| Papers [1-14] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 8] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 —> | Search results on "MICHAEL COE ANCIENT MAYAN CIVILIZATION": |
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Michael Coe's Book on Ancient Mayan Civilization "The Maya", 1999. Examines Michael Coe's book "The Maya" which pulls together the available data from many different fields of study to produce a comprehensive survey that sheds new light on the beginnings and eventual decline of the ancient Mayan civilization. 2,160 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 3 sources, £ 47.95 »
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From the Paper "By using new and updated material from the archaeological field, combined with the recent studies done in the field of linguistics, Coe has been able to create a plausible 'history' of the Maya people, while at the same time creating a new model that portrays a very complex social and economic system not believed to have existed in earlier research. Coe's revised edition also dispels the notion that the complex centers were primarily used for religious or priestly functions. Coe instead sees these centers as also being the hub for politics, trade, and social functions. Added to this history are the artistic forms expressed in the Maya Murals, burial sites, architecture, ceramics, clothing and dated monumnts, all of which gives insight as well as documentation to the lives and movements of the humans that inhabited the many areas of Mesoamerica as early as eleven to fourteen thousand years ago. By tracing the various art forms displayed on these archaeological items along with the decipherable hieroglyphic writings, Coe has been able to offer a realistic progression of the Maya civilization through its Pre-Classic, Classic, and Post-Classic eras. Included in this progression is the outside influences of different languages and styles of artistic expression, whether these influences came through the process of trade, exchange, or war. But before Coe examines these three stages of Maya development, he first explores the possible human lifestyle prior to these stages, thus setting the stage for the development of the obvious and intricate architecture that is found in Mesoamerica today."
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?The Maya" by Michael D. Coe, 2002. This paper reviews the "The Maya," by Michael D. Coe, published in 1966, which is a detailed look into the history and civilization of the Maya Indians, who lived in ancient Mexico and Central America. 1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 37.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the anthropological book "The Maya," by Michael D. Coe which presents a detailed analysis of the Mayan people who survive to this day in the area of Central America and a small part of Southern Mexico. The author appreciates Coe?s style as he moves the civilization through time and includes drawing of the people's pottery and craftware, which clearly illustrates their cultural growth. The author feels that the ending was a major letdown because the book just seemed to end at a point where much more could have been said.
From the Paper "Reading this book makes the reader extremely aware of the many details of culture that can be discovered by looking at the results of an archeological dig. Because of the findings, scientists know the Mayas kept dogs and bees, hunted wild animals near their homes, fished, (included the ways they fished), and grew many crops, including corn, beans, and squash. They also know they produced salt, and traded a variety of other goods (Coe 140-141). It is amazing to think all this information rests beneath the ground, and it can be found relatively easily once a particular archeological area is discovered and established. It cannot help but make the reader wonder what our civilization is leaving behind, and what future archeologists will think about our own civilization."
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Myths and Religion the Ancient Mayan Civilization, 1999. A look at the Mayan myths, symbols, and rituals that offer a definition for the nature of the known and unknown world, the origin of humanity, and the purpose of human life on earth. 2,780 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 6 sources, £ 58.95 »
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From the Paper "The world of myth, symbolism, and ritual is a world of metaphor that explains the human story. It is a story of the relationship between the known aspects of the natural world and the unknown dimensions of that same natural world. The known aspects of the natural world are the ones that humans have immediate contact with. These known aspects encompass the sense-related and material realities of the surrounding environment. Included in this known world is the landscape, the vegetation, the animals, and the human inhabitants of the region. The unknown aspects of the natural world are the ones that lie within the scope of the human senses but do not originate in the immediate and material world. ...."
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Comparison of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, 2004. An examination and comparison of famous ancient Greek and Roman writers. 1,613 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 36.95 »
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Abstract The ideas, attitudes, and issues of Greek and Roman life can be compared by considering some of the major Greek and Roman writers and what their work focuses on. This consideration provides the details that allow their ideas to be compared and the problems they were focused on to be compared , as well as the characteristics of the societies they lived in. This consideration begins by describing the Greek writers Socrates, Plato, and Thucydides. This is followed by a consideration of the Roman writers Polybius, Suetonius, and Aurelius.
From the Paper "Socrates was born in Greece in 469 B.C. and died in 399 B.C. Socrates writings are based on a philosophical approach and one of his major concerns was how to achieve virtue. This includes his statement that nobody every knowingly does wrong, and that any wrong action is a result of people not knowing enough to make the right decision. This thinking is based on a consideration of the nature of life for the individual, and is not concerned with more practical issues. Socrates also considered the natue of the state in some of his works and battled between wanting to accept the leadership of the state, and not believing that the state should have the ultimate power. In the end, Socrates decided that even when an individual is not treated justly, it is not justifiable for them to disobey the laws of the state. This represents a general belief in the system of government of the time."
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Influences of Ancient Egyptian Art on Ancient Greek Art, 2005. A paper on how Egyptian art influenced Greek artists. 1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 33.95 »
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Abstract This paper provides a discussion of the long tradition of the influence of ancient Egyptian art on ancient Greek artists. The paper looks at how the art of both are affected by their societies' world views. The paper discusses the primary functions of Egyptian art and the different style of Greek art, particularly in relation to depiction of figures.
From the Paper "This paper compares ancient Egyptian art with ancient Greek art and considers the ways in which the Greeks were influenced by Egyptian art. Egypt established a long and enduring artistic tradition. Greek art drew heavily on that background, using many of the same kinds of subjects and incorporating many similar symbols but then reinterpreted them through very different eyes and a strikingly different cultural perception. Both visions continue to have a profound impact on artists in modern cultures from their representation of everyday life to the varied..."
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Mayan Culture, 2007. A discussion of Mayan culture, including their art and religion. 2,807 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, £ 58.95 »
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Abstract This paper gives an overview of the ancient Mayan culture, with an emphasis on their art, religion and their daily lives. The author first examines the significance of the Mayan pyramids which still stand today. The pyramids are felt to give insights into the Mayan's religion and government. The paper continues by suggesting theories of why the Mayans disappeared. Despite the disappearance of ancient Mayans, the author suggests that cultural influences of the Mayans still exist in Central America today.
Outline:
Introduction-Who Were the Mayans?
The Case Against the Mayans
The Case for Mayan Culture
Conclusion
From the Paper "As for what architecture tells us about the Mayan people, the creation of pyramids and temples that were as large and time-consuming as those created by the Mayans indicate a race of people who were strong, intelligent, and willing to work together for a common goal. Very likely, Mayans were interested in their collective society, as well as their own families, and they worshiped their King. Religion was extremely important to them, as has been mentioned. They used their pyramids and other structures as places to worship, and reverence to their gods was a vital part of their daily lives."
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Mayan Civilization, 2002. This paper compares Mayan civilization with ancient Mediterranean civilizations. 650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, £ 18.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the ancient Mayans, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.
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The Ancient Olympics, 2005. This paper evaluates four websites, which describe the Ancient Olympic Games: "The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games", "The Ancient Olympics", "Archaeology's Ancient Olympics Guide" and "The Olympics: The Ancient Olympics". 920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 22.95 »
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Abstract The paper relates that the website "The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games" describes how politics, nationalism, commercialism and athletics were related intimately in the ancient Olympic Games and how today's games are surprisingly accurate re-creations of the ancient Olympic Games in relation to climate and circumstances. The author points out that the website "Ancient Olympics Guide" is short on graphics; however, this does not detract in any way from the visual appeal of the site because the lack of graphic fillers allows room for a wealth of scholarly information concerning the ancient and modern Olympic games. The paper relates that the website "The Olympics: The Ancient Olympics" is a very comprehensive website, which provides informational links to the history, origins and events of the ancient Olympics.
From the Paper "The home page of Tufts University's site "The Ancient Olympics" (http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/) has five oblong circles centered on the top half of the page that provides links entitled Ancient and Modern Olympic Sports, A Tour of Ancient Olympia, The Context of the Games and the Olympic Spirit, Athletes' Stories and Frequently Asked Questions. In the center of each circle is an ancient Olympic scene. The bottom half of the home page gives a brief description of the Perseus Project, which in 1996, created this exhibit on the ancient Olympics as a tribute to the Centennial Olympic Games. This exhibit allows one to compare ancient and modern Olympic sports, tour the site of Olympia as it looks today, learn about the context of the Games and the Olympic spirit, or read about the Olympic athletes who were famous in ancient times."
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Maya Played, Too, 2000. This essay looks at the importance of sporting events to the ancient Mayans. 1,615 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, £ 36.95 »
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Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the intense passion that the ancient Mayan civilization had for sporting activities. The author discusses how the ballgames of the times had many different levels of meaning, ranging from entertainment to ritual, as tributes to the gods. The paper details the rules and regulations of such ancient games as Poc-a-tok and Ollama, and how Mayans saw sports as public reenactments of warfare.
From the Paper:
"Through this ballgame one can learn a lot about Mayan culture. The never-ending love and devotion that they held for the Gods of their people is apparent in the fact that they organized these ballgames to please them. They played until they collapsed from exhaustion, in some instances, so that they could be sacrificed if they won. The Mayans were a people of respect and warfare. This is evident in the way that after each raid that they planned only with the specific alignment of the sun and the planets they always held the game at the Victor?s homeland, there was no straying from the tradition. They placed value in worship of their gods and honor to those brave players who opted to die for the game and in turn for their Gods."
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What Copan has Shown the World, 2002. This paper discusses the discoveries at the Mayan village of Copan and what researchers have learned about ancient Mayan life. 1,771 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 40.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the explorations and discoveries made at Copan in Honduras. Long thought of as the greatest example of ancient Mayan culture, Copan has been a wellspring of discoveries for archaeologists. The paper shows that not only did archaeologists find the longest line of Mayan text on the Hieroglyphic Stairway, but they also found a temple buried under a newer temple that is still completely intact. Several tombs were discovered, telling the lineage of the Copanecan dynasty.
From the Paper "The fascination with the Mayan civilization seems to grow greater as time goes on. Their ancient civilization seems far more advanced than what we today would expect of a people of that primitive time in history. Although there are many Mayan sites and cities spread throughout Central America, one of the most exciting cities to explore and discover the nature of the Mayan civilization is Copan. Copan serves as a great resource of Mayan information to both the scholar and the everyday fan of Mayan life."
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Ancient Greeks and Hebrews, 2005. A comparison of the ancient Greeks and ancient Hebrews, in terms of size, religion and philosophy. 675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, £ 18.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses similarities between the ancient Greeks and the ancient Hebrews. It discusses the similarities in terms of both being relatively small kingdoms, both being centered on a few autonomous cities, both with a well-developed religious mythos, and both given to philosophical writings. The paper then compares the ancient Greeks and Hebrews to the ancient Romans.
From the Paper "Ancient Greece and the ancient Hebrews had similar civilizations in many respects, both being relatively small kingdoms, both being centered on a few autonomous cities, both with a well-developed religious mythos, and both given to philosophical writings. Neither civilization was as grandiose or widespread as the Roman civilization that followed, and both were shaped around smaller groupings of warring cities or tribes. The tribes of Israel were unified and held together first by their beliefs, but they clearly lacked many of the elements considered essential to the concept of a nation. The tribes of Israel never acted long as a unit prior to the time of the rise of the monarchy in Palestine. There was before that time only single tribes, and occasionally small groups of tribes intervening in historical events. The term "nation" used to refer to the Israelites cannot be seen as having the same sense when used for other nations."
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The Egyptian and Mayan Pyramids, 2006. A paper comparing the similarities between the Egyptian and Mayan pyramids. 3,147 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 64.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines and compares the pyramids of Egypt and those of the ancient Mayan culture, found in Mexico and parts of Central America. In an attempt to explain why these architectural legacies share so many striking similarities in spite of the thousands of years and geographical distances that separated the cultures that produced them, the paper considers what was important to the two civilizations and what it was that they were they trying to accomplish by building these complex and enormous structures.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Egyptians
The Mayans
Conclusion
From the Paper "Half a world and three thousand years apart, two ancient civilizations built a series of remarkably similar structures shaped like and known as pyramids - or The Pyramids to us latecomers. The Egyptians built theirs in the twenty-sixth century b.c., or earlier, a short distance inland from the west bank of the Nile River; to date, eighty are known to exist. Built between 250 and 800 a.d., the dozen or so Mayan pyramids excavated thus far are located in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Guatemala and elsewhere in Central America. The biggest, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, at Giza in Egypt, was originally built to a height of 481 feet (though the top thirty feet have simply disintegrated over time) and was for more than four thousand years the largest man-made structure ever assembled. The Mayan pyramids are somewhat smaller, but imposing nonetheless."
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The Role of Women in Ancient Times, 1999. A look at the roles of women in ancient times through an examination of ancient literature by Hesiod, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Homer, Virgil, and Aristotle. 3,470 words (approx. 13.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 68.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes several pieces of ancient literature in order to shed some light on the roles that women played in ancient times and how they were viewed by society. The paper examines Hesiod's "Theogony" and "Works and Days", Sophocles' "Antigone", Aristophanes' "Lysistrata", Homer's "Odyssey", Virgil's "Aeneid" and Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics". The paper concludes that, while the heroines and major female characters in these ancient works are certainly worth examination and study, it must be remembered that they are unrealistic in the light of normal ancient life, and that in reality women were barely given any attention at all.
From the Paper "In ancient times, and in ancient Greece most of all, women were usually treated almost as less than human. Men seemed to deal with them as a necessary evil that was kept around for the sole purpose of providing sons. As F.G. Naerebout says, "Whatever else [they] may do - weaving, spinning, directing the female staff - is a pleasant extra (Naerebout 124)." Yet this was not always the case. There are cases in ancient writings where women are shown in a positive light, even cases where women are heroes. Here we shall examine separately each work in which women played a major role, either positive or negative."
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Ancient History, 2004. Explores ancient Greek and ancient Egyptian history. 1,846 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 41.95 »
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Abstract This paper explores the influence ancient Greece and ancient Egypt have had on different aspects of today's culture and civilization. The paper also compares and contrasts the architecture, government, and social status of each society.
From the Paper "The ancient Greeks had ?city-state democracies where all the citizens assembled and a majority ruled and the government was ?of the, by and for the people (Rosenfeld, Democracy).? A city-state was comprised of the city, as well as the land and small villages around it. Athens and Sparta were the largest of these city-states. Sparta was concerned with its military force. The males were ?trained to be soldiers and lived in military barracks until they were 30 years old (unknown, Greece).? In contrast, Athens was a cultural and art center, producing ?architecture, drama, sculpture, and poetry still admired today (unknown, Greece).? Athenians were looked upon with resentment and jealously by other Greek city-states when they ?developed a system of government known as democracy, which gave every free man a vote and the right to hold office (unknown, Greece)."
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