Predestination

Author Bio: John Calvin had Lutheran beliefs. He developed Calvinism and showed new forms of church government. He developed strict regulations of life and beliefs. He was a pastor during the protestant reformation.

Summary: There is no fairness in the equality of all people on certain terms. While some go to heaven other go to hell. And every person was created for one of those two ends. Predestination signifies life or death to all people. We believe that it is gods choosing to say who he will reward and whom he will put to doom. All events are willed by god and his justification comes from the manifestation. Those who refute Predestination will be put to doom and it is more misunderstood and that is why people refute it.

Context/Date: The document is dated 1536. During this time the church was under reformation by philosophers and writers who disagreed with what they did and how they had their power. Many writings went towards refuting the belief that god has will.


Key Quotation:
- "By predestination we mean the eternal decree by god, Which by determined with himself he wished to happen withe every man."
- "All are not created on equal terms, But some are preordained to eternal life, other to eternal Damnation"

"The Artist" - Reflection

How does a study of Renaissance art help us to better understand the time period?

ULT #15

Article: "The Rise of Women in Ancient Greece"
Author: Michael Scott

The article focuses on the history and roles of women in Ancient Greece during the 4th century B.C.E. He first notes that history, especially ancient history, is often times written for men. Ancient Greece was a "man's state," glorifying men, their fighting/wars, their conquests, their triumphs, etc. However, Scott turns it around and puts the focus on women in a positive light. He says that just as women have advanced within the past 50 years, historians have studied their roles throughout history more extensively. He gives details about inventions that are credited to women of the time, such as curse tablets, before mentioning Cynisca, a Greek woman who "would be worshipped as a hero in Sparta: the ultimate female sporting pin-up." Despite the fact that women in Ancient Greece "had no independent existence in the eyes of the law," they were able to bring an issue up in court as long a they were under a male guardian speaking for them, and cases were able to be brought up against them. (However, this was usually used to condemn them.) Scott then goes into further descriptions of women's roles, such as their strong influence/ability to affect society through mothering, and their eventual drifting away from being stuck to solely managing the home. I, personally, was unaware of the role of women and assumed that many of them just stayed home, taking care of the home and kids, drastically below men. However, this has given me a deeper understanding of the influence that they DID have on society, and the progress they made in their roles, which allows me to better understand their current position in Europe/the world.

ULT #16

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.

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.

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. 

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>.

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.