Jones, Bryony. "Body found under parking lot is King Richard III, scientists prove." CNN News. CNN, 04 Feb. 2013. Web. 04 Feb. 2013.
It has been concluded that a skeletal corpse found underneath a present-day car park is in fact that of King Richard III of England. It is known that he had died in 1485 in the Battle of Bosworth. In addition to the DNA testing, evidence of wounds (assumably from the battle) were found on the remains. It was also concluded, after studying the wounds, that there were strong blows to his head, and that his corpse was most likely mistreated after killed, even possibly having been buried with his hands tied. This is significant in regards to western civilization because it brings back up the reign of King Richard III, his death, and what it was like in the 15th century medieval times. With the corpse allowing archaeologists to make conclusions regarding the king's death, we have deeper insight into how he died, and how things would have been back then (how they would kill him, torture him, etc.) It's one more artifact that takes us back in history.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
ULT - #16
Acid Rain in Athens
Recent economic expansion and new factories in Athens has caused increases in acid rain. Marble, the material used to build the Acropolis, is highly susceptible to degeneration from the elements, especially acid rain. In particular, the panels have been greatly affected. The chemical transfusions seep into the panels and cause it to crack and pieces to fall off. These panels are also altered from frequent earthquakes. Chemical treatments are used to help subdue the cracking. This is significant because acid rain may permanently damage this iconic building. This symbol of democracy and contemporary western civilization is slowly cording due to acid rain, and it will have a great affect on future generations.
Mink, John. “Top 5 Endangered Heritage Sites- Acid Rain.” CyArk. CyArk and Partners, 2 Feb. 2013. Web.
Recent economic expansion and new factories in Athens has caused increases in acid rain. Marble, the material used to build the Acropolis, is highly susceptible to degeneration from the elements, especially acid rain. In particular, the panels have been greatly affected. The chemical transfusions seep into the panels and cause it to crack and pieces to fall off. These panels are also altered from frequent earthquakes. Chemical treatments are used to help subdue the cracking. This is significant because acid rain may permanently damage this iconic building. This symbol of democracy and contemporary western civilization is slowly cording due to acid rain, and it will have a great affect on future generations.
Mink, John. “Top 5 Endangered Heritage Sites- Acid Rain.” CyArk. CyArk and Partners, 2 Feb. 2013. Web.
ULT - #16
Period: Middle Ages
Citation: "Richard III Dig: Skull Image Released Ahead of DNA Results." BBC News. BBC, 03 Feb. 2013. Web. 03 Feb. 2013.
Summary: A team at the University of Leicester in England have uncovered and tested what they believe to be the remains of King Richard III. Richard III only reigned for two years before his death at the battle of Bosworth and the end of the dynasty known as the "Wars of the Roses." Richard III has long been suspected of having killed his two nephews for the throne (made famous by the Shakespearean play). With the end of that era came the rise of the Tudor dynasty and the ascension of Henry VII to the throne. Having acquired the bones of Richard III has enabled the university to test for DNA, carbon dating, and environmental analysis as well as to look for signs of violent death. This will help to explain what exactly happened to the king during his brief reign of this violent, transitional time period. The university is still waiting for the test results, but they appear confident that the skeleton is that of the former king.
Citation: "Richard III Dig: Skull Image Released Ahead of DNA Results." BBC News. BBC, 03 Feb. 2013. Web. 03 Feb. 2013.
Summary: A team at the University of Leicester in England have uncovered and tested what they believe to be the remains of King Richard III. Richard III only reigned for two years before his death at the battle of Bosworth and the end of the dynasty known as the "Wars of the Roses." Richard III has long been suspected of having killed his two nephews for the throne (made famous by the Shakespearean play). With the end of that era came the rise of the Tudor dynasty and the ascension of Henry VII to the throne. Having acquired the bones of Richard III has enabled the university to test for DNA, carbon dating, and environmental analysis as well as to look for signs of violent death. This will help to explain what exactly happened to the king during his brief reign of this violent, transitional time period. The university is still waiting for the test results, but they appear confident that the skeleton is that of the former king.
ULT # 15 &16
ULT # 15
"Daily Life in Ancient Rome"
There is no true
delineated thesis other than “The structure of Roman society was quite complex”
(McGill). McGill chooses to deviate from traditional works concerning Emperors,
conquests, and expansion and instead centers on social aspects. Her research is
divided into several sub categories: citizenship, class, Roman family and
status of Women, education, food and health, housing, and clothing. Each
category provides insight to the structure of Roman life. Thus, McGill’s work
is significant as it provides a “from the ground up” look at Roman social
history.
ULT # 16
Citation :
Allsop, Laura. "Plans to Restore Crumbling Colosseum Cause Rumblings in Rome." CNN. N.p., 6 Jan. 2012.Web. <http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/06/world/europe/rome-colosseum-restoration- plan-protests/index.html>.
Allsop, Laura. "Plans to Restore Crumbling Colosseum Cause Rumblings in Rome." CNN. N.p., 6 Jan. 2012.Web. <http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/06/world/europe/rome-colosseum-restoration- plan-protests/index.html>.
The article
discusses the current plans to restore the Coliseum, now 2,000 years old. The
estimated expenses for restoration are estimated at $33 million US dollars, and
will be sponsored by Diego della Valle, of luxury Italian brand Tod's, in
exchange for advertising rights. The restoration will include restoration of
the underground area, new gates, moving of the visitor service stations to an
area outside of the building, and increased video security. However, members of
the Restorers Association of Italy object because they believe that the planned
restoration will damage the monument. The group complained that the best
restorers work on commercial endeavors, while the less skilled workers would
work on the Colosseum. However, the Italian Courts ruled in favor of the
corporation. The director of the Colosseum is also in favor of restoration, as
the lack of government funds has led her to seek aid elsewhere. This article is
important, as the enacted will determine the preservation of one of the Roman
Empire’s greatest remaining monuments.
ULT - #15
"The Black Death"
“The Black Death” discusses the signs, statistics, and aftermath of the Black Death throughout Europe in the Middle ages. The plague came in three forms, the bubonic variant which comes from swellings on the victim's body, the pneumatic plague attacks the respiratory system, and septicemic version which attacks the blood system. While the damage varied depending on location, the disease destroyed between 25% and 50% of Europe’s population. While every social class was affected, the poor suffered more than the rich. No one knew the cause for the Black Death and it was blamed on everything between God’s wickedness, Jews, and planet alignment. The Black Death was largely responsible for Europe’s crisis of religion. People felt that God had turned his back on them and the church had offered no help in times of crisis. It also affected the diversity of Europe’s population and genetic variation.
“The Black Death” discusses the signs, statistics, and aftermath of the Black Death throughout Europe in the Middle ages. The plague came in three forms, the bubonic variant which comes from swellings on the victim's body, the pneumatic plague attacks the respiratory system, and septicemic version which attacks the blood system. While the damage varied depending on location, the disease destroyed between 25% and 50% of Europe’s population. While every social class was affected, the poor suffered more than the rich. No one knew the cause for the Black Death and it was blamed on everything between God’s wickedness, Jews, and planet alignment. The Black Death was largely responsible for Europe’s crisis of religion. People felt that God had turned his back on them and the church had offered no help in times of crisis. It also affected the diversity of Europe’s population and genetic variation.
"Constitution" St. Ignatius Loyola
Author Bio: Ignatius Loyola was a soldier who turned to religion while recovering from wounds. A Spanish knight, he turned to religion and his devotion to the Catholic Church was characterized by unquestioning obedience and loyalty. He founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1540.
Date/Context: Written in 1540 when Loyola found the Society of Jesus during the Protestant movement, "Constitution" illustrates firm leadership which led to the Jesuits disciplined organization that was "dedicated to serving the pope with unquestioned loyalty." Loyola emerged as a religious leader during the Counter-Reformation. The author, Loyola, is credible as this is his own work and therefore illustrates his own beliefs and ideas for the time.
Summary: Loyola breaks down the requirements and duties of those in the Society. He calls to those who wish to "serve God alone and the Roman pontiff, his vicar on earth, after a solemn vow of perpetual chastity..." The Society's purpose is to provide for the "advancement of souls in Christian life" and the "training of the young and ignorant in Christianity." Those who accept the responsibilities and duties, must "take care to keep first God and next the purpose of this organization always before his eyes..." Loyola reminds members that they must "recall daily" that they are fighting for God under loyal obedience to the pope. He demands complete and unquestionable obedience and loyalty to the pope, whatever his decision may be. In order to serve God, they must serve the pope on earth. Of course as the leader of the Jesuits, Loyola is completely biased because these are his own personal beliefs, but they still illustrate the era's differing ideas and how they now affect society, such as the Catholic Church's idea of complete loyalty to the Vatican.
Key Quotation: "All the members shall realize, and shall recall daily, as long as they live, that this society as a whole and in every part is fighting for God under the faithful obedience to one most holy lord, the pope, and to other Roman pontiffs who succeed him" (450).
Date/Context: Written in 1540 when Loyola found the Society of Jesus during the Protestant movement, "Constitution" illustrates firm leadership which led to the Jesuits disciplined organization that was "dedicated to serving the pope with unquestioned loyalty." Loyola emerged as a religious leader during the Counter-Reformation. The author, Loyola, is credible as this is his own work and therefore illustrates his own beliefs and ideas for the time.
Summary: Loyola breaks down the requirements and duties of those in the Society. He calls to those who wish to "serve God alone and the Roman pontiff, his vicar on earth, after a solemn vow of perpetual chastity..." The Society's purpose is to provide for the "advancement of souls in Christian life" and the "training of the young and ignorant in Christianity." Those who accept the responsibilities and duties, must "take care to keep first God and next the purpose of this organization always before his eyes..." Loyola reminds members that they must "recall daily" that they are fighting for God under loyal obedience to the pope. He demands complete and unquestionable obedience and loyalty to the pope, whatever his decision may be. In order to serve God, they must serve the pope on earth. Of course as the leader of the Jesuits, Loyola is completely biased because these are his own personal beliefs, but they still illustrate the era's differing ideas and how they now affect society, such as the Catholic Church's idea of complete loyalty to the Vatican.
Key Quotation: "All the members shall realize, and shall recall daily, as long as they live, that this society as a whole and in every part is fighting for God under the faithful obedience to one most holy lord, the pope, and to other Roman pontiffs who succeed him" (450).
"The Rule of Cosimo d'Medici" Vespasiano
Author Bio: Vespasiano was an Italian humanist and librarian who personally helped d'Medici build his library of over 200 volumes, mainly about theology and liturgical chant. He left behind a collection of 300 biographies that are a significant source of investigation and provide reliable facts about 15th century humanism. His general tone is that a moralist who shows the dangers of the Renaissance.
Date/Context: Renaissance biographer Vespasiano wrote this portrait of Cosimo d'Medici during Florence's bountiful era during the Renaissance. Florence was the city most representative of activity and inspiration as the home of Bruni, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Dante. Cosimo and the Medici family led the city to further creative success through their support of Florence's great artists. Vespasiano personally worked with Cosimo therefore he can be considered a reliable source, although it may be a tad biased due to their close relationship. The portrait fits with Florence's era of prosperity since the Medici family served as the backbone for the city's artistic achievements.
Summary: From the beginning Vespasiano praises Cosimo's talents and skills to engage in meaningful relationships and keep his followers close and loyal to him. He knew the dangers of power and therefore safeguarded himself in order to not appear to have too much power. He "acted privately with the greatest discretion" and whenever he set out to attain something he "let it appear that the matter had been set in motion by some one other than himself and thus he escaped envy and unpopularity." Although seemingly manipulative, Vespasiano portrays Cosimo as good and just trying to keep the peace. He views Cosimo as admirable, honest, kind, patient, and true to his word. In the eyes of Vespasiano, Cosimo was the greatest philanthropist and socialite who did not ignore or discriminate and fully accepted all artists. If an artist did not have work, like Donatello at some points, Cosimo would personally commission them and pay them generously: anything to keep Florence's creative world alive. In this case, author biased is evident. Although as modern-day readers we can not truly judge the validity of this portrait, Vespasiano speaks completely favorably of Cosimo and his work, therefore there exists slight doubt over this writing. Nevertheless, the portrait does exemplify Cosimo's and the Medici family's influence during the Renaissance and their undeniable support of the arts.
Key Quotation: "His manner was admirable; he never spoke ill of anyone, and it angered him greatly to hear slander spoken by others. He was kind and patient to all who sought speech with him: he was more a man of deeds than of words: he always performed what he promised..." (386).
Date/Context: Renaissance biographer Vespasiano wrote this portrait of Cosimo d'Medici during Florence's bountiful era during the Renaissance. Florence was the city most representative of activity and inspiration as the home of Bruni, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Dante. Cosimo and the Medici family led the city to further creative success through their support of Florence's great artists. Vespasiano personally worked with Cosimo therefore he can be considered a reliable source, although it may be a tad biased due to their close relationship. The portrait fits with Florence's era of prosperity since the Medici family served as the backbone for the city's artistic achievements.
Summary: From the beginning Vespasiano praises Cosimo's talents and skills to engage in meaningful relationships and keep his followers close and loyal to him. He knew the dangers of power and therefore safeguarded himself in order to not appear to have too much power. He "acted privately with the greatest discretion" and whenever he set out to attain something he "let it appear that the matter had been set in motion by some one other than himself and thus he escaped envy and unpopularity." Although seemingly manipulative, Vespasiano portrays Cosimo as good and just trying to keep the peace. He views Cosimo as admirable, honest, kind, patient, and true to his word. In the eyes of Vespasiano, Cosimo was the greatest philanthropist and socialite who did not ignore or discriminate and fully accepted all artists. If an artist did not have work, like Donatello at some points, Cosimo would personally commission them and pay them generously: anything to keep Florence's creative world alive. In this case, author biased is evident. Although as modern-day readers we can not truly judge the validity of this portrait, Vespasiano speaks completely favorably of Cosimo and his work, therefore there exists slight doubt over this writing. Nevertheless, the portrait does exemplify Cosimo's and the Medici family's influence during the Renaissance and their undeniable support of the arts.
Key Quotation: "His manner was admirable; he never spoke ill of anyone, and it angered him greatly to hear slander spoken by others. He was kind and patient to all who sought speech with him: he was more a man of deeds than of words: he always performed what he promised..." (386).
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