Number 10

Yes i have learned a lot this semester. We went over a lot of different concepts and looked into many different eras and places. I did not like doing dailys though because it took up a lot of time. I found it kind of hard to keep up sometimes because i do so much outside of school. Over all, I'm leaving this class with a lot of knowledge that i didn't have prior to this class.

Number 9

Leonardo da Vinci was in my opinion, is considered the "Renaissance  Man." He always had access to scholarly texts and even as an apprentice, Leonardo demonstrated his colossal talent. For example, one of Leonardo's first big breaks was to paint an angel in Verrochio's "Baptism of Christ," and Leonardo was so much better than his master's that Verrochio allegedly resolved never to paint again. Leonardo stayed in the Verrocchio workshop until 1477 when he set up a shingle for himself.


Leonardo also entered the service of the Duke of Milan in 1482. It was during these years that Leonardo hit his stride, reaching new heights of scientific and artistic achievement. The Duke kept him busy painting and sculpting and designing elaborate court festivals, but he also put Leonardo to work designing weapons, buildings and machinery. Leonardo's interests were so broad, and he was so often compelled by new subjects, that he usually failed to finish what he started.


Lastly, he developed his habit of recording his studies in meticulously illustrated notebooks. His work covered four main themes: painting, architecture, the elements of mechanics, and human anatomy. But the best ting that he did was build the Mona Lisa. It is a great piece of artwork that is still greatly remembered today. This is why Leonardo da Vinci should be considered the Renaissance Man. 

Number 8

Architecture has always been a major form of art. The Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals took place from roughly the ninth to fourteenth centuries. They played a big role in the different European civilizations. These cathedrals expressed different understanding about religious theology. They also represented how the different buildings affected the worship of Christians. Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals both express different understandings about religious theology, and led the way for the changes and differences in Christianity. 


Romanesque architecture came first, featuring rounded lower domes, columns for main supports, and symmetry. But another big difference between the two types of cathedrals was the size of the windows. Romanesque windows were small, if the Cathedral even included them. It was too much of a threat to the Romans to have big windows because it was an easy-access for enemies. They also did not have windows on the first floor because there was a risk of people invading and the people who prayed were looking for confinement.  The Gothic cathedrals, however, had special stain glass window designs and the walls were thinner in order to install them. One of the main focuses for the Gothic Cathedrals was the amount of light that entered. They had big windows, providing much sunlight to pass through into the church. This difference shows the different concepts each type of cathedral was built around.


In a Romanesque Cathedral, the columns were massive compared to those in the Gothic Cathedrals. This was because of the different styles used. It also shows that protection was extremely important during the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries and that people needed a place for safety. Romanesque columns and walls were much larger and thicker in size, almost looking like castles in the medieval times. Gothic columns were designed thinner for a more elegant look. This shows that Gothic Cathedrals dealt more with design and structure rather than security and support like in Romanesque Cathedrals.


the art of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals differed on the inside of these two types of cathedrals. The Romanesque cathedral is dark and has a very low ceiling. There were also big murals about Judgment Day with a huge painting of Christ on a throne ready to judge on one of the walls. Romanesque cathedrals also contained beautiful paintings of religious scenes and many columns and domes were lined with religious sculpture figures. The Gothic cathedral, on the other hand, is wide open and bright.  The ceiling is high, and the stained glass windows really let the light in.  The largest window of the Gothic cathedral is known as the rose window. Many religious images would be stained on to these glass windows, providing a great dimension of light and color in to the cathedral. The interior of these cathedrals were often spaced allowing the light of God to shine through.

Number 7b

Hello, my name is Kristen Kohles and I'm a Medieval physician. I have never seen anything so bad as the Black Death. It is absolutely horrible! i find out that someone is infected and within a few days, before i can really do anything to help, they have already died. Out of the three types of the plague, the most common is the bubonic. The symptoms were enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes (around arm pits, neck and groin). Victims were subject to headaches, nausea, aching joints, fever of 101-105 degrees,vomiting, and a general feeling of illness. The Pneumonic plague affected the lungs. Symptoms included slimy sputum tinted with blood. Sputum is saliva mixed with mucus exerted from the respiratory system. As the disease progressed, the sputum became free flowing and bright red. The last kind was the septicemic plague, symptoms were a high fever and skin turning deep shades of purple. In its most deadly form DIC can cause a victims skin to turn dark purple.The black death got its name from the deep purple, almost black discoloration. All i can do is to make them lay by a fire on their sides, use leaches to suck out the infected blood, and make them eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. I pray every day and night for my patients because this is so terrible. Most people don't live but I do all i can.

Number 7

The Black Death was a very deadly disease and came in three different forms. These forms are the bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plagues. It traveled very fast and could wipe out a huge population of people in no time. In the end, it killed about one-third of Europe's population. The plague moved along the caravan routes toward the West. By 1345 the plague was on the lower Volga River. By 1346 it was in the Caucasus and the Crimea. By 1347 it was in Constantinople. It began in a flea, which then got onto rats, which spread everywhere die to trade and shipping. The symptoms were very serious so if someone was infected, it meant that they were most likely going to die. 

Number 6b

These crusades are crazy!! Jerusalem is mine! Richard needs to stop trying to take it from me. I'm way more powerful and it would be more safe under my control. Me and my people need to defend Jerusalem because it's my city and i deserve it.

Richard needs to stop because this is getting out of control. His people should stop attacking because I already know I'm going to win! Jerusalem is all mine and i will do whatever it takes to keep it from him. I'm the better leader and will not let him get more power than me. I do and will continue to have control of Jerusalem, my city.

Number 6a

http://richardsaladin123.wikispaces.com/

Final Exam Essay

It is not fair to say the United States is the modern day equivalent of the Roman Empire. This is because the United States is a much stronger, capable, and organized society. These differences are seen in the quality of the leaders, the organization of the government, and how well the leader can conduct his armies into war.


The Roman Empire fell in A.D 476. This was caused from many tings but one major factor were the bad leaders. Rome went through a period of terrible, selfish leaders who didn't care about their people at all. The Emperors only cared about giving themselves more power and respect. Sure the United States has had their share of bad leaders but nothing nearly as bad as some that tried to lead Rome through their toughest times. Today, some people like Obama, and some people don't. It's all an opinion and what you believe in but it's safe to say that Obama has had some experience and knows what he is doing. He has good control over his people and doesn't want them to 'panic.' In a recent article Obama says that he has noticed the sudden slow down in job growth but he isn't worried about a second recession. He states, "I am concerned about the fact that the recovery we're on isn't producing jobs as quickly as I would like it to happen." He expresses his knowledge of what is going on but wants what is best for his country and will do anything he can to help fix this issue without making them 'panic.'


Sources:


Newseum | Today's Front Pages | Opelika-Auburn News. (n.d.). Newseum | Newseum Home. Retrieved June 8, 2011, from http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/hr.asp?fpVname=AL_OAN&ref_pge=tpt

Number 4

Thucydides spent a lot of time gathering information and analyzing it. He made sure his work was really good. He didn't have a lot of information  but it was all very accurate and had information to back it up.

Herodotus on the other hand, had a lot of information but it wasn't accurate or true. He basically wrote down everything he was told or heard.

An article that shows Thucydides type of writing is http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/s/sept_11_2001/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=September%2011&st=cse . This shows his writing because its shorter but has a ton of a good information. It's not all his opinion and what other people have told him. Its mostly made up of all true facts that can be proven. he wanted to make sure all of his information was completely accurate before he let anyone else know or read about it.

This one, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/opinion/08bryce.html?_r=1&ref=opinion shows Herodotus type of writing because it's an opinion and it's not all proven facts. It could all be wrong but he just goes off of what other people say and what he hears. It's not all completely accurate but it's what he thinks. Herodotus would write a lot but would get a lot of criticism from people for not having accurate information. 

Number 3

Egypt and Greece had very different views on afterlife. The Egyptians believed in Ka, which was their soul. It was portrayed on the walls of tombs as a human-headed bird leaving the body at death. As long as people kept control of their ka, they lived. But as soon as they died, it began a separate existence.It resembled the body that it formerly occupied, and still requiring food for sustenance. After an Egyptian died, no longer capable of motion, the body did not decay. The greatest care was taken to preserve it as a center of individual spirit manifestation.


The Greeks believed that at the moment of death the psyche, or spirit of the dead, left the body as a little breath or puff of wind. The deceased was then readied for interment conforming to the time honoured practices.They emphasized on the necessity of a proper burial and refer to the omission of burial rites as an insult to human dignity. 

Source:Death, Burial, and the Afterlife in Ancient Greece | Thematic Essay | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Number 2b

This land has a lot of water surrounding it so it was good for trade. Trading became more advanced because farmers found out new methods of farming so more food was produced. With more food came a bigger population, so more people to feed but also more people to work and to run the cities efficiently.




<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&amp;hl=en&amp;msa=0&amp;msid=216807477866933440783.0004a53498c17dde1ca21&amp;ll=54.525961,15.255119&amp;spn=39.780156,79.013672&amp;t=h&amp;output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&amp;hl=en&amp;msa=0&amp;msid=216807477866933440783.0004a53498c17dde1ca21&amp;ll=54.525961,15.255119&amp;spn=39.780156,79.013672&amp;t=h&amp;source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Agricultural Revolution </a> in a larger map</small>

Number 2a

The Agricultural Revolution was important to the development of cities because it created housing, started farming, and created many jobs. It was also called the Neolithic Revolution. It was basically the transition from hunting and gathering into more organized methods and settlement.  With this, the population had grown and more people had moved to the towns, so ways of increasing the food supply had to be found.

Final Exam Number 1

http://todaysmeet.com/sarahpatt

Kristen's Freshman Adventure

Kristen Kohles had a very exciting, fun, yet drama-filled first year of high-school. She worked hard for her grades so managed to get either 1st or 2nd honors each quarter. After soccer season ended, she went out for the school's indoor track team. This was mainly to get in shape for lacrosse, her favorite sport. But she ended up having a great time and meet a lot of new friends running track. Other than sports, she had a fun social year as well. Her friend group changed a lot and she saw the true sides of some people. This was okay because she discovered who her real friends are. Kristen's birthday is in three days and she hopes to have a big party. She is excited for this and can't wait to spend more time with her good friends. On the weekends, she tries not to be home until Sunday, which is her day to do schoolwork. She always has to be somewhere or have plans. Kristen just hates being bored. Some parts of the year were really tough and she let rumors and drama get to her. But other days were great and Kristen made memories about the times, and with the people, she will never forget.

Black Plague Essay

Why is it so important to understand The Black Plague if one is to really understand the culture of the Middle Ages?

The Black Death was a serious disease that spread around very quickly. It came in three forms, the bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic plagues.  It’s important to know about it so you understand all the causes and the effects it had on the Middle Ages. It killed many people and had a lasting effect on things such as the church, music and art, the economy, and European Civilization. One should be aware with this disease because it’s important in the culture and sculpting of the Middle Ages.

Well before the plague struck Europe, the role of the Catholic Church in Western Europe had been changing. But it was one of the groups that suffered the most from the Black Death. It lost prestige, spiritual authority, and leadership over the people. The church was changed drastically as many people began to lose faith and believed that the plague was sent by God, and people began to question the religion. But also the church became even richer as believers brought potions that were supposed to cure this horrible disease. But the church promised cures, treatment, and an explanation for the plague. Unfortunately, the priests and bishops didn’t have any answers. The clergy abandoned their Christian duties and fled. "It was dark before I could get home, and so land at Churchyard stairs, where to my great trouble I met a dead corps of the plague in the narrow ally just bringing down a little pair of stairs (S. Pepys)." Then, the Black Death gave the church an additional blow. Along with renewed fear and the need for new religious zeal, was the opposite feeling that the church itself had failed. After the plague, ended angry and frustrated villagers started to revolt against the church. The survivors were also enraged at doctors, who disappointed their patients with their inability to cure them.

            Before the Black Death, music was cheerful in the Middle Ages. But people's attitudes towards music and art changed as they began to see the depression surrounding them. The Black Death transformed the up-beat music into very grim and rarely played. The horrors of the Black Death affected all aspects of medieval culture and especially art. The horrific nature of the Black Death was shown in the paintings of human suffering and carnage as well as a frequent use of the skeleton. The effects were lasting, bringing a somber darkness to visual art, literature, and music. “Realizing what a deadly disaster had come to them the people quickly drove the Italians from their city… Fathers abandoned their sick sons.  Lawyers refused to come and make out wills for the dying.  Friars and nuns were left to care for the sick…Bodies were left in empty houses, and there was no one to give them a Christian burial (S. Pepys).” The uncertainty of daily survival created a dark and gloomy mood. This caused artists to distance from positive themes and turn to images of Hell, Satan, and the Grim Reaper. They showed their fear and obsession of death in their art.

Last, The Black Death affected Europe's population and also its economy it a major way. The governments of Europe had no apparent response to the crisis because no one knew its cause or how it spread. No one could figure out how to stop it before it got out of control, resulting in the disease killing a massive portion of Europe's population. When government authorities were concerned, most monarchs established actions that banned exports of foodstuffs, condemned black market speculators, set price controls on grain, and outlawed large-scale fishing. Lack of peasants and laborers sent wages soaring, and the value of land plummeted. Because of the mortality, there was an oversupply of goods, and so prices also dropped. The plague was most effective attacking the weakened people and Europe at the time was already weakened by the bad condition of the soil due to poor farming, the introduction of more sheep which reduced the land available for corn, and stubborn Scottish invasions. “The victims ate lunch with their friend and dinner with their ancestors in paradise (Boccacio).” Without architects, masons and artisans, great cathedrals and castles remained unfinished for hundreds of years. Guilds also lost their craftsmen and could not replace them. If mills or other special machinery might break, the one man in town who had the skill to repair it could’ve died in the plague. The Black Death turned Europe into a chaotic, disastrous place to live.

The Black Death had more than just an effect on the lives of the people. It had lasting impressions on things such as the church, the economy, music, art, and European civilization in general. Changes in the size of civilization led to changes in trade and many other things. It is important for people to understand all the effects of the Black Death and to be familiar with the causes of and facts about this disease. If one truly knows a good amount of information regarding this topic, it would be easier to see how the Middle Ages became what they were and how something like the Black Death can majorly influence a whole society. 

Black Plague Rough Draft

Why is it so important to understand The Black Plague if one is to really understand the culture of the Middle Ages?

The Black Death was a serious disease that spread around very quickly. It came in three forms, the bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic plagues.  It’s important to know about it so you understand all the causes and the effects it had on the Middle Ages. It killed many people and had a lasting effect on things such as the church, music and art, the economy, and European Civilization. One should be aware with this disease because it’s important in the culture and sculpting of the Middle Ages. It is not important to know about the Black Plague because it has nothing to do with The Middle Ages and didn’t have any effect on it.

Well before the plague struck Europe, the role of the Catholic Church in Western Europe had been changing. But it was one of the groups that suffered the most from the Black Death. It lost prestige, spiritual authority, and leadership over the people. The church was changed drastically as many people began to lose faith and believed that the plague was sent by God, and people began to question the religion. But also the church became even richer as believers brought potions that were supposed to cure this horrible disease. But the church promised cures, treatment, and an explanation for the plague. Unfortunately, the priests and bishops didn’t have any answers. The clergy abandoned their Christian duties and fled. Then, the Black Death gave the church an additional blow. Along with renewed fear and the need for new religious zeal, was the opposite feeling that the church itself had failed. After the plague, ended angry and frustrated villagers started to revolt against the church. The survivors were also enraged at doctors, who disappointed their patients with their inability to cure them.

          Before the Black Death, music was cheerful in the Middle Ages. But people's attitudes towards music and art changed as they began to see the depression surrounding them. The Black Death transformed the up-beat music into very grim and rarely played. The horrors of the Black Death affected all aspects of medieval culture and especially art. The horrific nature of the Black Death was shown in the paintings of human suffering and carnage as well as a frequent use of the skeleton. The effects were lasting, bringing a somber darkness to visual art, literature, and music.  The uncertainty of daily survival created a dark and gloomy mood. This caused artists to distance from positive themes and turn to images of Hell, Satan, and the Grim Reaper. They showed their fear and obsession of death in their art.

Last, The Black Death affected Europe's population and also its economy it a major way. The governments of Europe had no apparent response to the crisis because no one knew its cause or how it spread. No one could figure out how to stop it before it got out of control, resulting in the disease killing a massive portion of Europe's population. When government authorities were concerned, most monarchs established actions that banned exports of foodstuffs, condemned black market speculators, set price controls on grain, and outlawed large-scale fishing. Lack of peasants and laborers sent wages soaring, and the value of land plummeted. Because of the mortality, there was an oversupply of goods, and so prices also dropped. The plague was most effective attacking the weakened people and Europe at the time was already weakened by the bad condition of the soil due to poor farming, the introduction of more sheep which reduced the land available for corn, and stubborn Scottish invasions. Without architects, masons and artisans, great cathedrals and castles remained unfinished for hundreds of years. Guilds also lost their craftsmen and could not replace them. If mills or other special machinery might break, the one man in town who had the skill to repair it could’ve died in the plague. The Black Death turned Europe into a chaotic, disastrous place to live.

The Black Death had more than just an effect on the lives of the people. It had lasting impressions on things such as the church, the economy, music, art, and European civilization in general. Changes in the size of civilization led to changes in trade and many other things. It is important for people to understand all the effects of the Black Death and to be familiar with the causes of and facts about this disease. If one truly knows a good amount of information regarding this topic, it would be easier to see how the Middle Ages became what they were and how something like the Black Death can majorly influence a whole society.

Weekly #8 Essay

Kristen Kohles

Architecture has always been a major form of art. The Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals took place from roughly the ninth to fourteenth centuries. They played a big role in the different European civilizations. These cathedrals expressed different understanding about religious theology. They also represented how the different buildings affected the worship of Christians. Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals both express different understandings about religious theology, and led the way for the changes and differences in Christianity. 

The construction of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals were very different in comparison. Romanesque Cathedrals expressed the fortitude of the Christian Religion. In a Romanesque Cathedral, the columns were massive compared to those in the Gothic Cathedrals. This was because of the different styles used. It also shows that protection was extremely important during the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries and that people needed a place for safety (Image 4). Romanesque columns and walls were much larger and thicker in size, almost looking like castles in the medieval times (Image 5). Gothic columns were designed thinner for a more elegant look (Image 3). This shows that Gothic Cathedrals dealt more with design and structure rather than security and support like in Romanesque Cathedrals.

Romanesque architecture came first, featuring rounded lower domes, columns for main supports, and symmetry. But another big difference between the two types of cathedrals was the size of the windows. Romanesque windows were small, if the Cathedral even included them. It was too much of a threat to the Romans to have big windows because it was an easy-access for enemies. They also did not have windows on the first floor because there was a risk of people invading and the people who prayed were looking for confinement.  The Gothic cathedrals, however, had special stain glass window designs and the walls were thinner in order to install them (Image 2). One of the main focuses for the Gothic Cathedrals was the amount of light that entered. They had big windows, providing much sunlight to pass through into the church (Image 1). This difference shows the different concepts each type of cathedral was built around.

Also, the art of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals differed on the inside of these two types of cathedrals. The Romanesque cathedral is dark and has a very low ceiling (Image 6). There were also big murals about Judgment Day with a huge painting of Christ on a throne ready to judge on one of the walls. Romanesque cathedrals also contained beautiful paintings of religious scenes and many columns and domes were lined with religious sculpture figures. The Gothic cathedral, on the other hand, is wide open and bright.  The ceiling is high, and the stained glass windows really let the light in (Image 2).  The largest window of the Gothic cathedral is known as the rose window. Many religious images would be stained on to these glass windows, providing a great dimension of light and color in to the cathedral (Image 2). The interior of these cathedrals were often spaced allowing the light of God to shine through. 

With the differences in architecture through various cultures and time periods, many ideas of religious theology can be discovered. Romanesque and Gothic churches both have their own ways of expressing religious. Romanesque cathedrals were all about protection and the Judgment Day. Gothic Cathedrals have the common characteristic of stain glass windows, whereas Romanesque Cathedrals had often been built to also act as fortress with thick walls, strong columns, and small and few windows. Gothic cathedrals believed in letting the light of God shine through the interior from large, colorful stained-glass windows. These stained-glass windows allowed for the presence of God to be felt. These magnificent cathedrals can represent many other different concepts and ideas in the society of the people living there, but most importantly religious theology. 

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Image 4

Image 5

Image 6

Appendix

Reims Cathedral, façade, 11^th Century, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Reims_Kathedrale.jpg/450px-Reims_Kathedrale.jpg , Photograph taken July 2006. (Image 1)

Reims Cathedral, interior, 11^th Century, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/Cath%C3%A9drale_de_Reims_int%C3%A9rieur.jpg , Photograph taken March 18, 2007. (Image 2)

Batalha Monastery, façade, 14^th Century, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/BatalhaFacade1.jpg/800px-BatalhaFacade1.jpg , Photograph taken in 27 August 2006. (Image 3)

Lisbon Cathedral, façade, 12^th Century, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Se_de_Lisboa_Frente.JPG , Photograph taken May 22, 2005. (Image 4)

Abazia di San Vittore Cathedral, façade,10^th Century,  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Abaziasanvittorefrasassi.jpg, Photograph taken 25 July 2006. (Image 5)

 Hildesheim, Cathedral St. Mary, Interior, 11th Century,  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hildesheim-Dom-Interior_01.JPG , Photograph taken August 2, 2005.  (Image 6)

2nd Essay Rough Draft

Kristen Kohles

The Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals took place from roughly the ninth to fourteenth centuries. They played a big role in the different European civilizations. These cathedrals expressed different understanding about religious theology. They also represented how the different buildings affected the worship of Christians. Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals both express different understandings about religious theology, and led the way for the changes and differences in Christianity.  Theses cathedrals did not express anything concerning religious theology.

The construction of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals were very different in comparison. Romanesque Cathedrals expressed the fortitude of the Christian Religion. In a Romanesque Cathedral, the columns were massive compared to those in the Gothic Cathedrals. This was because of the different styles used. Romanesque columns were much larger and thicker in size, while Gothic columns were designed thinner for a more elegant look. This shows that Gothic Cathedrals dealt more with design and structure rather than security and support like in Romanesque Cathedrals.

Romanesque architecture came first, featuring rounded lower domes, columns for main supports, and symmetry. But another big difference between the two types of cathedrals was the size of the windows. Romanesque windows were small, if the Cathedral even included them. It was too much of a threat to the Romans to have big windows because it was an easy-access for enemies. One of the main focuses for the Gothic Cathedrals was the amount of light that entered. They had big windows, providing much sunlight to pass through into the church. This difference shows the different concepts each type of cathedral was built around. 

Also, the art of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals differed on the inside of these two types of cathedrals. The Romanesque cathedral is dark and has a very low ceiling. There were also big murals about Judgment Day with a huge painting of Christ on a throne ready to judge on one of the walls. Romanesque cathedrals also contained beautiful paintings of religious scenes and many columns and domes were lined with religious sculpture figures. The Gothic cathedral, on the other hand, is wide open and bright.  The ceiling is high, and the stained glass windows really let the light in.  The largest window of the Gothic cathedral is known as the rose window. Many religious images would be stained on to these glass windows, providing a great dimension of light and color in to the cathedral. The interior of these cathedrals were often spaced allowing the light of God to shine through.  

With the differences in architecture through various cultures and time periods, many ideas of religious theology can be discovered. Romanesque and Gothic churches both have their own ways of expressing religious. Romanesque cathedrals were all about protection and the Judgment Day. Gothic Cathedrals have the common characteristic of stain glass windows, whereas Romanesque Cathedrals had often been built to also act as fortress with thick walls, strong columns, and small and few windows. Gothic cathedrals believed in letting the light of God shine through the interior from large, colorful stained-glass windows. These stained-glass windows allowed for the presence of God to be felt. These magnificent cathedrals can represent many other different concepts and ideas in the society of the people living there, but most importantly religious theology. 

Roman Empire Essay

The Roman Empire is not seen as evolving into something new. The Roman Empire fell because of the issues within its empire. Through many years, the empire suffered from bad Emperors and other issues. It was considered one of the best Empires in history but it did have its problems here and there, which lead to a declination. Things like the emperors, religion, and decisions about war brought the empire to a collapse (Internet Ancient History Sourcebook). Even though some philosophers, writers, and other people believe the Roman Empire evolved into something new, perhaps, better, it is many problems resulted in the whole Empire “falling.” 

History shows that the Roman Empire was led by many different emperors throughout the years. The head figure of the empire was constantly changing. Or they would just end up being assonated for doing something that made a lot of the Romans mad. Throughout the 5th century, Western emperors were usually figureheads, while the Eastern emperors maintained more independence (Internet Ancient History Sourcebook). "Under a democratical government the citizens exercise the powers of sovereignty; and those powers will be first abused, and afterwards lost, if they are committed to an unwieldy multitude. (Gibbon Chapter 2)" This quote shows the how the government in Rome was very disorganized. It was always being altered and changing. The Romans were always debating issues and never had a good method to getting to an outcome (BBC - History ). Ruler after ruler took over the title as Emperor, but only a few actually succeeded at the job.

Another reason that led to the fall of the Roman Empire was the issue over Catholicism (BBC - History). Gibbon states, "The influence of the clergy, in an age of superstition, might be usefully employed to assert the rights of mankind; but so intimate is the connection between the throne and the altar, that the banner of the church has very seldom been seen on the side of the people. A martial nobility and stubborn commons, possessed of arms, tenacious of property, and collected into constitutional assemblies, form the only balance capable of preserving a free constitution against enterprises of an aspiring prince (Gibbon Chapter 3)." At first Catholicism was not legal in Rome and not many people believed in it. It was not made legal until Constantine’s mom was considering becoming a Christian. Then he saw a “sign” during a battle, which he believed helped him win it. Even though it was illegal for most of the time, the issue of Catholicism was debated for a long time and contributed to the decline of the Empire.

The last and one of the main causes for the fall of the Roman Empire was the constant wars and heavy military spending (Internet Ancient History Sourcebook). Constant battles and warfare required heavy military spending. The Roman army became exhausted and needed more and more soldiers. The barbarians, who had been conquered, and other foreign mercenaries were then allowed to join the Roman army(Internet Ancient History Sourcebook). "A warlike nation like the Germans, without either cities, letters, arts, or money, found some compensation for this savage state in the enjoyment of liberty. Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. (Gibbon Chapter 9)” This quote shows how the Romans liked to get involved in battles and fighting. Even though they did not have a lot of money to spend, their determination is what would win them battles. Besides Alexander, the Roman Empire did not really have a strong emperor who was also a great leader in war. Many of the emperors only cared about themselves and their safety. This then led to many defeats in battle and more and more lives of soldiers lost. All of this also added to the Roman Empire falling over the years.

Many could argue that the Roman Empire evolved into something different or stronger but with all of these issues contributing towards each other; the empire really had no choice but to fall. Yes the Romans were good fighters and always determined, but they never had a steady ruler to lead them through even the toughest of times. Even now and then, someone good would come into power, but then would eventually be replaced with someone who may not have as much experience or confidence because they just inherited the position.  If good leaders were more constant, and issues like Catholicism were handled a little better, the Roman Empire would not have as many problems as it did. 

Bibliography 

"Best of Gibbon's DECLINE & FALL." HIS.com. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. <http://www.his.com/~z/gibbon.html>.

"Internet Ancient History Sourcebook: Rome." FORDHAM.EDU. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook09.html>.

Heather, Dr Peter. "BBC - History - Ancient History in Depth: The Fall of Rome." BBC - Homepage. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/fallofrome_article_01.shtml>.

Did the Roman Empire 'decline and fall' or did it evolve into something new? (Rough Draft)

The Roman Empire is not seen as evolving into something new. The Roman Empire fell because of the issues within its empire. Through many years, the empire suffered from bad Emperors and other issues. It was considered one of the best Empires in history but it did have its problems here and there, which lead to a declination. Even though some believe the Roman Empire evolved into something new, perhaps, better, it is many problems resulted in the whole Empire “falling.” The Roman Empire did not decline or fall; instead it actually evolved into something different.

History shows that the Roman Empire was led by many different emperors throughout the years. The head figure of the empire was constantly changing. Or they would just end up being assonated for doing something that made a lot of the Romans mad. Throughout the 5th century, Western emperors were usually figureheads, while the Eastern emperors maintained more independence. "Under a democratical government the citizens exercise the powers of sovereignty; and those powers will be first abused, and afterwards lost, if they are committed to an unwieldy multitude. (Gibbon Chapter 2)" This quote shows the how the government in Rome was very disorganized. It was always being altered and changing. Ruler after ruler took over the title as Emperor, but only a few actually succeeded at the job.

Another reason that led to the fall of the Roman Empire was the issue over Catholicism. Gibbon states, "The influence of the clergy, in an age of superstition, might be usefully employed to assert the rights of mankind; but so intimate is the connection between the throne and the altar, that the banner of the church has very seldom been seen on the side of the people. A martial nobility and stubborn commons, possessed of arms, tenacious of property, and collected into constitutional assemblies, form the only balance capable of preserving a free constitution against enterprises of an aspiring prince (Chapter 3)." At first Catholicism was not legal in Rome and not many people believed in it. It was not made legal until Constantine’s mom was considering becoming a Christian. Then he saw a “sign” during a battle, which he believed helped him win it. Even though it was illegal for most of the time, the issue of Catholicism was debated for a long time and contributed to the decline of the Empire.

The last and one of the main causes for the fall of the Roman Empire was the constant wars and heavy military spending. Constant battles and warfare required heavy military spending. The Roman army became exhausted and needed more and more soldiers. The barbarians, who had been conquered, and other foreign mercenaries were then allowed to join the Roman army. "A warlike nation like the Germans, without either cities, letters, arts, or money, found some compensation for this savage state in the enjoyment of liberty. Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. (Gibbon Chapter 9)” This quote shows how the Romans liked to get involved in battles and fighting. Even though they did not have a lot of money to spend, their determination is what would win them battles. Besides Alexander, the Roman Empire did not really have a strong emperor who was also a great leader in war. Many of the emperors only cared about themselves and their safety. This then led to many defeats in battle and more and more lives of soldiers lost. All of this also added to the Roman Empire falling over the years.

Many could argue that the Roman Empire evolved into something different or stronger but with all of these issues contributing towards each other; the empire really had no choice but to fall. Yes the Romans were good fighters and always determined, but they never had a steady ruler to lead them through even the toughest of times. Even now and then, someone good would come into power, but then would eventually be replaced with someone who may not have as much experience or confidence because they just inherited the position.  If good leaders were more constant, and issues like Catholicism were handled a little better, the Roman Empire wouldn’t have as many problems as it did. 

News Flash

News Flash: Starting tomorrow, April 7th, we will stop doing dailies. Instead, we will be concentrating on the weekly essays. This week's rough draft we are finishing in class. From then on, every Wednesday you will have a rough draft due for Peer review (you'll receive participation credit: P/F for having the draft ready). On your rough draft, please underline the thesis statement and in a different color prove it is an opinion by writing the opposite side; underline one quote properly cited with in-text citations for each body paragraph; make bold your four-sentence analysis of each quote; analysis should explain how the quote serves to support your thesis. After peer review, a final draft will be due on Fri by Midnight.

Eleven-Point Critique (for peer reviews and grading of final drafts)

1. 5 paragraphs -- 5 to 7 sentences per paragraph.

2 Clear, coherent thesis statement expressing an opinion to be argued in the paper.

3. One quote or piece of sourcable evidence properly cited in APA format per body paragraph / proper in-text citation format

(author, date). APA format bibliography at end of paper. Use top-notch sources (BBC, Met Museum, Nat Geo, Internet History

Sourcebook, school-library based databases, etc.)

4. Four sentences per body paragraph analysis. This is your own analysis demonstrating how the evidence supports your thesis.

5. Solid conclusion demonstrating the validity of the argument.

6. Emphasis: Put strongest evidence in the fourth paragraph.

7. No 1st or 2nd person personal pronouns (I, we, us, me, my, myself, you, etc.)

8. Academic Tone: No slang, no contractions, make it coherent and readable.

9. Avoid generalizations -- give specific information; I'm not looking for you to write an "encyclopedia" article. I'm looking for

your ability to construct an academic argument.

10. Avoid unnecessary information: "more" quotes doesn't mean a "better" paper.

11. Original and honest writing voice and a creative and remarkable take on the subject.