Read Cicero paragraph. Create 6-9 panel Pixton on it, translating it, illustrating it, and using original Latin.
This might not be the best translation...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Take Home Test #2-Chapter 14-Part 1
Parsing S.A-10 Verbs
1. appellavit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "appellare" meaning "to speak to"
2. creavit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "creare" meaning "to create"
3. servat-3rd person singular present active indicative of "servare" meaning "to preserve"
4. trahit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "trahere" meaning "to draw"
5. teneo-1st person singular present active indicative of "tenere" meaning "to hold"
6. habet-3rd person singular present active indicative of "habere" meaning "to hold"
7. potuit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "possum" meaning "to be able to"
8. erat-3rd person singular present active indicative of "sum" meaning "to be"
9. vitabit-3rd person singular future active indicative of "vitare" meaning "to avoid"
10. versate-2nd person plural present imperative active of "versare" meaning "to turn"
1. appellavit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "appellare" meaning "to speak to"
2. creavit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "creare" meaning "to create"
3. servat-3rd person singular present active indicative of "servare" meaning "to preserve"
4. trahit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "trahere" meaning "to draw"
5. teneo-1st person singular present active indicative of "tenere" meaning "to hold"
6. habet-3rd person singular present active indicative of "habere" meaning "to hold"
7. potuit-3rd person singular perfect active indicative of "possum" meaning "to be able to"
8. erat-3rd person singular present active indicative of "sum" meaning "to be"
9. vitabit-3rd person singular future active indicative of "vitare" meaning "to avoid"
10. versate-2nd person plural present imperative active of "versare" meaning "to turn"
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Emperor Augustus-Biography
Emperor Augustus was the first emperor of Rome who restored unity and orderly government to Rome after almost a century of civil war. He was ruler over an era of peace, prosperity, and cultural achievement known as the Augustan Age.
Augustus was born Gaius Octavius in Rome on September 23, 63 BC. He succeeded his foster father Julius Caesar as the ruler of the Roman state. Casesar liked him, and raised him to the College of Pontifices (a major Roman priesthood) at age 16. When Caesar was assassinated, Octavius was serving in Illyria. When he returned to Italy, he learned that he was Caesar's adopted heir.
Caesar's death put Rome into chaos. Octavian, who wished to avenge his adoptive father and secure his own place, vied with Mark Antony for power and honor. Octavian was made senator and consul while fighting Mark Antony, both militarily and politically.
Octavian wished to settle the dispute, so they both met with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, a general. At this meeting, they formed the Second Triumvirate. To seal the deal they proscribed (ordered the death of) 300 senators and 200 knights that were their enemies. Among the killed was Cicero.
Octavian and Antony then went after the plotters against Caesar, who both committed suicide. Octavian controlled most of the western provinces, Antony controlled most of the eastern provinces, and Lepidus controlled Africa. In 36 BC, the last of the enemies of the Second Triumvirate, Sextus Pompeius, was killed. Octavian then forced Lepidus from power while Antony was busy fighting the Parthians. Antony then married Cleopatra, and recognized Caesarion (Cleopatra's son by Caesar) as her coruler. This was against Octavian's position as the only sonof Caesar. War was unavoidable. He defeated Antony and Cleopatra's forces in a naval fight off of Actium in 31 BC. They both killed themselves the next year, and Caesarion was murdered. At 34, Octavian was the sole ruler of the Roman world.
In 27 BC, the Roman Senate gave Octavian the title Augustus ("consecrated" or "holy"). The Senate gave him a lot of other powers and titles that had been other people's jobs in the republic. He was given the inviolability of the plebeian tribune and received the tribunician power (gave him control over veto and the assemblies). He also had ultimate authority in the provinces. He held the consulship 13 times during his reign which gave him control of Rome and Italy. After the death of Lepidus he became the Pontifex Maximus ("chief priest") with control of religion.
All of these powers put together gave him the title of the princeps, or first citizen.
Augustus was a patron of the arts and was a friend of Ovid, Horace, and Vergil. He also was a friend of the historian Livy. He loved architecture and "found Rome brick and left it marble." He also attempted moral legislation.
His heirs died, one after the other, and his son-in-law Tiberius succeeded him when he died at Nola on August 19, AD 14.
Sources:
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation.
Julius Caesar-Biography
"Veni, vidi, vici!" This phrase (meaning, "I came, I saw, I conquered") was stated by one of the most famous and powerful rulers of all time after he gained a quick military victory in Asia Minor...This man was Gaius Julius Caesar.
Fun Facts:
-No previous Roman leader had held so many powerful positions simultaneously.
-Caesar was known for more than his military prowess. He was known as a great writer, poet, and scholar.
-He was even the first person to issue coinage with him on it.
-The month July he had named after himself (otherwise, the month would be called "Quintilis")
-He began Rome's transition from republic to empire
Caesar was born in Rome, Italy on July 12 or 13, 100 B.C. He died on March 14, 44 B.C. He was a Roman whose dictatorship would lead Rome to becoming an empire. He laid the foundation for the Roman Imperial system.
Julius Caesar was born to a prestigious family that was famous in politics of the time. During his childhood, Caesar witnessed one of the most horrifying decades in the history of Rome. Political takeovers were causing chaos.
Casesar married the duaghter of his Uncle Marius' associate Cornelia, which allied Marius and his associate. He was ordered to divorce her by Sulla, then fled the city with her to avoid harm. He returned to Rome after the resignation of Sulla, but left again to the island of Rhodes. He returned as a more learned person, prepared to run for office. He had been elected to the ponitificate while he was gone. He formed an alliance with Crassus. Caesar was then elected quaestor (magistrate) in 69 BC. He was appointed aedile four years later. He used money from Crassus to sponsor great events and win support. He also used this money to be elected as the pontifex maximus (high priest) of the Roman religion. When his first wife died, Caesar remarried to the grandaughter of Sulla, Pompeia. He left Rome to be governor of Spain and then married again to Calpurnia.
Upon returning to Rome, he joined hte First Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey. He was later elected consul and governor of three Roman provinces for 5 years.
He then started a campaign against Gaul, France. He defeated Gaul, but when the tribes there united and revolted he faced some problems with their new leader, Vercingetorix. He eventually defeated him after some major setbacks.
When Crassus died, Pompey wished to get rid of Caesar as well. They had political turmoil. Caesar broke the law and crossed the Rubicon with his army. This led to civil war for four years. Caesar crushed Pompey's forces, but Pompey fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated. Caesar followed to Egypt and won in war against King Ptolemy XIII. He made Cleopatra queen of Egypt.
In 47 BC he went to Asia Minor, and after a victory used the phrase stated above.
Caesar was appointed dictator for life in 45 BC. He was also made consul for ten years in 45 BC. He then renamed the month Quintilis after himself. He called in July.
He was in total command of the armies, which was the backbone of his power. He then made reforms, including reconstituting the courts, increasing the number of senators, and reforming the calendar.
All of Caesar's honors and power made some senatorial families feel threatened. This led them to hatch a plot to kill Caesar. Gaius Cassius and Marcus Junius Brutus helped with the plot. On March 14, 44 BC, he was killed upon entering a meeting in the senate. At the funeral, Mark Antony angered a few people, who burned Caesar's body in the forum.
His nephew Octavius, who he adopted, was made the first emperor of Rome under the name Augustus.
Sources:
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation.
Fun Facts:
-No previous Roman leader had held so many powerful positions simultaneously.
-Caesar was known for more than his military prowess. He was known as a great writer, poet, and scholar.
-He was even the first person to issue coinage with him on it.
-The month July he had named after himself (otherwise, the month would be called "Quintilis")
-He began Rome's transition from republic to empire
Caesar was born in Rome, Italy on July 12 or 13, 100 B.C. He died on March 14, 44 B.C. He was a Roman whose dictatorship would lead Rome to becoming an empire. He laid the foundation for the Roman Imperial system.
Julius Caesar was born to a prestigious family that was famous in politics of the time. During his childhood, Caesar witnessed one of the most horrifying decades in the history of Rome. Political takeovers were causing chaos.
Casesar married the duaghter of his Uncle Marius' associate Cornelia, which allied Marius and his associate. He was ordered to divorce her by Sulla, then fled the city with her to avoid harm. He returned to Rome after the resignation of Sulla, but left again to the island of Rhodes. He returned as a more learned person, prepared to run for office. He had been elected to the ponitificate while he was gone. He formed an alliance with Crassus. Caesar was then elected quaestor (magistrate) in 69 BC. He was appointed aedile four years later. He used money from Crassus to sponsor great events and win support. He also used this money to be elected as the pontifex maximus (high priest) of the Roman religion. When his first wife died, Caesar remarried to the grandaughter of Sulla, Pompeia. He left Rome to be governor of Spain and then married again to Calpurnia.
Upon returning to Rome, he joined hte First Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey. He was later elected consul and governor of three Roman provinces for 5 years.
He then started a campaign against Gaul, France. He defeated Gaul, but when the tribes there united and revolted he faced some problems with their new leader, Vercingetorix. He eventually defeated him after some major setbacks.
When Crassus died, Pompey wished to get rid of Caesar as well. They had political turmoil. Caesar broke the law and crossed the Rubicon with his army. This led to civil war for four years. Caesar crushed Pompey's forces, but Pompey fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated. Caesar followed to Egypt and won in war against King Ptolemy XIII. He made Cleopatra queen of Egypt.
In 47 BC he went to Asia Minor, and after a victory used the phrase stated above.
Caesar was appointed dictator for life in 45 BC. He was also made consul for ten years in 45 BC. He then renamed the month Quintilis after himself. He called in July.
He was in total command of the armies, which was the backbone of his power. He then made reforms, including reconstituting the courts, increasing the number of senators, and reforming the calendar.
All of Caesar's honors and power made some senatorial families feel threatened. This led them to hatch a plot to kill Caesar. Gaius Cassius and Marcus Junius Brutus helped with the plot. On March 14, 44 BC, he was killed upon entering a meeting in the senate. At the funeral, Mark Antony angered a few people, who burned Caesar's body in the forum.
His nephew Octavius, who he adopted, was made the first emperor of Rome under the name Augustus.
Sources:
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation.
Derrick's Vocab Quiz-Chapter 14
1. animal-animal
2. aqua-water
3. ars-art
4. auris-ear
5. civis-citizen
6. ius-justice
7. mare-sea
8. mors-death
9. nubes-cloud
10. Roma-Rome
2. aqua-water
3. ars-art
4. auris-ear
5. civis-citizen
6. ius-justice
7. mare-sea
8. mors-death
9. nubes-cloud
10. Roma-Rome
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Great Roman Achievements
1. Empire-The first great achievement was obviously the Roman's vast empire. It stretched over 3 continents. It also lasted for a long time. 1101 years...and if the Eastern Roman Empire is included in the number, it would be 2078 years!
2. Army-The Roman Legion was perhaps the most powerful army ever. They were capable of defeating armies much larger than themselves with simple weapons. They had shields, spears, and swords, not tanks, airplanes, battleships, nuclear warfare, etc. like today
3. Modern Cities-The Romans were the founding fathers of many great cities today. Examples include London and Cologne.
4. Great Builders-The Romans were revolutionary builders, engineers, architects. They constructed aqueducts, roads, baths, walls, amphitheaters, temples, arches, cities, palaces, etc. Many of these structures still stand and are used today.
5. Latin-As Rome conquered, their language followed. As the empire collapsed, other languages and empires arose from what was left. Latin gave birth to many other languages, and was the official language of business for a long time.
6. The Alphabet-We use much the same alphabet today as the Romans used, with the additions of the letter "W". Roman numerals are also still used today.
7. Law-Roman law was a great institution. It included the Twelve Tables and the Justinian Code. Rome created many of the laws that we take for granted today. The Romans wrote twelve basic principle laws down on brinze, which came to be known as the Twelve Tables. Later, Emperor Justinian refined many of these laws, which were finished in AD 529 and came to be known as the Justinian Code.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Etymology-25 Words
Latin Italian Spanish French English Meaning
1. amicus amico amigo ami friend
2. liber libro libro livre book
3. tempus tempo tiempo temps time
4. manus mano mano main hand
5. bucca bocca boca bouche mouth
6. caballus cavallo caballo cheval horse
7. filius figlio hijo fils son
8. ille il el le the
9. illa la la la the
10. quattuor quattro cuatro quatre four
11. bonus buono bueno bon good
12. bene bene bien bien well
13. facere fare hacer faire make, do
14. dicere dire decir dire say
15. legere leggere leer lire read
16. unus uno uno un one
17. duo due dos deux two
18. tres tre tres trois three
19. quinque cinque cinco cinq five
20. sex sei seis six six
21. septem sette siete sept seven
22. octo otto ocho huit eight
23. novem nove nueve neuf nine
24. decem dieci diez dix ten
25. undecim undici once onze eleven
26. duodecim dodici doce douze twelve
27. centum cento ciento cent one hundred
28. mille mille mil mille one thousand
29. causa cosa cosa chose
30. finis fine fin fin
31. gens gente gente gent
32. continere continere contener contenir
33. mundus mondo mundo monde
34. dura mente duramente duramente durement
35. claramente chiaramente claramente clairement
36. sola mente solamente solamente seulement
37. cetra mente certamente certamente certainement
1. amicus amico amigo ami friend
2. liber libro libro livre book
3. tempus tempo tiempo temps time
4. manus mano mano main hand
5. bucca bocca boca bouche mouth
6. caballus cavallo caballo cheval horse
7. filius figlio hijo fils son
8. ille il el le the
9. illa la la la the
10. quattuor quattro cuatro quatre four
11. bonus buono bueno bon good
12. bene bene bien bien well
13. facere fare hacer faire make, do
14. dicere dire decir dire say
15. legere leggere leer lire read
16. unus uno uno un one
17. duo due dos deux two
18. tres tre tres trois three
19. quinque cinque cinco cinq five
20. sex sei seis six six
21. septem sette siete sept seven
22. octo otto ocho huit eight
23. novem nove nueve neuf nine
24. decem dieci diez dix ten
25. undecim undici once onze eleven
26. duodecim dodici doce douze twelve
27. centum cento ciento cent one hundred
28. mille mille mil mille one thousand
29. causa cosa cosa chose
30. finis fine fin fin
31. gens gente gente gent
32. continere continere contener contenir
33. mundus mondo mundo monde
34. dura mente duramente duramente durement
35. claramente chiaramente claramente clairement
36. sola mente solamente solamente seulement
37. cetra mente certamente certamente certainement
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Take-Home Test Chapter 13
Practice and Review
1. The counsels joined neither with you nor with those others.
2. The entire Roman population has let go of its liberty.
3. The bad king has never been able to capture me myself.
4. At that time, you fled to their father and mother through that place
5. The gods create souls and send them into the bodies of men from the sky
6. They themselves have recently conquered him in Asia by themselves.
7. On the way, Cicero saw her doctor, not his own.
8. No one was able to love the bitter duaghter of the consul himself for long.
9. These men joined Cicero with themselves, for they had always loved him.
10. The woman had sent her letter before that time.
11. That man had a good old age, for he had lived well.
12. The mother understood her son well, and the young man thanked her for her patience.
13. Illi autem adulescentes ad Caesarem ipsum heri venerunt.
14. Cicero igitur nomen eius cum suo numquam iunget.
15. Cicero se semper dilexit et tu etiam te diligis
16. Cicero suos laudabat libros et nunclaudo libros meos.
17. Consul Cicero ipse numquam librum eius viderat.
Sententiae Antiquae
1. He himself was hastening to them and sent he horseman ahead of himself.
2. They could do nothing by themselves without him.
3. He recognized his own seal and his own letter from the beginning.
4. Each loves himself, because each is precious to himself by himself.
5. Out of the fault of another, a wise man corrects his own faults.
6. Withdraw into your very self.
7. The very spirit nourishes itself.
8. A laerned man always has riches in himself.
Honor Pledge-Adam Kuester
On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this graded academic work
1. The counsels joined neither with you nor with those others.
2. The entire Roman population has let go of its liberty.
3. The bad king has never been able to capture me myself.
4. At that time, you fled to their father and mother through that place
5. The gods create souls and send them into the bodies of men from the sky
6. They themselves have recently conquered him in Asia by themselves.
7. On the way, Cicero saw her doctor, not his own.
8. No one was able to love the bitter duaghter of the consul himself for long.
9. These men joined Cicero with themselves, for they had always loved him.
10. The woman had sent her letter before that time.
11. That man had a good old age, for he had lived well.
12. The mother understood her son well, and the young man thanked her for her patience.
13. Illi autem adulescentes ad Caesarem ipsum heri venerunt.
14. Cicero igitur nomen eius cum suo numquam iunget.
15. Cicero se semper dilexit et tu etiam te diligis
16. Cicero suos laudabat libros et nunclaudo libros meos.
17. Consul Cicero ipse numquam librum eius viderat.
Sententiae Antiquae
1. He himself was hastening to them and sent he horseman ahead of himself.
2. They could do nothing by themselves without him.
3. He recognized his own seal and his own letter from the beginning.
4. Each loves himself, because each is precious to himself by himself.
5. Out of the fault of another, a wise man corrects his own faults.
6. Withdraw into your very self.
7. The very spirit nourishes itself.
8. A laerned man always has riches in himself.
Honor Pledge-Adam Kuester
On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this graded academic work
Latin Help-Two sentences and Verbs
All of Gaul is divided into 3 parts, one of which the Belgae inhabit, the Aquitani another, those who in their own language are called Celts, in our third Gaul. All these differ from each other in law, customs, and language.
Incolunt-to be at home
Differunt-to carry apart
Dividit-to divide
Sunt-to be
Pertinent-to stretch out
Gerunt- to bear about
Prohibeo-to hold before
Contendunt-to stretch
Vergit-to bend
Capit-to take in hand
Incolunt-to be at home
Differunt-to carry apart
Dividit-to divide
Sunt-to be
Pertinent-to stretch out
Gerunt- to bear about
Prohibeo-to hold before
Contendunt-to stretch
Vergit-to bend
Capit-to take in hand
Monday, February 16, 2009
Evils of Rome
1. Slavery-the romans had many slaves. Most of the hard work all over the empire was done in forced labor by slaves. Slaves worked farms, cleaned sewers, and were servants in the wealthy houses. They were owned like they were animals. They could be bought, sold, whipped, and punished by their masters.
2. Bloody Events-when the Romans gathered for events like circuses and chariot races, they gathered for the bloody spectacle. They starved animals and pitted them against each other to tear each other apart. They would have these animals fight people, and people fight others to the death.
3. Insane, Cruel Emperors-Rome had many maniac emperors. Remember the phrase, "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." That definitely applies. Brutality was often the order of the day. For some examples, Caligula had his legions collect shells so he could say he conquered the sea. Nero had his mother and wife killed. Septimius Severus had his opponent's dead body laid out in front of him so he could walk over it with a horse.
4. Ordered Suicides-If an emperor wanted to be rid of a particular person, say, a senator, all he had to do was write the senator a letter telling him to kill himself. He could also order someone else to kill that person. Dictator Sulla invented the proscription, by which he would announce who he wanted dead. This would be read in public, and he would reward whoever did the deed.
5. Religious Persecution-Rome kept a brutal enforcement of religion. Several wars were fought with Jews to try to make them worship the Roman gods.
Friday, February 13, 2009
HOSTILE PEOPLES-Trojan War Edition!
HOSTILE PEOPLES
-a warlike people review-
TROJAN WAR PERSPECTIVES
Being a non-baised newspaper, Hostile Peoples like to give the news from all points of view, so people from all over were brought in to be interviewed on the Trojan War. There are Nikolas and Amas, Greek warriors. There is Echemmom, a Trojan warrior. There is Pithana, a Hittite scribe. Finally, there is Koon, a Sea Person. The interviewer is Adamus. The people were interviewed at slightly different times in the war because of travel times between the places.
Nikolas and Amas-Greek Warriors
Adamus: "Hey I'm Adamus, and I'm here to ask you a few questions. First off, why have you chosen to fight this war with the Trojans?"
Nikolas: "I am sent because I am of the city-state that Helen was taken from."
Amas: "I did not get to choose whether or not to fight, I had to. I was of the many people that wished to court Helen, so I was made to swear an oath to protect the rights of her husband should anyone try to take her away. I came from Pylos. I am here to help bring her back, according to my word."
Adamus: "Greece is an area of many divided city-states. How has Agamemnon unified you in spite of this?"
Amas: "That's a hard objective that Agamemnon has accomplished."
Nikolas: "I think he used the common goal and common enemy angle to bring us
together. Such a centripetal force has seemed to work out well so far."Adamus: "You spoke of centripetal forces. Do you know of any other of these forces that is holding the Greek army together against the Trojans?
Nikolas: "Well, we also have a similar cultural identity. We worhsip the same gods, speak the same language, and more like that."
Amas: "I agree. We are similar even down to liking the same kinds of art. This all helps to keep us unified, though sometimes it is hard."
Adamus: "What areas are the warriors you've come to know from?"
Amas: "Well, my companions are from Mycenae, Pylos, Sparta, and Thebes."
Adamus: "And you, Nikolas?"
Nikolas: "My comrades are from Iolkos, Orchomenos, and various islands."
Amas: "People from Greece are coming from all around for this war."
Adamus: "How long has this war lasted and what is the attitude of the army after so much time?"
Nikolas: "Well, it's been well over nine years. This has been a drawn out war, and we are still at a stalemate."
Amas: "The army is starting to fall apart. We aren't unified as much as before anymore. It's becoming hopeless. Many warriors are thinking of traveling home. The people are tired of the constant war."
Adamus: "So you're saying that you're not as much of a hostile people anymore? *chuckle*"
Nikolas: "Yeah, I guess...why?"
Adamus: "It was a joke...That's the name of the newspaper I'm interviewing you for."
Amas: "What's a newspaper?"
Adamus: "That doesn't matter right now...What has kept the war at such a stalemate for so long?"
Nikolas: "The Trojan's walls. They live inside of a walled city. We can't get past them."
Amas: "I think the plan started out that we should just wipe them out, but then we realized they had the walls, so I think the plan now is for siege."
Adamus: "Do you know of any heroes on your side of the war?"
Amas: "Well there's Achilles, Patroclus, the two Ajaxes..."
Nikolas: "...Teucer, Nestor, Odysseus, and Diomedes."
Adamus: "Okay, cool. Well, it's been a good time interviewing you and I hope to see you again." Nikolas: "It's been a pleasure being interviewed."
Amas: "Bye."
Continued on page A9
Echemmom-Trojan Warrior
Adamus: "Hey I'm Adamus, and I'm here to ask you a few questions. First off, why did this war start between you and the Greeks?"
Echemmom: "Well, Paris, prince of Troy, went and wooed Helen. He took her from the husband she was already married to, Menelaus, and brought her back here. T
hat, obviously, angered the Greeks, as it would anyone else. After we refused to give Helen back, the Greeks gathered up their armies and allies to come here. We have now been fighting for almost ten years."Adamus: "How has Troy survived the siege?"
Echemmom: "Well, we have underground water supplies and stored food, but they are now depleting."
Adamus: "What's with the walls?"
Echemmom: "Well, they keep the Greeks out (the good part) and they keep us almost trapped in (the bad part)."
Adamus: "Do you have any comments about the layers of walls I have been hearing about?"
Echemmom: "Well, Troy has been around for many years, and as it has evolved and as the city has been destroyed, we have just built on top of the remains. That helps make it such a hill. That is also why remains of older, destroyed walls can be seen today. I have a feeling we will continue to do this, as it is to the benefit of the city."
Adamus: "How would you describe this story to others?"
Echemmom: "It is a tale of love and war."
Adamus: "You seem to know a lot about Troy's history. Can you tell me a little about it?"
Echemmom: "Well, it was founded by Ilus, son of Tros, from whom the name of Troy was derived. Ilus' son was Laomedon, and his son is Priam, who is currently ruler of Troy. Priam's son is Paris, who took Helen. Hector, the commander-in-chief of our army, is Paris' brother."
Adamus: "So, how do you think this war will end?"
Echemmom: "Well, and this may just be pride speaking, but the only thing that could defeat us is nature or the gods. I have a feeling we will win, in the end. Our allies our sending us support, as well, so I have a good feeling about it."
Adamus: "What about the heroes of this war?"
Echemmom: "Well, there's Hector, Paris, Helenus, Deiphobus, Aeneas, Sarpedon and Glaucus, Memnon, and Turnus. I also hear that Achilles had abandoned the Greek forces, so that is good news for our ranks."
Adamus: "Who is your favorite and why?"
Echemmom: "Hector, because recently he has accomplished a lot. He smashed the fortification of the Greek camp, and he also set one of the Greek ships on fire."
Adamus: "Wow, so do you believe Hector will come out of the war alive?"
Echemmom: "As long as Achilles is gone, I believe he will live through and lead us to victory as commander-in-chief of the army."
Adamus: "Okay, so-"
Echemmom: "I must leave for battle now. My duty is to my ruler before some...What was it? Newspaper?"
Adamus: "Yes, it's for...Okay, he just left."
A9
Pithana-Hittite Scribe
Adamus: "Hey I'm Adamus, and I'm here to ask you a few questions. For one, where are you from?"
Pithana: "I'm from Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Kingdom. Obviously, we are in Asia Minor. And, before you ask, I have no relation to the Pithana whose successor made Nesa into one of the capitals."
Adamus: "I hear that you're a scribe. Is this true?"
Pithana: "Yes, it is."
Adamus: "Well then, I hear you keep a diplomatic archive of the events going on in the area. Can you describe them to me?"
Pithana: "Well, right now I'm finishing my coverage of the events of the Trojan War with the Greeks. We corresponded with the Greeks for information, but are allies to the Trojans. We use cuneiform and clay tablets. The Greeks won the war, and both their empire and our empire seem to be moving toward a Dark Age. Writings of this is my next project. I hear of a people of the sea coming to do battle. It does not look good for us. That is the project after."
Adamus: "There are different accounts of what ended the war. What do yo
u believe?"Pithana: "Well, the most common story is that an earthquake brought down the walls of Troy. To be honest, I think that earthquake represents something other than nature. I was sure that the Greeks would win the war before such a thing would happen, even though I rooted for the Trojans. I think the earthquake is representative of a Greek action, but they called it an earthquake to praise Poseidon for his help. I think they must have used something like a horse to help. Possibly hiding inside and being taken inside the gates. They could then attack from inside the city and slaughter. This is just a theory."
Adamus: "Interesting theory. Now, what do you think is the cause of the onset of a Dark Age?"
Pithana: "Well, our empire was unstable and overspecialized. Then the famine hit. Now I hear a Sea People is coming to make war with us. There is a mass migration out of the city. There is civil war. Rivaling claims to the throne are made. This all just adds up."
Adamus: "How has your civilization come to this?"
Pithana: "Well, from Labarna to now, decisions have been made incorrectly. We should have focused on keeping a stable civilization more than specializing. That has caused the famine to take such a toll."
Adamus: "So, do you think Troy will ever be forgotten?"
Pithana: "That is something I am trying to prevent. I don't think Troy will ever be forgotten, though. This has been a long war between huge powers of the area. If my records are never found, then someone else's should be. This war was a big deal. The only thing that should ever be debated is the reason that the war ended. This even I am not sure of. I have no more patience to answer questions for this Newspaper person, so I will leave now and get back to work."
Adamus: "Well, thanks for your time, but I need to complete the most difficult part of my search for knowledge. I need to find a Sea Person."
A10
Koon-Sea Person
Adamus: "Hey I'm Adamus, and I journeyed from afar to ask you a few questions. It took some searching, but now I finally can sit down for the last portion of my article. For one, a newspaper is something that has the news all written down in many pages of paper. Every single person I have interviewed so far has had no clue. Just shake your head and pretend you understand..."
Koon: "Okay..." *nod, nod*
Adamus: "Now we can get to the questions. First, where are you all mostly from and why have you caused such a collapse of society in the Hittite Empire?"
Koon: "We are of many people from all over. Most of us are displaced Mycenaea
ns, though. We are invaders of Asia Minor and Syria. We conquer and control. The Hittite Empire fell to us as the Egyptians will."Adamus: "You seem very confident. How can you be so sure you will defeat Ramses III and his forces?"
Koon: "Well, they are already weak from the war with the Libyans, and we are strong."
Adamus: "You have been called a symptom of the dissolve of the Hittite Empire. Any comments?"
Koon: "Good, intimidation will help us. We invaded the Hittite Empire in a time of their weakness, and overcame easily."
Adamus: "Do you ever regret what you do or consider it as morally wrong?"
Koon: "Well, we are a seafaring, raiding, bandit people. What do you expect?"
Adamus: "Do you spend more time on the sea or on land?"
Koon: "We spend more time on the land, but we attack from the sea whenever we can."
Adamus: "The Egyptians are keeping records of your progress. They call you a foreign people that cut off where you are attacking, and then destroy the places one at a time. Could this have been the reason you are known as Sea Peoples? You surround and make an island, then attack."
Koon: "Well, I don't think so, but possibly."
Adamus: "Well, the Egyptians also say that no land can stand before your arms. Again, any comments?"
Koon: "Well, that is exactly the impression we like to make and that is exactly what we have done so far..."
Adamus: "Rumors say that you are part of the cause of the fall of the Mycenaean city-state. Is this true?"
Koon: "We may have had a hand in it, but why should I tell you?"
Adamus: "I guess, 'for the name of literature', wouldn't be a good answer?"
Koon: "No...You know, we are the reason of the onslaught in the Mediterranean? Why would you dare to come into our camp for some writings on paper? You would risk your life for such a cause?"
Adamus: "My life and my job, sir. I also thought I'd be the one asking the questions..."
Koon: "You'd better run, if you value your life..."
Adamus: "How long have I got?"
Koon: "I'll give you a few minutes before my men come after you...Go!"
Adamus: "Well then, I'd better go..."
And so he did, but he was captured by the Sea Peoples. Their only record said that they captured him while he was still writing down the story. The work has survived because of the Egyptians triumph over the Sea Peoples. They saw to it that the writings were returned safely.
A11
Monday, February 9, 2009
Echo and Handsome Narcissus
Narcissus was a pretty boy. Many girls love him; He loved none out of that. If alone, he loves himself and life, and drives into the forest. For a long time, the nymph Echo has loved Narcissus, but nevertheless he was able to talk to his friends; he is able to give back one other final word. If Narcissus calls, "Are you here?", Echo calls , "Here." If that man "Where are you?"Come!", he calls, that woman "Come!", calls. But Narcissus did not come from himself, and Echo, therefore, did not live for a long time. He wholly lost his body; however we now hear his voice also.
Meanwhile, Narcissus sees his image in a pool of water and is not able to move away his eyes. He was overcome by great love for himself. Time flies; Narcissus remains there. They were not able to come upon his friend. Before himself in the pool of water, where that man exists, now is a pretty flower. This name is perpetual in Narcissus.
Humans ought not love themselves too much.
Meanwhile, Narcissus sees his image in a pool of water and is not able to move away his eyes. He was overcome by great love for himself. Time flies; Narcissus remains there. They were not able to come upon his friend. Before himself in the pool of water, where that man exists, now is a pretty flower. This name is perpetual in Narcissus.
Humans ought not love themselves too much.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Ancient Olympics!
The ancient Olympic Games, one of the four great national festivals of ancient Greece. The other three are the Isthmian Games, the Pythian Games, and the Nemean Games. The Olympics is the most famous of the four. The ancient Olympic Games were held in the summer every four years. They took place in the sanctuary of the god Zeus at Olympia. The history of the games date back to 776 B.C.
Early in the history of the Games, envoys were sent throughout all of Greece. They were sent to the various city-states to gather participants to pay tribute to Zeus. The city-states dispatched groups to fight for the splendor with their athletic feats. The only people allowed to participate were honorable men of Greek descent.
The order if events is not known with certainty, but the first day of the festivak was a day of sacrifices. The second day was occupied by footraces. On the other days boxing, wrestling, and the pancratium (a combination of the two) took place. Horse racing was a popular event, but was confined to the wealthy, who had to use their own horses. After the horse racing was the pentathlon, a series of 5 events (wrestling, discus throwing, javelin hurling, long jumping, and sprinting). The closing event was a race run in armor.
The victors were awarded crowns of wild olive. The victors often lived the rest of their lives at public expense. They were also celebrated by poets.
The height of the ancient Olympic Games was reached in the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. In circa 393 A.D. the Roman Emperor Theodosius I suppressed them. The concept of the Olympic Games was revived in the 18oos.
The graphic is the stadium at Olympia.
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