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.