100 Schools” period, the other was Confucianism. Confucianism originated with a sage named Confucius, whose thoughts and recommendations were recorded in a book known as <em>The Analects</em>. <em>The Analects of Confucius</em> and <em>The Dao De Jing </em>serve as “…philosophical counterpart[s]” and represent the opposite ends of China’s philosophical culture. While <em>The Dao De Jing </em>is more “reflective”, <em>The Analects</em> can be seen as promoting an “activist” stance (Roberts, 8).\n\n<em>The Analects </em>document Confucius’ efforts to build a name for himself as a wise teacher. His ultimate goal was to gain a position as an official in some local government so that he could use his position to spread his teachings throughout the land. This blatant ambition could not be further removed from <em>The Dao De Jing’s </em>doctrine of non-action.\n\nStill, throughout <em>The Analects</em> Confucius speaks of himself as one who pursues the Dao. In the second verse of book one he tries to tease out the specific actions that will make the way flourish, using the context of social roles (47). This demonstrates the real world focus of <em>The Analects</em> versus the spiritual translucence of <em>The Dao De Jing.</em> Later, in the tenth verse of the same book, Confucius is described as seeking information “…through gentleness, benevolence, respectfulness, frugality, and deference” (49).  The overall impression is that Confucius had become familiar with the Way and was attempting to put it into practical terms that could be easily taught and understood.\n\nEven though many verses of <em>The Analects</em> show a preoccupation with the Way, the two works disagree on many points. Learning and self development are repeatedly stressed as essential. Specific behaviors are also recommended for certain situations. Confucius himself also traveled extensively, rejecting the contented, stationary life recommended in <em>The Dao De Jing</em> (Confucius). <em>The Dao De Jing </em>offered a spiritual counterpoint to the achievement driven teachings of <em>The Analects.</em>\n\nMy personal reaction to <em>The Dao De Jing</em> is that it is a thought provoking and unique look at life. It was easy to see how in a world without aggressors or competition the concepts that are alluded to would lead to a happy population. The elusive yet descriptive language is truly the work of a master wordsmith and the figurative illustrations give insight even as they prompt the reader to consider their own inner perspective. It is clearly the product of a culture that places great value on spiritual well being.\n\nFuture generations should know that <em>The Dao De Jing</em> was written to preserve the ways of an idealized era when people took a more peaceful approach to life. Its role as a tranquil refuge in an era of great upheaval should also be remembered, and the transcendent quality of the prose should be available to inspire those in need of respite themselves. <em>The Dao De Jing </em>is without compare, and should remain a part of humanity’s cultural legacy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWorks Cited:\n\nChen, Ellen M. \"The Tao Te Ching: An Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation With Commentary</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Paragon House, 1989. 3-48. Print.\n\nConfucius. <em>The Analects of Confucius: Lun Yu</em>. Trans. Chichung Huang. New York: Oxford UP, 1997. Print.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHenricks, Robert G. \"Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>Lao Tzu\'s Tao Te Ching: A Translation of the                   Startling New Documents Found at Guodian</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Columbia UP, 2000.                  1-22. Print.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRoberts, Moss. \"Introduction.\" Introduction. <em>Dao De Jing: The Book of the Way</em>. By Laozi.             Berkeley [etc.: University of California, 2001. 1-23. Print.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nStar, Jonathan. Introduction. <em>Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Edition</em>. By Lao Tzu. New York: Jeremy              P. Tarcher/Putnam, 2001. 1-11. Print.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTzu, Lao. <em>The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation With Commentary</em>. Trans. Ellen M. Chen. New                  York: Paragon House, 1989. Print.','Lao Tzu\'s Dao De Jing','','inherit','open','open','','1137-revision','','','2011-05-02 10:44:27','2011-05-02 16:44:27','',1137,'http://jeanatacc.com/2011/?p=1138',0,'revision','',0);
