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.