For this week's controversy, I will be playing a documentary done by the Discovery Channel called "The Mystery of The Sphinx" I have already watched it myself, and it is absolutely wonderful. What archaeologists have and could discover about the Sphinx is truly astonishing--and world changing!
This documentary has been divided into 5 parts.
Mystery of the Sphinx Part 1
(click here if you cannot view this video)
Mystery of the Sphinx Part 2
(click here if you cannot view this video)
Mystery of the Sphinx Part 3
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Mystery of the Sphinx Part 4
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Mystery of the Sphinx Part 5
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Sometime around 2500 B.C., another civilization was popping up. No, it wasn't in Mesopotamia, or Egypt, or even China or the Mediterranean but along the fertile Indus River in present day Pakistan. This civilization, in time, become the most organized in all of history--but not one personality has survived. Neither has a clay tablet, a piece of text written on papyrus (these people did trade with the Mesopotamians, who in turn traded with the Egyptians at various points in time) or any example of government. No stories about stupid kings, brave heroes, or any stories at all have survived. As Susan Wise Bauer says, "This annoys the historian to no end!"
However, many seals and artifacts from other civilizations have survived from this empire--proving it had traded both far and near.
From Humble Beginnings To The Borg
The Harappan civilization started out as poor farming villages along the Indus. Some trade may have occurred, but was very limited. Basically, it was primitive people who had discovered agriculture. Soon, though, like all civilizations, cities began to thrive. Two stick out among these--Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. (or Mohenjodaro, either way is acccepted) Merchants from these two cities began to trade far and wide, and by 2300 B.C. they are expected to have reached the Arabian peninsula, traded with Akkadians, and gone back home.
Soon these cities began to develop armies and the conquering-fest began. Not in the regular way, though. You see, these people were now far from primitive. Both cities' old remnants had been burned, and specially designed and laid out towns were put on top. All of the streets were perfectly straight, all the houses perfectly made. They all included lavish features such as elaborate draining systems, indoor bathrooms, swimming pools, and all the houses were two stories. No, uniqueness was absolutely NOT allowed!
So the mighty Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro set out to create an empire. It is not known whether they were united or not, but from city to city they went--not taking over, but burning down. After the fire had stopped, they built their usual prototype on top of it.
After a couple hundred years, cities began to surrender themselves to the Harappan army, for by now they all WANTED to be a part of the empire. They were basically the Borg, if you care to compare ancient history to modern sci-fi movies.
"Obsessive Uniformity*"
After awhile, though, the Harappan civilization began to disintegrate. Build-up of silt aused enormous floods, fire, and foreign invasion sent this civilization obsessed with uniformity into chaos. They simply didn't have the strength to rebuild according to their regular plan--it was too much work.
Finally, the king, or whoever, blew his top. The Harappans demoted themselves back to farming villages--their empire a thing of the past.
Legacy
Even though no writing has been found, the Harappans have left a lasting impression on the modern world. First of all, their cities, even though threat of foreign invasion was slim, were basically safe havens. Walls surrounded each individual town, not dinky walls, but strong, tall ones. Also, inside each city was a citadel, which was the last resort if the invaders entered the village. There the residents could seek shelter--and warriors had the high ground, an obvious advantage.
Another legacy, or mystery, you could say, is their government. No evidence points to a king, a priest-king, or even an oligarchy. However, some group of people had to be in charge, no city could ever be that orderly without strict commands!
This leaves us with a VERY slim, but possible, idea. Could this have been the first true democracy?
Most historians say this idea is total bogus, one that crazy historians have dreamed up. I'm leaving my mind open, though. Such a discovery would rock the world of history--and send every history book into chaos. Modern knowledge as we know it would become flawed!
Plus, Athens would blow its top.
*John Keay
Results of Last Poll:
Q. Would you rather live in colonial times as a poor farmhand or in Roman times as a wealthy aristocrat?
A. Colonial Farmhand (0)
A. Roman Aristocrat (3)
A. Neither (0)
A. This is not a fair question! (0)
********
Now that my last poll has closed, with people unaminously wanting to be wealthy roman aristocrats, I have created a new poll. I'll leave you people who are receiving this as an email hanging as to what it is--click here to vote!
While scientists and religious teachers battle it out over the Science vs. Religion argument, historians are in the middle of a debate quite similar: categorizing time according to the traditional B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini--"In the Time Of Our Lord") or using modern B.C.E (Before Common Era) and C.E. (Common Era) I have listed the pros and cons of each way below:
Traditional Way
Pros:
*Used by most historians
*A large percentage of the world is Christian
Cons:
* May be offensive to some people
Modern Way
Pros:
*Less offensive to people of another religion
*Easier to remember
Cons:
*Not used by most historians
My Opinion
When it comes to this argument, I have a strictly established opinion: use B.C./A.D. There is absolutely no point in just changing the name of the different time periods while still reckoning with Christ's birth. And you're telling the truth, not twisting it!
If I was dictator and could establish my own rules, though, my time periods would be very simple: A.E. (Ancient Era) and M.E. (Modern Era) They would not categorize time according to Christ's birth, but according to what has happened in history. My turning point would be 476 A.D., (according to the traditional way) the year that Rome was burned by Germanic invaders. This year is considered to be the end of the Roman Empire by most historians, as well as the end of ancient times.
Of course, such a drastic change would send Americans into a pool of confusion; all regular dates as we know them would be changed. 2008 would be (saying 476 A.D. is 1 A.E. and 477 A.D. is 1 M.E.) 1531 M.E., I would graduate from high school in 1545!
I would love feedback on this post, send me your opinion at jeberexa@gmail or post a comment on my blog, http://www.buddinghistorian.blogspot.com/.
For those of you who don't know, yesterday, July 12, is the famed Julius Caesar's birthday. His birth is disputed; it was either in 100 B.C. or 102 B.C., so this is either 2108 or 2110 after he was born.
Click here to view N.S. Gill's Ancient History webpage on out About.com--there are many great links to all things related to Caesar.
Controversy of the Week
From now on, each week I will debunk, give my opinion, and analyze controversies concerning history.
The Ancient History Spectrum
When most American citizens think of "ancient times," they immediately think of the Roman Empire and Greece. When I say "Middle Ages," I guarantee you the first response would be either "castle," "knight," or "King Arthur." America's schools are flawed when it comes to history--they have an addiction to the "classical" and "western worlds." Asian history is hardly taught, South American history is long forgotten after 4th and 6th grade native American studies.
I could easily major in "Classics" or "Ancient Studies" in college, but what do these include? Classics is chiefly Roman and Greek literature, Ancient Studies is primarily only civilizations touching the Mediterranean!
Of course, you can't blame this all on the U.S., international cooperation, when it comes to archaeology, is all over the spectrum. Whereas Egypt has a whole section of government devoted to the preservation of artifacts--China would kick you to Pluto if they found out you were digging up their remains. The difference is mainly ethical--Egypt would care less if they disturbed their money-addicted ancestors, China is the exact opposite.
Some places, like Iraq, just plain don't care if a test bomb accidentally blows up precious ancient remains. They have no archaeological government--urging digs, or preventing them.
India is a different story; the ancient Harappans (which I will be doing a post on shortly) left little to nothing when it comes to writing--and no portraits or artifacts of much value have been found. To put it short and simple: these ancient people had no personality.
Therefore, archaeologists and the Indian government are at a lost. Yes, there are artifacts to dig up, but there's no point in having them!
My Opinion
Before you start criticizing the world, you've got to give them a break. Salute countries like Egypt and Greece, but don't scream at China--they're honoring their ancestors.
America and Britain, on the other hand, needs to realize something: the ancient world did not exclusively include the Greeks and Romans! Fabulous empires such as the ancient Chinese and Mongols thrived during ancient times and the Middle Ages.
Mongol Empire In 1227 (Genghis Khan's Death)
Mongol Empire At Its Height Under Kublai Khan, Genghis's Grandson
Sculpture of Genghis Khan
When you see your local "Mongolian Stir Fry" what usually comes to mind? (Besides vegetables) A primitive, annoyingly destructive empire of the ancient times? Genghis Khan, the most ruthless man in history?
Both of these are correct, to some extent. The Mongols were a fearless, nomadic tribe occupying the Chinese steppes, but also excellent horseman warriors, and generals.
In this post I will try to give you the real story of the ancient Mongolians, and the vast empire they developed.
Genghis Khan
Born to the chieftain of a Mongol tribe named Yesugei, young Temujin, as he was called before he became a khan, was destined to rule. He was born, according to legend, clutching blood, a ancient omen meaning he would be extremely ruthless, fierce, and successful. Little is known about his early life until he turned 13, when he was married to Bortei, the daughter of another Mongol leader.
After this event, history again shrouds young Temujin's life until some time later when his father is killed by the Mongol's archenemy-- the Tatars. He vows revenge against the tribe, and, many years later, in 1183, has united all of the Mongols and defeated their nomadic enemies.
By 1206, the year Temujin was knighted Genghis Khan, or Khan of Khans, the fierce Mongols were ready to take on China. Even though greatly outnumbered, the succeeded in taking the Northern Empire, then focused on the Kwarezm Empire, encompassing present day Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkestan. A group of merchants from the ever-growing Mongolian Empire had been captured and put to death by the Islamic kingdom.
Genghis vowed revenge and immediately attacked the Kwarezm Empire, capturing current leader Shah Mohammed within days. Soon later the army surrendered to the brilliant Khan of Khans.
By Genghis's death in 1227, the Mongol Empire encompassed northern China, present day Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and other small countries east of the Caspian Sea. Refer to the map at the top of my post for more information.
Legacy
The Mongol's legacy is undisputed: at its height, it was the second largest empire next to the glorious Romans. Even though not that long lived, only 185 years, the empire Genghis Khan created had its many legacies: one, though, in particular. Even though the fierce nomadic warriors pretty much destroyed everything in sight, they valued one thing: religion. The Mongols were all of all different ones, as well: Chrisitianity, Judaism, Islam, and various other polytheistic religions.
All in all, the Mongols were ruthless, yet smart, horseman and warriors born to fight. They had brilliant generals as well, Genghis and his grandson Kublai in particular. Even though their history is not usually tought in our classical addicted history schools, they deserve to be respected.
After all--we wouldn't have mongolian stir fry without them.
When I say"Industrial Revolution," what usually comes to mind? Such words and phrases like "1700s," "England," or "steam engine?" If so, you are correct--according to our flawed modern day history textbooks. Actually, a crude form of the steam engine was not invented 1712, but around 50 A.D.
Welcome to Alexandria, Egypt, the city of the future. The home to the greatest philosophers, mathematicians, politicians, and culture the world has ever seen. Everywhere you look, you see something education related--the Great Library, the Museum, schools teaching every possible subject--a city truly devoted to the arts. Here the greatest inventors of all time also existed--especially a man by the name of Heron.
Imagine if you can--a splendid university, called the "Museum," extending in a wing away from the Great Library. The greatest teachers of all time walked here, but also, in the less extravagant rooms, inventors flourished. In one of those rooms, a man who's personal life and past is very clouded, works day and night, endlessly experimenting new ideas and designs. Welcome to the life of Heron.
Temples
Heron of Alexandria designed many wonderful things--from the world's first steam engine before it was patented 1500 years later, to a mechanical vending machine. His best customers, though, were the temples.
Heron's greatest invention for the religious instituions was something you wouldn't expect to find the ancient past--automatic doors. When a priest lit a fire on an altar, the heat slowly began to activate a chain reaction of water rising and falling underneath the temple, slowly opening the doors and playing a fanfare as the spectacle fell before the amazed audience's eyes.
He also designed a Holy Water Dispensing Machine--a miracle to the congregation--but simple mechanics for him. A member walked up to the machine, placed a coin inside a slot, and a precise amount of water "blessed by the priests" poured out, washing their hands instantly. It must much more efficient then priests handing out water--and much faster.
Theatre/Entertainment
Heron didn't just design for the churches--but also for entertainment. He could create whole plays, up to 10 minutes, without requring one second of manpower. To start the play, it was quite simple. He would began to release beans onto a lever, acting the first robotic puppets. After this simple mechanics took over--and the audience was in awe.
Among many other things, Heron was the inventor of the century--and a great writer as well. He recorded all of his marvelous inventions, even though most of his books were lost.
The greatest invention of all, though not used accordingly, was the steam engine. He was this close to starting an Industrial Revolution--just a fraction of an inch away. He recognized his invention, though, as just a toy to marvel at. Never did he realize how it could change the world.
If he had, we would be living in a very different world, one much more advanced then we are today. Who knows where we would be--all thanks to the fabolous Heron of Alexandria.
Of course, history doesn't always turn out as we want it to.
Have you ever wondered how and why the seven wonders were built? Why Julius Caesar is so famous? How the Romans managed to control such a massive empire in primitive times? Have you ever wondered how Stonehenge was built, or what the first known civilization was?
If so, this blog is for you. Ever since my 6th teacher introduced me to the ancient world, I have been totally fascinated. I have poured over many books on the subject--and learned much about life in antiquity. In fact, sometimes I just wish I could write down all of my opinions, my analysis, and my speculation, and pour over it again, revising and updating. With this blog I will have the chance to do so.
I will answer questions such as "Which was the first civilization to achieve social equality?" and "Where, if you were a women, would you be best treated?" I will also delve into deeper speculation such as, "Was there alien contact 5,000 years ago?" and "Was there really a universal flood like mentioned in the Bible?"
I can promise you now--this is NOT going to be a blog full of boring history lessons. In fact, I will hardly present you with lessons at all--but this will be a place where I can give my opinions on such civilizations as the Mongols and Celts, and really explore the mysteries of the ancient past.