Laws, Ordinances, and regulations...boring

Reading King Moctezuma I, Laws, Ordinances, and Regulations  is no surprise of how social class was treated or regulated during the 15th century. In regards to tradition, hierarchy of society and order at the time was imperative during that time. There rules/regulations is no different from the beginning of time (when they could read and write) and the sense of gaining power is to create laws that in my mind don't make sense... for example, Kings are to only be present/seen in public when "the occasion is extremely important and unavoidable"--meaning, what? When their war or disagreements, or when they are looking for a bride etc. There isn't any specific reason of when and where a king should be present. Also their attire is also written, I don't see our constitution have anything to say what our President should wear. Overall, the 15th century is somewhat boring to me because it's just another time in history that is similar to the beginning.

The Mongols

The Mongol Empire, the second largest empire in history. Temujin (aka Genghis Khan) who came from a small tribe and vowed in his youth to bring the world to his feet. He almost did--he united many nomad tribes, destroyed cities to gain more land, and resources, he killed men, women and children, with no remorse, he exploited skills of highly developed tribes in warfare, and most importantly they were clever enough to adopt policies that would "spare technicians, musicians, singers, dancers, artisans, engineers" etc.... all to enrich their lives/culture and able to maintain some sense control and power.

In my opinion the Mongols were brilliant and yet ruthless. I mean how they were able to conquer a world that didn't know its potential, the ability to trade magnificent treasures with other tribes, communites etc. was safe and I think the most significant part of the Mongol Empire was their ability to be open to new ideas. For example, religion. There was no set rules to what belief everyone is should have but the be open. 

Overall, the Mongols is an Empire that should be recognized for their effort to become a super power. 

Documents Islam

1.) Students can think about how they would feel if they were to follow the Quran. 
As a Christian and applying my feeling to the Quran would be somewhat similar to my feeling to the Bible. I can't say that I don't like the Quran because I don't know much about the teaching of Muhammad but I do know that it teaches or talks about peace, love and compassion. Which in some way the Bible says the same thing. With gender role between the two texts, I think it's similar to where there is a hierarchy--men above women. I think the Quran is as important text to Islam as it is the Bible is important for the Christians.

2.) Students can think about what jihad means to them. 
The word "Jihad" is a term that have been miscommunicated between the Islam and the West. The misconception of a Jihad is viewed most by westerners as terrorists but the actual meaning is "exerted effort or struggle." The struggle can include suppression of the lower self in order to gain higher consciousness with God which leads to a pure soul. Unfortunately, this concept isn't communicated to the west due to the lack of knowledge and in my opinion, the fear of getting to know a new group of people/religion. The word Jihad is construed due to media influence and not understanding the word is why their is bad rep. on certain population in US.

3.) Students can think about what impression they get of Islam and Muhammed and how do these impressions compare to feelings they get when they see religious paintings of Jesus or Buddha.
My impression of Islam and Muhammed is similar to how I feel about Christianity. Neutral. 

What is important? (Chapter 6)

How do historians choose what is important or irrelevant. Strayer presents five ways that some historians use for criterions to evaluate the past:

1. Duration: The longest period in history should be the main focus.

2. Change: Then change that has happened to humans either directly or indirectly.

3. Population: the amount of humans occupying a certain region 

4. Influence: Religion and philosophies that have become important to us

5. Location: the location of historian and his or her audience.

I always wondered how authors/historians choose to insert certain facts, stories, etc in my textbook and now I know. I wouldn't say-- I understand them totally but I understand that their is a lot of facts, research in history and they are here to tell/share. 

Changes (Chapter 4)

Christianity. A religion that has spread across the globe with many followers to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and still to this day it's getting bigger. I like that the authors addressed the difficulty of addressing the topic and made a point that I think is important is how "religion present themselves as timeless, partaking of eternity or at least ancient practice (195)." I do think that religion changes within time. For example from personal experience with my denomination. I attend a very traditional Tongan (Church of Tonga Houeiki, 1920) church and after couple years; members of the church branched out to form another church where the rules, and roles aren't so strict.

Empires (Chap 3)

The fall of the Roman Empire and the Hun dynasty has me questioning our country (U.S.A) is ability to stay power in a world that resources, money and influence is becoming less affective-- in terms of U.S.A power. 

We have military power but how long would that last? Will our power decline and become like Europe-- a country who is still have some soft power because of their rich history, culture etc. and no real power. If history does repeat itself...then I think we as a nation might diffuse to smaller nations. For example, Texas earlier this year petitioned to secede from the U.S. and wanted to create their own government. Instead, United States said no. 

That is just an example how we as humans do change in response to power, wealth and what we may see is necessary for our rights. This chapter of Empires made me think about our "empire."

Writing (Chapter 2)

The idea that I'm capable of writing and expressing how I think or feel in words is in some way elevating. The invention of writing and the importance of it is amazing to me. It has become one of our (American history) most important way in society to share, express, critique each other. This form of communication is important. If I didn't know how to write--how would I even express myself in this blog.

Slavery (Chapter 5)

The text stated that slavery is "a social institution with deep roots in human history" (229) with this statement-- I absolutely agree. For a couple of reasons and I will focus on 

While reading the section of Slavery: The Case of the Roman Empire section, it reminded me of our (U.S) slavery in history in the Americas---the treatment, the cause and how their rights were obtained. Compared to history (Romans, China etc) it has transformed immensely.

For an example, Roman Empire is required to provide "necessities of life to their slaves"--which meant that they were better off being slaves than to be being free and poor. Also, they were able to collect/accumulate money and goods but the kicker if the slave kills his/her master--the price is that all of the slaves would be killed. Yes, killed (not a shocker but very interesting). Compared to Greece "manumission of slaves was a widespread practice, and in the Roman Empire... freedom was accompanied by citizenship (232)." This type of slavery wasn't the same in the Americas but it was less than humane and to my sense, masters were bigot, in-compassionate humans (not all but some). 

Overall, I'm glad the text talked about slavery and good reminder that it wasn't just here in America that slavery occurred and it wasn't just African Americas--it was an array of different races (Egyptions, Syrians, Jes, Greeks, Gauls, North Africas etc.) and they were enslaved because they committed a crime or was born into/sold to a wealthy individual. 

Laws, Justices and DEATH....

I found the documents interesting to read because for two reason. First, the laws for "Crime and Punishment, Justice (96)" is very intriguing. The consequences for any Law breaking either deals with jumping the cliff or death. Which some way I can understand but it seemed that the cliff was their answer for anything if someone broke the law. Then again, I  can also imagine people who will jump the cliff and just swim on to the shore and not even die. Also, death... how did they kill people who broke the laws. There isn't any specification of how to kill.

Second, the roles/responsibility/accountability if a man or woman is either unfaithful, abusive, adulteress etc is also written as a law. I thought it quite entertaining to read through them and of course--consequences for breaking the law will be "thrown into the water (97)." Again, I thought--what is the significance of throwing someone off the water if by chance they know how to swim? If they can swim then what is their other option of death? 

As this weekend is "Catch up" with Blogs, I will prevail.

I posted my first real blog and I'm in great relief that I did. At the same time, I have a couple more to go. No worries, all will be done by Sunday.

I have a lot to say about writing my Document paper (It's late, and I have no shame of saying so) and answering the questions for chapter two will be my goal for this weekend. Stay tuned while I go on a little rampage to finish my homework.


-MJ

Chapter 1

My apologies for my lateness of blogging; but it's better late than never.

Part one in Ways of the World by Robert W. Strayer--It is quite interesting that a thirty page chapter has a lot of  facts that I sort of knew but didn't. First the spread of agriculture amazed me of how it all started and the story of Ishi opened my mind to be more understanding of the past.

The "Spread of Agriculture and Pastrolism.." map caught my attention because of the coincidence of   "the migration of Homo sapiens across the planet and created new conditions that made agriculture more possible (28)." In some way makes sense--with our global warming and change of agriculture we (as human) move to where the resources are and how it will benefit our existence/livelihood.

The Global Spread of Agriculture and Pastoralism

Even with the migration to new places, exploitation of resources, creating new technologies and domestication of plant species (I was amazed amazed that there are 200,000 plant species--and only "several hundred have been domisticated..(31).")--I was more intrigued with the story of Ishi. The last Paleolithic man/ last man of the Yahi tribe. He's world/culture disappeared when the American Gold Rush brought huge amount of "settlers, miners, and farmers (37)." This story brought some mixed feelings of our time colliding with the "old times." Anyways, this youtube- link is an hour documentary about Ishi.

Overall, this chapter opened my eyes/mind to the past that I haven't really understood and the thought that we started off as an "egalitarian" society. Which world would I choose...well, I don't know yet. I'm looking forward to learning more about the past.

I got this.

Yay, ready for World History I.

Thanks,

Mary Latu