Today's class 6/3/11

Today in western civ we reviwed the answers to the latest test so we can use it to study for exams, which are coming up next week. Then we watched a video about Asian Carps and how they jump. They can literally jump 10 ft in the air! It's crazy!

today's class 6/2/11

Today in western civ we took our test today. then for the rest of class we just talked about random ideas and watched monty python, which was really weird. I didn't reallly understand it that much. Im starting to question sanity.....haha.

Today's class 6/1/11

Today is the first day of June! yay!! anyway today in western civ we reviewed for our test tomorrow on Ancient Rome's demise. I'm pretty sure i will do well on it. And we also discussed some about our finals and reviewed the workesheet we were assigned over the weekend.

today's class 5/27/11

Today in western civ we reviewed the last part of the packet we recieved the other day. Mr. Schick also gave us a worksheet to work on over the weekend.

Today's class 5/26/11

Today in western civ class Mr. Schick decided to  take us outside! It was really fun, although it go really hot. W reviewed our packet on Rome and discussed some of the questions. And of cource, the occasional bee and ant problem.....But over all it was a good class

Today's class and homework 5/25/11

Define: Inflation - an increase in the supply of currency or credit relative to the availability of goods and services, resulting in higher prices and lowering of the amount any money is worth

Identify....
Diocletian - was a Roman emperor, who tried to rebuild the once succesfull empire but failed
Constantine - a yound Roman commander who inspired christianity to become a religion in Rome
eastern empire - what Diocletian named the Latin-speaking part of Rome, wealthier than the western empire
Western empire - what Diocletian named the Greek - peaking portion of Rome, was also far less weathly than the eastern empire
Edict of Milan - a speech given by Constantine in Milan, " both to the Christians and to all men freedom to follow the religion that they choose."
Constantinople - the capitol of the western Roman empire, during Constantine's rule
Huns - and extremly aggressive group of bararians, feared by even the Germanic people
Attila - the cheif of the Huns. He was violent and feared by many, and he sacked 70 cities in the east. A bishop names Leo I was the only person to have ever stopped him
Leo I - a Christian bishop who stopped Attila the Hun from destroying Rome completely

Questions and Answers:

1. Trade was disrupted by barbarian raid and by bands of pirates. Cold and silver was drained away to buy luxuries from different countries. Their expenses were rapidly getting higher, and Rome started producing coins that contains almost no silver anymore. their prices reached and iunflation, growing of prices. Harvests also grew to be less and less.
2. Tribes of barbarians called Goths repeatedly overran the legions in Rome. The Persians at one point even defeated Rome in 260 A.D. Roime now fought for money rather than patriotism. Also to keep prices down, they hired barbarian, who worked for far less. Their trust, however, could hardly be trusted.
3. Constantine accpeted the Christian religion and encouraged others in Rome to do the same. A key fact is that he ordered artisans to paint Christian symbols on soldier's shields. He became the emperor of the western half of the empire. He attributed his victory against his long time rival to the power of the Christian God. Constantine also moved the capitol from to Byzantium in Turkey. The shift in the capitol was a great advantage to the empire. Thus it shifted from west to east. The city's name was changed to Constantinople, and now both empires were Christian.
4. When Rome was still strong, the Germanic people respected their boundaries. The Germanic people feared the Huns greatly, so when they started to move west, the Germanic people destroyed the western half of the Roman empire. The western empire was so disorganized now, that it could not even muster up a medium sized army to defend themselves.
5. Three reason why Diocletian was a good emperor:
1. To beat inflation, he used a price and wage system
2. To secure boundaires, he enlarged the armies
3. To improve administration, he divided Rome into the eastern Greek-speaking half and the Latin-speaking western half.
6. Three reasons why Diocletian was a failure:
1. Wages for the new troops added to the already high taxes on people.
2. Price controls failed.
3. A civil war brok out after he retired.

Today's class 5/23/11

Today in western civ we continued work on our papers. We did peer editing today. Brad's paper was so long!! It was crazy! But other than that it was nicely written. I can't wait till all the papers are done. I'm excited to see all the well written papers!

Today's class 5/19/11

today in western civ we took a test on the Roman empire. it was pretty easy, and i'm pretty sure i did good on it. Mr. Schick gave us an assignment to do over the next few day, due Monday. We are to write a 500 word paper, on The Roman Empire versus the Roman Republic. It seems pretty easy.

Today's class 5/18/11

Today in western civ we reviewed a great deal for our test tomorrow. We recieved a powerpoint on most of the information we will need to study. For half the class period Mr. Schick let us break into groups and study. I think I'll get an A on this test. It seems easy.

Today's class 5/13/11 and notes about Caligula

Caligula

• the third emperor of Rome
• His real name was Gaius
• Caligula's father, Germanicus, was the nephew and adopted son of Tiberus
• After his father died, his brothers were sentenced to death, one was starved to death and the other committed suicide and was then dragged through the streets. His body parts were so scattered that is was impossible to find them all
• The first two years of his reign, he was a moderate and noble ruler
• Later he became an "insane tyrant" according to sources
• During his reign, he tried to strengthen the authority of the emperor
• He created notoriously luxorius buildings for himself
• In his reign, he annexed the Kingdom of Mauretania and made it into a province
• In early 41, Caligula was assasinated by a conspiracy of the Praetorian Gaurd

today in class we finished the movie and got into group to compare notes and write about the three emperors of Rome.

today's class 5/11/11

Today in western civ class we got back into Rome, studying the Roman empire. We are watching a video about it, and taking notes. I'm guessing tomorrow we will be watching more of it. It seems pretty interesting to me. If only there wasn't so much information!

today's class 5/9/11

Today in western civ class we reviewed the greece and rome tests that we took a few weeks back. Igot an A on greece and a 100 on rome. they were so easy. Exams are coming up so Mr Schick let us keep the test paper and write the answers in to study from.

Today in west civ we took a test, it was really easy, pretty sure i got a hundred. If not then deffinietly and A. :)

Today's class 5/5/11

Today in western civ class we presented our projects on the Ancient Rome rap. (and I capitalized Rome this time!) here are my notes on all the presentations:

Para. 1

The Etruscans had a written language, which the Romans later used in their technique form

Greek gods and goddesses

Latin's were the first to live in the area

Tiber river located on the shore of the Tiber rive, middle of the peninsula

Tarquin the Proud - he was a control freak and people got angry and overthrew him, last king they ever had

Republic government was formed

Draining the swamp, created Rome

Para. 3

Latifunda is a huge estate or villa, farmers could not work their land so it was sold to the wealthy

Farmers then produced wine and oil for exportation

The rich then used slaves to tend to the land, they were much cheaper

Gracchus Brothers: Tiberius and Gaius

Plebian nobles, served as tribunes elected officials

Attempted to pass a land reform that would redistribute huge pieces of patrician land among the plebeians

Considered founding fathers of socialism and populism

Both were assassinated for their attempts

Para. 4

Julius Caesar was bon on July 12 100 BC

Played a critical role in the change of Rome from a republic to an empire

Led roman victory against Gaul

Became a dictator for ten years

Sulla tried to kill Caesar, and Caesar bribed him to spare his life

First Triumvirate

Crassus and Pompey led a political alliance with Caesar, and they dominated Roman politics for several years

They had no official status

Rubicon

Shallow river in northeastern Italy

When Caesar crossed the river, it was considered war

Gallic Wars

Series of military campaigns lead by Julius Caesar

Fought against Gaul and won

"Dictator in perpetuity" - dictator for life

Marcus Junius Brutus assassinated Caesar

Para. 5

Murder of Julius Caesar

He was dictator of Rome

Killed by a group of senators, including Marcus Brutus

Killed on the Ides of March, in the theater of Pompey

The Senate was afraid he was getting too powerful

Para. 6

Second Triumvirate

Octavius was born into and equestrian family

Father was first one to become a Senator in the family, but died when Octavius was 4

He died at Nola right before his 76th birthday

Lepidus

Roman patrician who became a member of the Second Triumvirate

Cleopatra

Last pharaoh of Egypt

Represented herself as an ancient goddesses

Committed suicide

Mark Antony and her got together

Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus formed a three man government, called the Second Triumvirate

Cleopatra tried to take over Octavius's power, but he remained in power and changed his name to Augustus and lived on

Para. 7

Pax Romana

Latin for roman peace, period of peace and small expansion

Roman roads

Allowed romans to move armies and goods, and to communicate

The Roman road system was more than 400,000 km or roads

Roman Gladiators

Ancient people thought they were sacrificial games while they're actually a fight ot the death

Circus Maximus

Largest roam gladiator coliseum in Rome

Today's class 5/4/11

Today in west civ Mr Schick was not there so we got the whole class period to work on our Powerpoint Projects. Olivia and I had finished ours already so we basicaly got a free, although I still did some homework. I wonder why he was not here.

Today's class 5/2/11

Today in western civ class we recieved a new project. We were assigned a paragraph of Chi Cago's rap and were told to write about it in a powerpoint. It is due wednesday and we could be in pairs. My group has paragraph 2. I think it is a fairly easy project. We also talked about the death of Osama Bin Ladden and somehow the movie Princess Bride. I have to see that movie!!!

today's class 4/29/11

Today in western civ class we took a retake on the second pop quiz we took yesterday. Thank you again Mr. Schick! and we also heard a rap made by Mr Schick. it was really cool, and for homework we have to find 10 pics relating to the song, Here they are:

Agustus

Circus Maximus

Crassus

Gladiators

Julius Caeser's death

Julius Caeaser

Pompey

Roman legion

Tiber rive wall depiction

Toga

Today's werid class 4/28/11

Today in western civ we took another pop quiz on the second set of readings we got. I think i failed. I mean it hard to retain alot of info like that especially since its a lot of paragraphs and pages. Hopefully if we have anymore pop quizzes I will do better on them. We also had a couple tornado warnings today and had to sit out in the hallways for a while. It was kinda weird.

Today's class 4/27/11

Define

A.    Consul: A consul is like a king in that he commanded armies and directed the government.  Rome had two and they could only rule for one year and not be elected again for ten years.

B.     Veto: Means “I forbid” and is a way to overrule another consuls decisions.

C.     Senate: Was the aristocratic branch of Rome’s government.

D.    Assembly: Was the democratic side of Rome’s government.  It consisted of all the citizen-soldiers of Rome.

E.     Dictator: Only used in times of crisis, a dictator had absolute power to make laws and command the army.  Their power only lasted six months.  They were chosen by the consuls and elected by the senate.

F.      Mercenary: Soldiers who fight for a country for pay.

Answer

1.      (a)Why were many plebeians dissatisfied with Rome’s government in the early years of the republic?

They were dissatisfied because they were barred from holding most important positions in government, like; commanding armies, high priests, and high offices.

(b)How did they win reforms?

They won reforms by refusing to fight in the Roman army unless there were reforms.

(c)What changes did they bring about in Roman government?

They gained access to government positions, more favorable laws, enslavement for debt was ended, marriage between plebeians and patricians was allowed, and the creation of a written law, called the twelve tablets, was established.

           

2.      Why did Romans consider that they had a balanced government?

They thought they had a balanced government because it was a part monarchy, part aristocracy, and part democracy, which they thought gave them the best mixture of governments.

3.      Once Rome had conquered most of Italy, how did the roman government win the support of the conquered people?

They won support because they willing to extend citizenship to those outside of Rome.  The new citizens became partners in the growth of Rome.

4.      (a)At the start of the Punic Wars, why might Carthage have appeared the stronger power?

Carthage was three time the size of Rome, they had a large navy of 500 ships, they were very wealthy, and were able to hire mercenaries.

(b)Why was Rome, in fact, the victor?

Rome had the advantage of drawing on a 500,000 soldier reserve, their citizens were more loyal, and war was Rome’s specialty, since they spent so many years pursuing it.

           

5.      Why was the battle of Zama a major turning point in history?

Because Rome was victorious.  If Carthage had won the war then they would have become the greatest empire in history and Rome would not have passed down its laws, government, and culture to western civilization.

6.      (a)Why did the Greeks at first welcome Roman Armies?

They first welcomed them because they thought the Roman’s were protectors.  The Roman’s had freed the Greeks from Philip V of Macedon.

(b)Why did the Greek attitude change?

Their attitude changed because the Roman’s interfered in Greek politics and they became increasingly ruthless.

Today in western civ we took a pop quiz and then reviewed the answers and the readings from last night. Tonight we got more readings to do.

Today's class and homework 4/26/11

Words and their Definitions :)

• Patrician - specially privaleged families; they dominated Roman cities
• Plebian - free citizans with a number of rights, including voting
• Legion - a massive miliatry unit of 4,000-6,000 foot soldiers
• Century - 100 years
• Republic - political unit, not ruled by a monarchy, where citizans have the right to vote
• Gravitas - weightiness or seriousness
• Pater Familias - father of the family
• Toga - an uncomfortable garment of clothing. Usually a large wool blanket, women wore more dressy garments called stolas.

Questions and their Answers :)

1. How did georgraphy help Rome?
1. Rome is located midway between the Alps and Italy's southern tip. Thus the city is a central point within a central penninsula. Occupies an ideal position to send out armies and ships in all directions. Has many key trade routes
2. Why was each of the following groups important to Romes development (A) Latins, (B) Greeks, (C) Etruscans?
1. Latins: Rome began as a settlement of Latin shepards. Romulus built his wall around this hill of shepards.
2. Greeks: established about 50 colonies on the coast of southern Italy and Sicily. The numerous reeks were called the Greater Greeks (Magnus Graecia)
3. Etruscans: May have come from Asia Minor, and were more civilized than the Latin's. Had a writing system. Roamn buildings show influence of Etruscan architecture. Also helped develop Roman trade.
3. What were the values of early Roman society?
1. Romans valued family ties. The heart of Roman society was family. The household belonged exclusively to one person - the eldest man or father of the house. (pater familias). Women ran the household, father acted as the chief priest.
4. (A) How was the Roman household organized? (B)What freedoms did women have in family and in society?
1. The father acted as the protector and priest of the house. Women ran the household.
2. Women ate with their husbands, and she often advised him on buisness and politics. Oficcially the Roman woman was expected to remain in the background and they could not vote.
5. How was the army linked to the Roman society?
1. All men were required to serve in the army. You had to join the army before you could do anything else in society. Rifhting Roman-style meant being a part of the legion.

Today in class Mr. Schick came back from being sick. He didn't seem like himself today though. Very out of it, and....crazy if you will. Very entertaining though. After today's class....I think we all need help.

today's class 4/20/11

Today in western civ we took a test on Ancient Greece. It wasn't that hard. I am pretty sure I will get a good grade on it. Mr Schick was not here today so we had a sub.

Today's class 4/18/11

Today in western civ we reviewed for out test on wednesday since we do not have class on tuesday. We talked about things such as Alexander the Great, the Poetry, the Philosophers, Architecture, etc. I have to say I think this test will be pretty easy. Oh and we had an extremely odd prayer session today...

Today's class 4/15/11 and the movie: Alexander

Today in class we are watching another movie. The first scene we watched was about when Alexander tamed his horse Bucephalus. The horse was afraid of his shadow and Alexander taught it how to ride without seeing his shadow. The next scene is where Alexander and his men prepare for battle. Then they show the battle scene where they battled the Persians. It was a very gruesome battle, one of the worst Alexander has ever been in.

Today's class and notes 4/14/11

Socrates:

• He was critizied by the Athenians: head was too big, eye weretoo large, etc
• He walked barefoot, clad only in a ditry robe
• did not care about appearance, only the mind
• looking for a revolution
• People took the gods out of the objects and replaced them with reason
• Birth of Science
• first great greek scientist: Thalese: could figure out the height of almost anything
• Thalese wrote the first book about how to sail at night using the stars
• Socrates created a new way of thinking, using reason to decipher people
• spent his days in conversation, talking and debating with anyone who would talk
• He says things like: My eyes are more beautiful because they bulge out so I can see better
• Socrates said that you should base your knowledge on what you think is right and wrong
• The unexamined life is not worth living
• The Plague in Athens
• would kill many people
• the population was so crowded behind the wall, that it spread like wild fire
• somewhere between 1/3 and 2/3 of the population died
• Pericles also died from the Plague in 429 BC
• Athens now faced the potential to go into mob rule
• After Pericles death, Athens never had a leader with an actual plan to better the city or to help them
• Over 50,000 men were either captured or killed in the war with Sparta and Sicily
• Socrates was arrested on charges of undermining the state relogion
• he constantly questioned the city's policys
• Was to be killed with deat hby hemlock (poisonous plant)
• Was never upset or angry or scared of facing death. Was always calm
• Socrates believed man should question the world around him
• He died for his principles

Today in class we watched the rest of the Ancient Greece movie. These are my notes.

Alexander the Great's Conquests

• Where did he die?
• Babylon
• He is known as what?
• The greatest leader of all time
• What was his horse's name?
• Bucephalus

Grade: 99


Homer

• When did he live?
• around 8th century BC
• What is he known most for?
• The Illiad and the Odyssey
• Some people belive he wasn't what?
• Real

Grade: 98

Today's class and questions 4/11/11

Battles and Wars

• Why was the Phalanx maneuver good?
• It created a wall of shields
• Hoplites were usually what?
• citizen soldiers
• In the battle of Marathon, who won against who?
• Athens beat the Persians

Grade: 100

Trial of Socrates

• What did he teach to his students?
• that the earth was not the center of the universe
• Socrates explained that the season don't what?
• The season don't change because of the gods
• Why did he die?
• He was accused of blasphemy

Grade: 99

Greek Drama

• What were spoken before the chorus?
• Prolouge
• Who was the writer of the first comedys?
• Aristophanes
• Who played all roles?
• Men

Grade 98


Poetry

• What type of poetry was read to the public with lyrics being made up on spot?
• Oral Composition
• Who was the greatest female poet?
• Sappho
• The Greeks did what with their poems?
• memorized them

Grade: 98


The Golden Age/ The Age Of Pericles

• He was born a what which is a symbol of greatness?
• A Lion
• Who never got an education?
• girls
• Who wrote most of Pericles speeches?
• Aspasia

Grade: 100

Greek Architecture

• What style was used to build the Parthenon?
• Doric Style
• Which style was hardly ever used?
• Corinthian Style
• What was the third style of srchitecture?
• Ionic Style

Grade: 100

today's class 4/7/11

Math and Science

• Who invented Geometry?
• Euclid
• Who discovered pie?
• Pythagoras
• Who disocvered the circumfrence of the earth?
• Eratosthenes

Grade: 98

(*every thing in the world can be proved with science, math, and reason*)


Alexander's Youth

• Who was his tutor?
• Aristotle
• What was his horse's name?
• Beucephalus
• How old was he when he died?
• at 33

Grade: 100


The Parthenon

• Who was it built by?
• Pericles
• Who is it dedicated to?
• the godess Athena
• How many columns does it have?
• 46 outside

Grade: 100


Philosophers

• Who were the three main philopsophers
• Aristolte, Plato, and Socrates
• What did Aristotle focus on?
• Western philosophy
• What was the method of quetions and answers method that Socrates invented?
• Socratic method

Grade: 100

Todays class and 3 questions

Greek Art:

• Whats was the most respected form of art in ancient Greece?
• Painting
• What order was named after the city of Corinth?
• Corinthian Order
• Waht order was the Parthenon built in?
• Doric Order

Grade: 99


The Olympics

• The Games were held in honor of what Greek god?
• Zeus
• How long did the Games last?
• 5 days
• Only free men who spoke what could participate?
• Greek

Grade: 98

Today's class 4/4/11

Today in class we had a presentation. It was on the Peloponnesian war. Caitlin made cupcakes for us to eat! Tasha also made a cake that we ate, but she didn't get to present because we were short on time. She'll go Wednesday. Both treats were really good as well as the presentation!!

Project notes 4/4/11

Peloponnesian War:

• How long did the war last?
• 24 years
• 27 years (right answer)
• 30 years
• 40 years
• Why did Athens lose the war?
• the Plauge
• Who was the war between?
• Athens and Sparta

Today's class 3/24/11

Today in western civ class we reviewed our tests from yesterday, which I ended up getting a 100 on. I am so happy!! We then picked our topics for our projects which are due the day we get back from break. My topic is the Hellenic period. I am hoping that I will do well on this assignment. My topic seems somewhat interesting, if you like sculptures.

Today's class 3/23/11

Today in western civ we took a test on Greece. It was so easy! I'm pretty sure I got an A. I can't wait to watch more of the movie tomorrow, but it seems so long! How many more days is it going to take to finish it??

Today's class 3/21/11

Today in western civ class we watched even more of the movie; The Greeks: Cruicable of Civilization. We talked mainly about a man named Pericles. He brought great wealth to Athens, such as buidling the Parthenon. During his rein, the Greeks also built outdoor theatres, and introduced plays. There were two types: tragedy and comedy. We stopped the movie right before Pericles starts a war with the Spartans, called the Pelopennesian War.

Notes on the movie 3/21/11

Pericles

• started out as an  aristocrat
• not a democrat
• born into one of Athen's most elite families
• had in mind to create a city fit to rule an empire
• Parthenon - a temple to Athena, and astonishing building; most beautiful building ever built then
• would require 20 thousand tons of marble to build
• building was completed in only 15 years
• was and still is the most glorious symbol of Athens
• Pericles treated this as his own personal project

• His partner: Aspasia
• hetira - Greek for a companion
• caused a scandal in Athens, because Perciles actually treated her with equality
• television, cinema, theatre started here.
• Home of the greatest ancient theatre:
• the Greeks invented dramas
• the Greek's invented theatre
• noisy
• sometimes performed in masks
• tragedy and comedy
• oedipus, agamemnon, and many others were plays held there

Sparta and Athens

• Sparta was the only other state tat compared to Athens
• victory over Sparta would declare Athens as ruler of the Mediterranean
• huberous - excessive pride, thinking you can do anything
• Pericles
• He knew this would not be an easy war to win

Today's class 3/18/11

Today in western civ we watched more of the movie and took more notes. My notes are in the previous post. We talked mainly about a man name Themisticles. He defeated the Persians in a war fought in the sea between Salamis ans Athens. Mr. Schick also gave us cookies today too.

Notes on Ancient Greece 3/18/11

Themistecles

• a common athenian
• the savior of his city
• he alone recognized that the Persians could still be a threat
• created the most advanced piece of technology: Trirem
• a complex boat (missle)
• lethal, could take out a whole ship
• expensive
• Athenians found some extra wealth and wanted to give it to everyone
• Themistelces wanted to spend it on ships
• Themistecles wanted to built the biggest army and naval fleet
• Darrius died, his son Xerxes took over
• Xerxes wanted to burn Athens to the ground
• began consrtucting troops
• from every corner of his empire
• nearly 2 million men
• In the spring of 480 BC, news reached Athens that Persia was going to invade Athens
• Greeks went to see the oracle of Delfy
• she communicates directly to the gods
• Apithia, the priestess, who spoke with the voice of Apollo
• The oracle said that they were doomed and to run
• Themistecles ordered for the evacuation of Athens for the first time, to the village of Troystan
• All men were to board ships
• Salamis - a city off the coast of Greece
• Themistecles wanted the Persians to fight with him in the area between Salamis and Athens
• Themistecles sends someone into the Persian camp and to pretend that he is a traitor
• they are all scared, you can go in an crush them. if you go in tonight, you will be able to defeat them
• The Greeks had lored the Persians into the straight so far that they had no room to menuver
• The Greeks had won the war, and the Persians had lost 200 fleets
• the Delian League, Athen's empire
• Athens also gained economic power after their win with Persia

Today's class and homework 3/17/11

Today in class we watched more of the movie and we took some more notes. My notes are listed in the previous blog post, and this is my homework:

Vocab

1. Tyrant - any person of authority who exercises power oppressively or despotically
2. Hoplite - a heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece
3. Democracy - a state society characterized by formal equal rights and privileges
4. Agora - a popular political assembly
5. Acropolis - the citadel or height fortified area of an snceint Greek city
6. Arisotcracy - a class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, especially the hereditary nobility

People

1. Homer - was the author of the Illiad and the Odyssey. He was one of the greatest ancient Greek poets and had an enormous influence on the literature back then. His poems were mostly likely some of the first literature ever written.
2. Cleisthenes - was a noble Athenian, who is responsible for setting ancient Athens into a democratic system. Often referred to as the "Father of democracy."
3. Darrius - "Darrius the great." He was the ruler of the Persian empire, and he organized the empire by dividing it into provinces. Led the Persian empire to war with the Greeks, but the Greeks won the war
4. Pisistratos - was a popular ruler, lowering taxes and offering loans to people who needed them. He also helped the poor and disabled. The reason he was ruler of Athens was because he tricked people into believing he had the goddess Athena with him so that the people would make him the ruler.
5. Isagorus - was an Athenian aristocrat. After Hippias was overthrown, he and Cleisthenes battle for power. He requested help from the Spartan King and then after banning Cleisthenes from Athens, was overthrown by the people.
6. Hippias - was the son of Pisistratos, and after his borhter was murdered, he brutally killed his murderers and tourtured one of their wives. He became paranoid of people and took most of their rights away.
7. Pheidippides - a hero of Ancient Greece. He was considered to have inspired the first marathon. He ran and extremely long distance, 140 miles.

Notes on the greek movie 3/17/11

• Hippias
• 514 BC, his brother was murdered
• He brutally murdered his brother's murders and creuly tourtured one of their wives
• became paranoid, taking away people's rights, and ordered executions
• thought his greatest enemy were the aristocrats
• Cleisthenese took his first big step and overthrow Hippias
• 510 BC and Cleisthenese was one of the most powerful beings in Athens
• Olympia
• Men across the Greeks world would come here every 4 years to test their strengths and abilities
• the games roots go back to the heores of mythology
• as amny as 40 thousand greeks would gather for the games
• Isagaros
• an athenian aristocrat
• he enlisted the help of his Spartan friends, since he knew he could not gain power alone
• rumored was he shared his wife with a Spartan king
• Revolution of the people
• the common Athenians rebelled against the new leader, Isagaros
• He held out for 2 days and then surrendered
• Athens first step to an empire
• Cleisthenese
• had a meeting place carved out of a rock
• place where the Athenian people discussed their government
• Agora
• simple, white pebble for yes and black pebble for no
• system of governemnt called democracy
• a system of goverment that would change this small city state
• 490 BC, 4 years after foudning democracy
• Pheideppedes
• ran the first marathon
• not for glory but for survival
• his homeland was about to be taken over by the Persian empire
• early 5th century BC the Persian empire was the biggest
• the tiny state of demcoratic Athens was gaining power and the Persian empire felt the need to destroy them
• learder was Darrius (Persian empire)
• Greeks emphasise freedom, and the Persians emphazied obedience
• every male citizens was to protect their state
• Hoplite - closest thing to military
• Pheideppedes ran 140 miles in 40 days
• other version 26 miles
• slaughtered over 6 thousand Persians in one day in the war
• Greeks won the war
• Themistoclese
• fought on the battlefield at marathon
• risen through power of demcracy

Today's class 3/16/11

Today in western civ class, we reviewed the most important points from the video we have been watching, The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization. Some of the things we talked about were, Cleisthenese, where he came from and that he was an aristocrat, when Pisistratus took over Athens, how Athens prospered then, and also about Homer and his two stories: the Illiad and the Odyssey.

Movie Notes 3/16/11

• 508 BC, the people revolted against their government
• Cleisthenes
• 570 BC Cleisthenes was born
• aristocrat - greeks word for member of the ruling class, had wealth
• town was built around the acropolis - big outcropping of rock
• common athenians were mostly middle-class
• followed under aristocratic rule
• it was impossible for one ruler to dominate this fragmented places
• divided into city states
• because they were separated by all these mts., all of Greece was not united
• competed for trade dollars, claimed war on eachother
• rivals (especialyl Athens and Sparta)
• one city-state with military power
• Sparta
• brought up from birth to be soldiers
• lives structred around discipline and war
• brought up to put up with anything
• Cleisthenes was always one to be powered by a dream
• bards sang stories of ancient heroes
• Homer wrote the Illiad and the Odyssey
• Odyessey is the story of Odysseus and his journey back home over 10 years
• tyrant
• Pisistratus- excellent polition, Cleisthenes's brother-in-law
• turned to the common athenians for support
• treating the regular people really well
• cuts taxes on people
• lent them money, if they wanted to grow anything themselves

Today's class 3/14/11

Today Mr Schick was back in class after he had been gone because of senior retreat. We took some breif notes about the movie and then continued on to take a lot of detailed notes about Greece. My notes are in the previous blog post. They include things like the geography, Mycenaeans, and some of the Ancient Greek beliefs.

Notes for today 3/14/11

The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization

• Def:
  A place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces http://www.answers.com/topic/crucible#ixzz1GaOl6f5i

Clysteneese

• born an aristocrat
• even though he could of acted to keep all the power of an aristocrat, he reformed the government and was considered "the father of Athenian democracy"
• was always inspired by the Greek stories (700s - didnt write much down, any stories were told orally)

Geogrpahy

• mountainous peninsula
• mountians cover 3 quarters of greece
• Approximately 1,400 islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas
• Location shaped its culture
• skilled sailors
• poor natural resources
• difficult to unite the ancient Greeks because of the terrain; developed small, independant communities
• Approxiamtely 20% was suitable for farming
• fertile valleys coiver 1/4th of it
• becuase of geography the greek diet consists of grains, grapes, olives
• lack of resources most likely led to Greek colinization
• temps. range from 48 in the winter to 80 in the summer
• made people, active and competetive

Mycenaeans

• Began around 2000 BC
• Mycenae is located on a rocky ridge and protected by a 20 ft. thick wall
• Mycenaean kings dominated Greece from 1600-1200 BC
• controlled trade in the region
• 1400 BC Mycenaeans invaded Crete and absorbed Minoan culture and language
• aroun 1200 BC sea people began to invade Mycenae and burnt palace after palace
• The Dorians moved int othe war-torn region
• far less advanced
• economy collapsed
• writing disappeared for 400 years

Homer and Myths

• only stories were kept and passed on by word of mouth
• Homer lived at the end of the "Greek Dark Ages", probably blind
• Recorded stories of the Trojan War in the Illiad and the Odyssey (written 750-700 BC)
• trojan war was probably one of the last conquets of the Mycenaeans

Greek Concepts

• Arete
• virtue and excellence
• Epics
• narrative poems celebrating heroic deeds
• Myths were created to explain creation
• Zeus - leader of the gods
• Hera - Zeus' wife
• Athena - goddess of wisdom

Todays class 3/11/11

Today in western civ class we watched a movie about ancient Greece. We had a sub today because Mr Schick went on the senior retreat. He told us to take notes on the movie, and my notes are listed in the previous blog post. Also a huge earthquake caused a tsunami to hit Japan, causing major damage. It is also forced the huge wave to go towards Hawaii andthe coast of the US, mostly in LA and more of California cost.

Notes on Ancient Greece 3/11/11

Clysteneese

• would set his fellow Greeks on the path to an empire
• born around 570 BC
• from Early on he had been taught that he was an aristocrat, Greek
• Athens was built around the acropolis
• reading and writing was a rare skill, no science and medicine, and life expectancy was around 15 yrs
• common athenians were ruled under the aristocrats

Physical world of Greece

• too many mts.
• not really associated with the impearial world
• off the3 coast was tiny little islands
• all cities divided into little City-States
• Corinth
• Clysteneese-Athens
• On city state with military power
• Sparta
• taught from a very early age to fight, taken from families
• life striped of comforts
• wore red, so that blood could not be seen
• ruthless expansionists
• Clysteneese has always been a great invionist

Mythology

• travleing bargs told stories to anyone who would lay
• Most famous
• the Illiad
• and the Odyssey
• Greek heroes, determined to seek victory at all costs
• Model of a great hero was what Clysteneese was brought up to follow
• Clysteneese was not the only one to take the tales of the hero to heart
• One man seized the cities
• Woman he claimed, was Athena
• was actually Clysteneese's brother-in-law
• Pisistrotus
• With the rise of Pisistrotus, the land prospered. Through olive production, they were able to make  trades out of it and even trade out of the city, to even Egypt
• Athen's greatest prosperity
• the Vase and artists. Artists were not highly regarded
• These Athenians painters created a new, never beofre seen style
• Pisistrotus rule did not last long
• His son Hippias took over
• followed in his dad's footsteps
• Athenians soon discovered tyranny
• Hippias's brother was murdered
• He not only killed the men who killed his brother, but tourtured one of their wives to death
• Clystennese decided to take his first gamble, over-throwing Hippias
• he assembled a small army to overthrow the tyrant
• 501 BC nad Clystennes was now the most powerful man

Oympia

• once every four years, men gathered to test their abilities
• ancestor of modern olympics
• anyone could participate
• competitions based on the heroic stories
• now real prize, just a wreath and nationwide fame
• 40,000 greeks would gather for the games

Isagarus

• most powerful aristocrat conspiring against Clystennes
• went to the Spartans to betray his country
• Spartans accepted
• first targets were the other aristocrats, Clystennese most of all
• all houses were cast out

Athens

• the people of athens took their destiny into their own hands
• they rose up in revolution
• Isagarus held out for two days, and then surrenderd
• first steps to empire
• people were taking a say
• they turned to one man: Clystennese
• He was asked to build the gorvernment
• he has a secret meeting place built, were the whole city would gather, and people could have a say in the government
• insittuded the rule of the people: white stone for yes, and black for no (vote)
• gathered every 9 days: from the raising of taxes to the bulding of roads,  the price of figs to the declaration of war

Today's class 3/10/11

Today in western civ we went over the slide presentations we were assigned to do last night. They were about a story we are reading, which is about ancient greece. There we many different topics such as Barbarians, Xerxes, Spartans, and the Battle of Thermopolyese. Mr. Schick skipped me though.....I will most likely go Monday. Tomorrow we are going to have  a sub, and watch a move. We have to take notes on it, and post them to our blogs. Have fun on the senior retreat!

Today's class 3/9/11

Today in western civ class we started a new lesson, Ancient Greece. Mr. Schick read to us out of a book, about things like Athens, Sparta, and famous heroes. We talked especially about a bridge made from just ships and a rope that was a foot thick. It was designed to let at least 1000 men cross it to the other side of the river, which was about a mile wide. Then we started on our class-wide project on making a slide in a googles docs, about different things about Ancient Greece. My topic was the Peloponnesian war, which is pretty cool.

Today's class 3/7/11

Today in western civilization we took our test on Ancient Egypt. I thought it was pretty easy, and I am pretty sure I got an A on it. I wonder what we are going to start next, something new? Or are we going to continue with more Egypt? Either way I don't mind, just so long as it is interesting, not that it isn't all the time. Maybe we could study some of feudal Japan or I would love to study mythology and Ancient Greece.

Today's class 3/4/11

Today in western civ class we discussed some more notes, but this time on Modern Egypt. We talked about things like their geography, their religions and languages, and their government as well. Our test on Egypt is on Monday, I hope everyone does well!

Notes on Modern Egypt 3/4/11

Modern Egypt

• tourism
• agricultue
• cotton
• Cairo is a metropolitan area, big tourist site
• like New York
• Dam controls the floofing of the Nile
• * Akhet, Peret, Shomu *
• 79 million people - biggest population of Middle East
• Official language - Arabic
• Relgion- 90% Muslim, most of the rest are Christian
• major conflicts (12th worst in religious violence, and 5th worst for religious freedom)
• recenly had a revolution - Hosni Mubarak  was kicked out of office, in 2011. (this year)
• * Gamal Nasser, Anwar Sadat, and Hosni Mubarak *
• Sadat made alliance with US - was killed by his own people by a radical hate group
• Gamal made alliances with the Soviet Union
• Now ruled by a military junta, military is running things.
• elections will be held in 6 months
• Lybia *

Today's class 3/3/11

Today in western civ class we reviewed yesterdays notes on Ancient Egypt. We also went through more notes from the prezi. Our quiz will be next week. The notes I took are in the previous post.

Notes on Egypt Quiz 2

Scribes

• wrote in heiroglyphs and heiratics
• heiratics are the alphabet and heiroglyphs are like words

Soldiers

• used wooden weapons (bows&arrows, spears) w/ bronze tips and might ride a chariot

Priests and etc

• known as the white kilt class. priests, physicians, engineers. upper class

Pharaoh

• religious and political leaders
• had contact directly with the gods
• titles : Lord of the twon lands and High Priest of every Temple
• numbers 1 in the land
• ruler of upper and lower Egypt, owned all land, collected taxes, and defended Egypt against foreigners
• Hatshepsut was a woman who served as pharaoh; didnt happen often
• women had pretty descent rights
• Cleopatra VII also served as pharoh, but much later (51-30 BC) more on her when we study Greece

Today's class 3/2/11

Today in western civ class we discussed our upcoming Ancient Egypt quiz. some of the things we talked about were their daily ife, the pyramids, and georgaphy. My notes are listed in the previous blog post.

Notes on Egypt Quiz

Geography

• Egyptian life is centered around the Nile
• Nile used for water for drinking, irrigaitng, and for bathing, and transportation
• first people to ever make a sail and use them
• ever July the Nile floods
• every October it leaves behnd rich soil
• managing the river rquired technological breakthroughs in irigation
• first people to figure out the calendar
• the delta is a broad marshy triangular area of fertile soil

Daily life

• Socila Strata
• Slaves and servants = helped the wealthy: household chores etc
• Farmers - grains, lentils, barley, onions
• Artisans - crafters, carve statues and reliefs showing military battles and heroic deeds, and their leaders
• Merchants - money/barter system was used, might accept grain as payment. later coinage came about
• Scribes - kept records, told sotries, wrote poetry, described anatomy and medical treatments.
• wrote with hieroglyphics and hieratic
• Soldiers
• Government Officials - Nobles, Priests
• Pharoh

Pyramids

• The Great Sphinx of Giza
• a recumbant lion with a human's head
• oldest monumental statue in the world

Today's class 2/28/11

It is the last day of February. I can't wait till spring and warm weather! So today in western civ class we reviewed an old test for Paupua New Guinea and Guns, Germs, and Steel. Mr. Schick told us that we will mostly likely see these questions again when the exam comes up in June. He let us keep the test papers and we circled the correct answers, so it was kind of like a study guide for the upcoming exam. We also discovered that Lauren was part zebra. Wednesday we are starting up our Egypt studies again.

Today's class 2/25/11

Today in western civ class we had our big Skype chat with Sarah, from Egypt.  It was so exciting! I’m really glad we got the chance to talk to her, and she gave us some very insightful information.  It would be really cool, if next time we got to see her, instead of just talking. It was kind of awkward with her being able to see us, but us not seeing her. Everyone’s questions were really great too!  I am very pleased with the way things went today, and I have to say it kind of made my day : )

Today's class 2/24/11

Today in western civ class, we heard Vinny's rap, and discussed more thoroughly what has happened currently in Egypt. We also talked about the video chat with Sarah tomorrow, I really hope it works! For homework we were told to come up with 10 questions to ask her. These are mine:

1. How do you feel about this revolution personally?
2. Do you know anyone who has been taken from the regime?
3. What inspired you to take get involved  in this?
4. How many riots did you go to?
5. What was it like during the protests?
6. Were you a part of the April 6 movement?

7. What do you think about what is going on in Libya right now?

8. Are you seeing a lot of people from Libya coming over into Egypt?
9. What's happening now in Egypt?
10. What is happening with elections?

Today's class 2/23/11

Today in western civ class we presented a few of the egyptian raps. They were really good! Ours was really funny. I can't wait to hear more of them. We also took a look at a website on Mr. Schick's blog. It was about a woman named Gigi, and her "revolution" in her family. She was trying to convince her family that Mubarak being overthrown was a good thing, and should be celebrated. We also talked about possibly getting a video call with one of Mr. Shick's friends from Egypt. I am so excited for that!! It's going to be extremely interesting!

My Egyptian rap lyrics

Today were singing an ancient Egypt rhyme

It is gunna take all you people go back in time

Ancient Egypt is a place with pyramids and things

They hold shiny jewelry and old dead kings

These pyramids are houses of eternity

With hidden trap doors for added security

Twenty years in the making

Pyramid at Giza the seventh wonder remaining

Pharaohs were people that ruled the land

They had servants that answered every command

King Tut, Khufu, and Cleopatra

Lived their lives like a soap opera

Murder, betrayal, and wealth

Pharaohs were not always in good health

Hieroglyphics are how they write

To do this they had to be bright

The people who write these are called scribes

They were the people who always inscribe

Hieroglyphics use figures like animals and people

This is the way they try and make it simple

As we come back to reality

We know it’s not the best quality

But we tried with all sincerity

To honor the traditions of this great society

Today's class 2/18/11

Today in Western Civ class we went to a site where you build a pyramid. It was so hard, and it took everyone a million tries to do. I finally got it after about five tries. It was awful. Then for weekend homework, Mr. Schick assigned to us that we make a rap or song of some sort about Egypt. Our group is pretty big. I have no idea how we are going to do this but we'll try.

Today's class 2/17/11

Today in western civ class we worked on our powerpoints on ancient egypt some more. Then we presented a few of them. My group and another group went today. I'm pretty sure we will continue these tomorrow.  Mr. Schick also shared with us that his daughter has lyme-meningitis. I feel so bad for their family and I hope that she gets better soon!

Todays western civ class 2/16/11

Today in western civ class, Mr. Schick wasn't there today. We had a sub. We were told to work on putting together a powerpoint, prezi, etc. on the notes we took this week on Ancient Egypt. Also, we had to work with people that were not in our group previously this week. I was working with Brad and Olivia. We got alot acomplished today. I think out powepoint turned out very good. Altogether it was a pretty slow day today in class. It was interesting to see who worked with who today, considering that fact that we could not work with people who were already in our group.

Today's class 2/14/11

Today in western civ class we worked some more on our notes for Ancient Egypt. My group ha finished so we had no work to do. From the notes we took, I found out a lot of info that i didn't know, about the hieroglyphs. Like I said in an earlier post, I can't wait to study the mummies and pyramids. The hieroglyphics look cool too. On another note, currently in Egypt, the Egyptian miliatary has been meeting with the protest leaders to find out what they want. They also found out that Mubarak has taken billions of dollars from the Egyptians and people are looking for the money to seize it.

Notes on the Pyramids and Hieroglyphics

HIEROGLYPHICS:

·  formal writing system used by ancient Egypt

·  use figures like animals, objects, and people

·  logographic and alphabetic elements

·  they represent real or illusion elements 

·  it is read alone of its visual characteristics

·  mostly written on papyrus paper or on the Pyramids

·  hieroglyphs means "Writing Words of God"

·  before they were used to write on pyramids they used them for recording something like a census

·  use a rebus-pictures are used according to the way they sound

·  ex. i believe -"eye, a bee, and a leaf"

·  the people who write them are called scribes

·  3 types

o ideogram-a picture used to symbolize an abstract idea 

o phonogram-a picture whose name is close to the desired sound

o pictograph-a drawing of the literal word

·  first written language for ancient Egypt

·  over 2,000 different symbols 

THE PYRAMIDS:

• Ancient Egypt was actually located in North Africa.
• About 80 pyramids in Ancient Egypt
• Built as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens

·         The pharaohs usually referred to them as their “House of eternity”

o   Began planning their houses of eternity as soon as they took the throne

·         All sides of the pyramids were to face directly north, south, east, and west

·         Large stones were cut from quarries and used to build the pyramids

·         Most of the workers were farmers who worked during the flood season, when their fields were under water.

·         Four main chambers:

o   King’s chamber

o   Grand Gallery – leads from ascending passage to the king’s chamber

o   Queen’s chamber- not actually meant for the queen to be buried there, possible used as a place to store the king’s funerary objects

o   Underground chamber – almost like a trick chamber, many different views on what this tomb was used for