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Chapter 1 -- Prehistory, Mesopotamian, Egyptian Civilization

Page history last edited by janetcaufield@... 11 years, 11 months ago

CA 

Select the question you want to answer, and click at the end of it. Hit "enter" to create space, then type your answer under it. You must answer at least one question per chapter. If you chose to answer more than one question, you are eligible to receive extra credit for your wiki grade.

 

1. Please define In-the-Round sculpture and Relief sculpture. Please paste two examples of both below using the "Insert links" column on the right side of the screen.

IN THE ROUND

RELIEF 

 

-Relief: figures cut from flat two-dimensional background unlike the Round: which is a 3 dimensional sculpture.

 

 

2. What are some of the ways in which we define civilization? Please list at least three (but as many as you can).

1 movement from hunting to agriculture

 

2 domesticating formerly wild animals

 

3 mine materials used to make tools weapons jewelry

(3000 bce=combine tin and copper=Bronze Age)

 

4 development of WRITTEN language

-----CUNEIFORM

-From the Latin ‘cuneus’ (wedge)

 

 

3. Briefly define the term polytheism. What are some cultures that practice polytheism? What are some examples of god from polytheistic religions?

 

Polytheism is the belief of multiple gods and/of goddesses. Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt are most commonly known for their beliefs and rituals of polytheism. Ra is the best example for their most sacred god. Ra was their Sun god, and also their Egyptian king. With the Greeks, Zeus is the best example for their most powerful god. He was what some call the 'sky god'. He was believed to be among many others including Hades, the god of the underworld.

 

 

4. Why might the Woman of Willendorf be associated with prehistory beliefs in about human fertility? Please explain in three to four sentences.


The Woman of Willendorf was said to represent fertility. Her enlarged breasts and abdomen suggest pregnancy. She was not only a symbol of fertility for childbirth but for crops as well.

 

Highly stylized, this small stone figure could be held in the hand.  Found in western Austria near the Danube River, this piece dates to 25,000-20,000 B.C.E.  Prior to the Neolithic period, almost no other human types are known.  Along with symbolizing fertility, her size also is  thought to represent physical beauty in a time when food was scarce.

 

 5. Please briefly explain the difference between a Pictographic writing system and an Ideographic writing system. Why would it be more advantageous to have an ideographic writing system?

A pictographic writing system uses photos of objects to describe what was being addressed.  An Ideographic writing system uses scribes. Scribes are tablets with letters and texts on them. 

-This is somewhat right but the main difference is that the ideographic system can express abstract ideas like love and hate, etc. The pictographic systems could not do this because they only really had symbols for cows and things like that.

 

6. How does Aristotle define an Epic? Please list at least two examples of modern epics in our culture (You cannot use Lord of the RingsStar Wars, or Twilight as your examples.) Why do these two examples meet Aristotle's definition?

 

Aristotle defines an Epic with five characteristics: 1) hero or superhuman qualities, 2) a setting on a vast scale (commonly a trip to the underworld) , 3) superhuman entities, 4) the hero is or becomes widely known by people far and wide. 5) There is a quest of the hero

-Hercules is an example of an epic. He has superhuman powers, he has supernatural entities, he is known throughout many cities, he passes through the underworld, and he has a quest to be come one of the gods.

   

7. What are some of the differences between these ancient Mesopotamian cultures: Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria?

Sumerians were civilized as a native land, the Akkadians were an empire and replaced sumer as a spoken language. Babylonia was religious and cultural and was subjected to the Akkadian Empire. Today, the region is called Assyria.

 

8. Please discuss, in 4 to 5 sentences, the symbolism involved in The Palette of Narmer below:

This is a relief carving of Narmer. Narmer was the first pharaoh of the Egyptian dynasty. That are smaller is size because they are of less importance that Narmer, and below him possibly for the same reason. The stance on Narmer is not literal. It is inhuman to show resemblance, not to capture the moment. He is about to beat a man with a club, showing he is in charge and is all authority. Beneath him are the bodies of two dead opposers.

 

Found in the “main deposit” of the Temple of Nekhen in the 1890’s by Green and Quibell, this piece is 25” in height and is kept in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.  This piece is multi-functional in that it is an historical document, relief carving and functional palette.  On the front side of the palette Narmer is wearing the Red Crown of Lower Egypt and on the back side Narmer is wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt.  Narmer is barefoot, an implication that he is performing a ritual, according to Peter Clayton. Also on the back side the depiction of Narmer, larger than the others showing his importance, he has his arm raised to smite an enemy whom he is holding by the hair with the other hand. Underneath his feet are the bodies of two fallen enemies.  Behind him stands a servant holding his sandals, once again implying a ritual.

HIll, Jenny. "Narmer Pallette." Ancient Egypt Online. N.p., copyright J Hill 2010 . Web. 28 Jan 2012. <http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/Narmerpalette.html>. 

 

9. What are some of the similarities that the The Epic of Gilgamesh shares with the Hebrew Bible? Please discuss these similarities in details (5 to 6 sentences at least)

Some of the similarities between The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Holy Bible is that they both originate from the same region of the world Mesopotamia. Gilgamesh and Noah were commanded by their god to build a ship. They both contained specific measurements for which their ships were to be built to. Preparations for the flood are also quite similar.

 

 

10. How does the following wall relief, Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt, exemplify some conventions of Egyptian art? What are some distinct feature of the art of Egypt?


 

This painting is painted in Ti’s tomb which was a common practice for the wealthy or ruling classes. Some distinct features of Egyptian art include: Large figure of man (in this case Ti) is the ruler; smaller figures are servants or citizens; the postures of the people are unnatural and stiff, with both profile and forward facing postures, while the animals are a little more naturalistic looking, but shown in profile.

 

11. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the goddess Ishtar causes the death of Enkidu. Many scholars have called her an "Eve-like figure," referring to the first woman in the Hebrew and Christian creation story. What are three ways that Ishtar could be considered "Eve-like?

 

The first way that Ishtar could be compared to Eve is that Ishtar is the goddess of love and fertility.  This is alike to Eve, in that Eve is the mother of all humanity.

Also, Eve sows chaos in the garden of Eden by disobeying God.  Ishtar created chaos by unleashing the Bull of Heaven, which was then killed by Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

The third way that the two can be compared is that Ishtar sends Shamhat to tempt Enkidu who taught him to become man-like from his original innocence, Just as Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit in the garden.

 

12. Please explain the differences between polytheism and the dualistic religion of the Persians in two to three sentences.

- Polytheism is the belief or worship of more than one God.   In other polytheistic cultures such as ancient Egypt, gods take on the form and characteristics of objects found in nature, including trees, sacred herbs, cattle, animals and animal--human hybrids. 

- Dualism is the religious system that divides the universe into two opposing forces, good and evil.  

 

13. Please list at least five distinguishing factors that separated the three periods of Ancient Egyptian civilization: The Old Kingdom, The Middle Kingdom, and The New KingdomThe Old Kingdom, had an upper and a lower Egypt that was UNITED by Narmer, This kingdom was also known for the Great pyramids. The Middle Kingdom, was governed by many regonal rulers, and had smaller pyramids than "The Old Kingdom. The New Kingdom moved their burial locations from the pyramids to smaller more secret locations.  

 

 

14. Please describe Osiris Myth and briefly explain how it relates to the Egyptian idea of the afterlife in three to four sentences. 

Osiris was murdered by his brother, Set, who was the god of disorder. His sister, and wife, Isis gathers his body parts together and resurrects him. Osiris then became the god of the underworld or afterlife. This relates to the Egyptian idea of the afterlife because they do believe that you go to an "underworld" and continue life if you were decent enough. Your soul gets weighed on a scale and if it balances out your good, but if not, you get eaten by a dog creature and your soul is gone forever. The Osiris myth is also called the life, death, rebirth myth. It is common in cultures because of the cycles with agriculture and the role they thought the god's plaed in those cycles.

 

15. Please explain in three to four sentences some of the symbolism that might be involved in the Lascaux Caves -- The Hall of Bulls. Why might the cave paintings tell us about that civilization?

They worshiped the animals they depicted, they depended on them to survive. There were no signs of people living in the caves which suggest they might have been sacred places to the people. Also it was possible that when the animals were layered it meant mating and so the people were hoping for more animals to be born. 

 

 

16. Why does the lion play such a symbolic role in ancient cultures? Please find at least three examples in which the lion is used as a symbol and explain briefly how it's used in each example.

 

 

The lion symbolizes power. The lion is the king of his habitat. The lion also symbolizes being the leader. He also shows strength. Once again the lion is one of the top animals on the food chain, making him very powerful, strong, and a leader.

 

17. The Epic of Gilgamesh is considered the first written epic. What makes Gilgamesh an epic? Please explain in at least three sentences.

 

 First of all, Gilgamesh is an epic hero.  He is a king, which is thought to be 2/3 human and 1/3 divine.  He is seen as possessing superhuman strength as he battles monsters and even the gods.  The story of Gilgamesh covers a vast setting, not only in the many journeys in the physical realm, but also is interaction with the gods and journey through the underworld.  The story is told in an over-the-top fashion of superhuman battles with gods, monsters, and death.  Then finally, Gilgamesh is a man on a great quest, first to find immortality, yet ultimately to find his true self.

 

18. In The Epic of GilgameshEnkidu is a uncivilized creature that in some ways is a mirror image of Gilgamesh. Please explain in three or four sentences what the character of Enkidu might symbolize in ancient Sumerian culture.

 

Enkidu could have represented to the Sumerians the barbaric, uncivilized nature of man: man as he was in the beginning.  He symbolizes the wild side of Gilgamesh and all men.  Enkidu signifies chaos and an uncontrolled, unstructured life.  He is a glimpse into the past of man and contrasts the advanced state the Sumerians have achieved in their own civilized society.

 

19. Was the Egyptian concept of time linear or cyclical? Please define both terms.

 

 Cyclical is defined as recurring or revolving in cycles. The ancient Egyptian believed that each pharaoh’s reign was a recreation of the world which reflected the Egyptian concept of time as cyclical, rather than linear. This concept of time is also connected to the “life after death” myth, which is common across many cultures. In Egypt it carried a great amount of significance because of its ties to the natural cycle of agriculture and the gods’ role in that cycle.  Cyclical = Birth Death-Rebirth     circularBirth Death Rebirth

 

Linear is defined relating to length and having one dimension, having components arranged in a line. (Birth - Life-   Death )Our concept of time is line, we use our concept of time to place events in sequence one after the other, to compare how long an event lasts, and to tell when an event occurs. 

 

20. What other sculptures share characteristics with King Menkaure and Queen, below? Please find at least three other sculptures and briefly explain their similarities.

 

The Human Figure. Egyptian sculptors depicted the human figure in a very limted number of poses: sitting on a block, standing with one foot forward, sitting cross legged on the floor or kneeling on both knees. 

The Pharaoh Chefren for whom the second of the three Great Pyramids was built, represents the type that sits on a block. He is idealized, his individual characteristics minimized, and his features carved in general terms to suggest power and immortality. ( He as well sits with one foot forward).

The Great Sphinx. It demonstrates the Egyptians desire for immortality and belief in an afterlife or demonstrates the pharaoh's power and divinity. It's monumental dimensions and size are intended to impress the viewer with his power. The facial features and the one foot forward is a definite similarity.

The Seated Scribe from Saqqara, Fifth Dynasty. The seated scribe represents the type that sits on the floor, legs crossed-a pose used especially for depictions of scribes. Carved of limestone, with inlaid eyes, he appears very alert and ready to take dictation. In contrast to generalized depictions of the Egyptian noble class, this scribe is portrayed with greater individuality and realism, even permitted to age and acquire rolls of flesh around his waist. This sculpture also has one leg out showing one foot forward.

 

21. In two or three sentences, please explain what we might learn about Egyptian culture from The Book of the Dead.

   The Book of the Dead was a sort of guide to eternal life for the Egyptian people. The Egyptians believed that when a person died, he still had a lot of work to do. He had to make a long journey to paradise, and encounter a series of ordeals on the way. The Book of the Dead contained the prayers, spells, and instructions that he would need on the trip, a sort of afterlife travel guide.

 

 

22. If we are to assume that there is some part of The Epic of Gilgamesh that is instructive (i.e. tells us how to live), what might it be telling us about our fear of death and questions about immortality? Please explain in at least three sentences.

 

I have seen many wonderful things, and have struggled with many difficult things until they became wonderful.  I have let go of all things and yet gained everything.  What is the cost of sight…the loss of innocence, crushing struggles of existence, doubt and unrest?  When you question man's truth of God, then God reveals the lie, illuminating the truth…where then is your home?  Aw, but the beauty lies in the journey.  For those that refuse to sleep, though their eyes blister, refuse to stop questioning, though a torrent of resistance rise against them, and refuse to settle for less than a life of veracity, what lies on the other side…paradise.  I speak not of some distant land or perfect place, but rather a state of knowing that all is as it should be in an evolving state of change.  Even the chaos and malevolent behaviors of men come to be part of a song of conception that drives us to greater heights.  Therefore our only limitations are the shadows of comfort and false peace that keep us chained to staring at blank walls, chained to a false reality that we have come to call truth.  So great is our desire to resist the journey, and stay in our comfortable falsehoods, that we create our own living hells and deny ourselves and others the journey to paradise.  Death is not the end nor life the beginning, for nothing is lost, rather all is in an ongoing state of transformation.  Then the questions that remain burn deep in the heart.  Will we choose to resist change, stationing ourselves against unstoppable forces of nature, and creating a state of hellish struggles; or will we let go, as we flow with the natural rhythms of grace, allowing ourselves to experience paradise, regardless of journeys that await or hells others create?  Can we learn to embrace every moment, every person, and every experience as a gift in a journey of awareness that inevitably connects us to all things?  Can we at long-last finally understand love and let go of hate.       

 

 

 

23. In the Babylonian creation story, what is the motivation for the gods to create humans. Please provide at least one quote to support you answer.

 

The reason that gods created humans was to serve the gods. "Let me create a primeval man. The work of the gods shall be imposed (on him), and so they shall be at leisure."

 

24. What role does conflict or violence play in the creation myths? Identify specific passages where you see either or both at work.

Marduk Fights Tiamat with Marduk winning and kills Tiamat.   "He released the arrow, it tore her belly."

 

25. What are some parallels between Sumerian mythology and the stories in the book of Genesis from the Hebrew Bible? Please cite at least two parallels. 

 

Chapter 4 -- Roman Civilization Enki, the great Sumerian god of water, creates a garden paradise in Dilmun by bringing water up from the earth.  In Genesis 2:6, a similar event occurs:  “But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.”  Nunhursag, the mother-goddess of the Sumerians, causes eight plants to grow in this proto-Garden of Eden, and Enki, wanting to taste the plants, has another lesser god pick them.  Ninhursag is furious and pronounces the curse of death upon Enki.  This is similar to the biblical story where God’s furious at Adam and Eve for eating the forbidden fruit that Satan had tempted them with and their expulsion from the garden into a fallen world in which they must confront their mortality.

 

26. What are some features that make these statues easily recognizable as Sumerian? Please list at least three.

The larger than life eyes are very common in sumerian art. Also the one large eyebrow along with the stylized hair and seemingly astonished facial expression give these statues the look of sumerian art. 

 

 

 

27. Please define the term "Stele"and list at least two examples of steles (pictures would be wonderful).

 

 

The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin is an excellent example of a stele that commemorates a military accomplishment.

 

 

 

28. What are the six chapters of the Code of Hummurabi? According to the relief, from where/whom did the Hammurabi receive the laws?

The six chapters of the code of Hummurabi are :  1) Personal property; 2) Land; 3) Trade and Commerce; 4) Family; 5) Maltreatment; and 6) Labor.

Hummuarbi received the code from Shamash, the Sun god, who is depicted on the stele handing the code to Hummurabi.  Shamash personified righteousness and justice, which made this god appropriate for a law code.

 

29. How did Jean Francois Cahmpollion decipher the meaning of Egyptian hieroglyphics? Please explain in at least two sentences.

 Cahmpollion ascertained that the Egyptian symbols, like the Sumerian symbols read phonically as well as symbolically.

In 1822 the Rosetta Stone was deciphered.  The Rosetta Stone was a large fragment of basalt found during Napoleon’s military movement through Egypt.  The basalt stone was found near the town of Rosetta in the Nile Delta.  Three languages were engraved into the stone, all three languages expressed a decree in honor of Ptolemy V (196 B.C.E.). 

 

30. What caused Egyptians to stop building pyramids and move mortuary sites to more remote locations?

 

In the New Kingdom, pyramids were easily burglarized. The pyramids contained tons of treasures to be used in the afterlife that were being stolen.

 

31. Please cite two examples of Representational Qualities in the painting below. What are two ways that this painting in emblematic of Egyptian art?

 


 

 

32. What role did the Egyptian Book of the Dead play in Egyptian culture and religion? Please explain its significance in at least three sentences.

 

It is probably the most famous funerary text from Egypt, with over 200 spells (or chapters) to guide the dead through the underworld.

The meaning of the official term symbolizes the belief that the dead took a whole night to travel through the underworld, and then emerge in the morning to be reborn in the afterlife.

The Egyptian afterlife was closely tied with the solar cycle of the Sun God Ra.

The Egyptian Book of the Dead was extremely important to them because it held the instructions of what the deceased person must do once they pass from this life to being admitted to the Field of Reeds, which is the eternal realm of the god Osiris. Once dead, the heart of the deceased soul was weighed against the way (good or bad) they treated other people while alive. In order to receive a favorable judgment, the soul should be able to recite their confession that basically tells of their innocence. If approved, the soul will then move on to the realm of peace and joy to join the others who were granted access to that realm. If not approved, the soul was given over to the monster Ament and then devoured.  The Book of the Dead, or known by the Egyptians as The Book of Coming Forth by Day, seems to be the main guidelines to how one should live their life that would pretty much insure their place in the afterlife.

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