Chapter 16 deals with the continued struggle, domination and emergence of the world's religions and the impact of science.
Two items of particular note for me were:
Religion:
Emergence of the Protestant arm of Christianity. Martin Luther, amongst many others, was essentially pissed off at the wealth the Catholic religion was demonstrating. Popes, bishops etc were living lavish lifestyles, which he observed was much different than their teachings. He wrote a memo stating such and had 93 statements within the memo. This spawned a new Christian arm that believed more in the determination of the meaning of the Bible by individuals not the church and its structure. This new arm spurred many new forms of Christianity including, Lutharans, Anglicans and Quakers amongst many others.
Science:
The main reason the book states that the Islamic nations didn't lead the way with modern science after their already impressive work in mathematics and astronomy is the structure. Islamic teachings were very formalized while the European schools were very anonymous. They licensed their own teachers and began their own forms of teaching and thinking. By doing this they were allowed to explore in an uninhibited environment.
See you all tomorrow.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Were the spices that good or the food that bad?
Chapter 15 deals with international commerce, which really means trading with Asia for spices, silks and other things. Now Europe didn't really have anything worth trading at the time so with the sacking of the Americas for Silver they now had something to trade.
The spices must have been awesome for the Portuguese and other European countries set up trading outpost in the Indian sea lanes which they ofter took by force. With the early withdrawal of Zheng He's naval force it was the wild West, or East in this case, and the European decided that someone would take control. Why not it be them. Essentially the Europeans took control of areas in SE Asia, E Africa and S India to establish their trading prowess.
It is odd that these goods the were seeking were in such high demand, but I guess we currently have domesticated foods and easy retrieval of anything we'd like so it is really hard to tell what worth is in a time like this.
Anyway, hopefully their food tasted much better and it was all worth it!
The spices must have been awesome for the Portuguese and other European countries set up trading outpost in the Indian sea lanes which they ofter took by force. With the early withdrawal of Zheng He's naval force it was the wild West, or East in this case, and the European decided that someone would take control. Why not it be them. Essentially the Europeans took control of areas in SE Asia, E Africa and S India to establish their trading prowess.
It is odd that these goods the were seeking were in such high demand, but I guess we currently have domesticated foods and easy retrieval of anything we'd like so it is really hard to tell what worth is in a time like this.
Anyway, hopefully their food tasted much better and it was all worth it!
Chapter 14 - colonization and the Americas
Chapter 14 is, to me, the most interesting chapter of the text as it begins to explore our country. It explains how the Native Americans were greatly affected by the European settlers and how Europe was pushed forward by this colonization.
When settlers came to the North East they brought with them many things. Among them were domesticated animals which flourished in NA due to lack of predators. They also brought disease. Apparently 90% of the Native Americans perished due to the diseases brought by the Europeans. As the Indians had no immune system built for the new problems they were in big trouble. We often hear about the cowboys killing off the Indians but his chapter suggests it was much worse from disease. I've taken some classes on Native American culture and it is a real shame to have lost most of these rich cultures.
The chapter amongst many other items references the fact that modernization and metals were brought back to the European communities which helped them advance and ward off the early dominance of the East.
Of course, a major section of the chapter deals with slavery and how blacks were looked upon differently in several countries. Blacks were basically all the same here, even mulattoes, while in other countries mulattoes that had gained land were passed off as white.
The US was divided into a few areas of rule, mainly French and English with the French controlling much of the center of the states and the English parts of Canada and the south. Spanish rule was mainly seen in the now Mexican part of NA. It seemed that the settled areas were more aligned with the controlling countries rather than ruled by them.
When settlers came to the North East they brought with them many things. Among them were domesticated animals which flourished in NA due to lack of predators. They also brought disease. Apparently 90% of the Native Americans perished due to the diseases brought by the Europeans. As the Indians had no immune system built for the new problems they were in big trouble. We often hear about the cowboys killing off the Indians but his chapter suggests it was much worse from disease. I've taken some classes on Native American culture and it is a real shame to have lost most of these rich cultures.
The chapter amongst many other items references the fact that modernization and metals were brought back to the European communities which helped them advance and ward off the early dominance of the East.
Of course, a major section of the chapter deals with slavery and how blacks were looked upon differently in several countries. Blacks were basically all the same here, even mulattoes, while in other countries mulattoes that had gained land were passed off as white.
The US was divided into a few areas of rule, mainly French and English with the French controlling much of the center of the states and the English parts of Canada and the south. Spanish rule was mainly seen in the now Mexican part of NA. It seemed that the settled areas were more aligned with the controlling countries rather than ruled by them.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Columbus and Zheng He Chapter 15
Chapter 13 covers a lot of ground, basically spanning the globe during the 15th century. The chapter is so broad I'm just going to focus on one area I thought interesting which was the stories and comparisons of Columbus and China's Zheng He.
Columbus with three small ships and 90 people began the new world of America. Following on the footsteps of the discovery of America there was the start the slave trade and the eradication of American Indians through killings and disease. The European maritime fleet went to find riches, convert folks to Christianity and expand their empires.
China's fleet and output was much different. 300 ships with 27,000 people under the leadership of a Royal eunuch Zheng He. A model of one of Zheng He's ship is in the below link. His treasure whip was over 400 feet long and had thousands of people aboard. The text says that all of Columbus' and De Gamma's ships could have fit on the deck of one of Z. He's ships. China's fleet was recalled after 30 year's due to the death of the supporting/sponsoring Emporer Yongle. The general Chinese idea was that if they needed something someone would bring it to them.
I wonder what modern society would be like if the Chinese fleet went beyond their local area with an intent on colonization and discovery? I have a feeling that with the armada the size it was they might have amassed much of the western world had they chosen to.
http://image.ec21.com/image/hfshipm/oimg_GC00776624_CA00879566/ZhengHe.jpg
See you all Monday
Columbus with three small ships and 90 people began the new world of America. Following on the footsteps of the discovery of America there was the start the slave trade and the eradication of American Indians through killings and disease. The European maritime fleet went to find riches, convert folks to Christianity and expand their empires.
China's fleet and output was much different. 300 ships with 27,000 people under the leadership of a Royal eunuch Zheng He. A model of one of Zheng He's ship is in the below link. His treasure whip was over 400 feet long and had thousands of people aboard. The text says that all of Columbus' and De Gamma's ships could have fit on the deck of one of Z. He's ships. China's fleet was recalled after 30 year's due to the death of the supporting/sponsoring Emporer Yongle. The general Chinese idea was that if they needed something someone would bring it to them.
I wonder what modern society would be like if the Chinese fleet went beyond their local area with an intent on colonization and discovery? I have a feeling that with the armada the size it was they might have amassed much of the western world had they chosen to.
http://image.ec21.com/image/hfshipm/oimg_GC00776624_CA00879566/ZhengHe.jpg
See you all Monday
Nomadic Pastoralism - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLgg9KotKfg
I found this video on YouTube on the last nomadic pastoralist group. They are called the Rabari and are from Northern India. This tribe isn't identified but does demonstrate the lifestyle. I don't know how much has changed over the years as they seem a bit underdeveloped themselves. About minute 6 a women is making a carrying cradle for baby sheep and goats atop a camel, what a trip.
It seems like such a hard lifestyle. The picture on page 341 of the text shows a Masai woman bending over to milk her goat with a child on her back, ouch!
The pastoralists seem to be one the main vehicles for the transfer of Islam. While many educated merchants spoke Arabic and were Muslim others were attracted to their lifestyle and wanted to be able to trade better with them. Anywho, this seem s to follow many of the paths shown in the book regarding the growth of Islam.
On the other hand were the warring tribes. It appears that there were many fighting tribes who were united by Khan. The Mongols, seemingly the most advanced pastoralist group were a bunch of serious fighters. Khan fought at the forefront of battle and said that if people submit to them they will be spared, but if they resist they, their children and dependents will all be massacred. Khan had amassed an enormous empire and the group was quite wealthy from all of its takings. He had conquered East to China, North to Russia and West to Baghdad.
One more chapter, weeeheeeeeeeeeeee
It seems like such a hard lifestyle. The picture on page 341 of the text shows a Masai woman bending over to milk her goat with a child on her back, ouch!
The pastoralists seem to be one the main vehicles for the transfer of Islam. While many educated merchants spoke Arabic and were Muslim others were attracted to their lifestyle and wanted to be able to trade better with them. Anywho, this seem s to follow many of the paths shown in the book regarding the growth of Islam.
On the other hand were the warring tribes. It appears that there were many fighting tribes who were united by Khan. The Mongols, seemingly the most advanced pastoralist group were a bunch of serious fighters. Khan fought at the forefront of battle and said that if people submit to them they will be spared, but if they resist they, their children and dependents will all be massacred. Khan had amassed an enormous empire and the group was quite wealthy from all of its takings. He had conquered East to China, North to Russia and West to Baghdad.
One more chapter, weeeheeeeeeeeeeee
The Kaaba - http://caravanofdreams.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/kaaba2.jpg
Chapter 11 deals with the emergence of Islam.
I posted a link which points to the Kaaba (the word none of us could remember during class). The Kaaba is the giant cube in Mecca. In the days preceding Muhammad the Kaaba contained over three hundred images of religious icons. Once Mohammed's rule took Mecca it was replaced by one.
As described in the book, prayers in Islam were originally pointed towards Jerusalem, this direction was later modified and all prayers point towards Mecca now.
Muhammad was born in Mecca and like Buddha and Jesus we went on a sort of sabbatical where he gained his insight. His teachings were much different than Jesus who worked in concert with the State, he was the State. There was no distinction between religion and law, all was based on the religious law which crossed countries and nationalities.
This belief system spread throughout the Middle East and Asia and currently contains 22% of the world's population.
I posted a link which points to the Kaaba (the word none of us could remember during class). The Kaaba is the giant cube in Mecca. In the days preceding Muhammad the Kaaba contained over three hundred images of religious icons. Once Mohammed's rule took Mecca it was replaced by one.
As described in the book, prayers in Islam were originally pointed towards Jerusalem, this direction was later modified and all prayers point towards Mecca now.
Muhammad was born in Mecca and like Buddha and Jesus we went on a sort of sabbatical where he gained his insight. His teachings were much different than Jesus who worked in concert with the State, he was the State. There was no distinction between religion and law, all was based on the religious law which crossed countries and nationalities.
This belief system spread throughout the Middle East and Asia and currently contains 22% of the world's population.
Christianity vs Orthodox and the Crusades
Chapter 10 briefly describes the challenges of the Christendom third wave civilizations and their adoption/fights with religion.
Of particular note is the inter Christianity feud between the Orthodox and Roman groups. I really like that both parties had excommunicated each other and stated the others were non-believers in the right light. It is also very interesting to me that the Rus nation was searching for the correct national religion, looking to Judaism, Roman CCatholicism, Greek Orthodoxy and even Islam to find the right one before finally settling on the religion of Byzantium. The book mentions that they rejected Islam due to the outlaw of the drink and that drinking was part of their society. Maybe this is were the original Fraternity was established?
Anywho, the Crusades make what I feel is one of the most important pieces of world history. The infighting between religions has and will always be as source of contention. When the belief of fighting for for a higher cause than nationalistic ideals and death during the fight may bring one to their God there is no slowing the fight. Absolute willingness to die for your cause and gaining salvation through it is one heck of a motivator!
Of particular note is the inter Christianity feud between the Orthodox and Roman groups. I really like that both parties had excommunicated each other and stated the others were non-believers in the right light. It is also very interesting to me that the Rus nation was searching for the correct national religion, looking to Judaism, Roman CCatholicism, Greek Orthodoxy and even Islam to find the right one before finally settling on the religion of Byzantium. The book mentions that they rejected Islam due to the outlaw of the drink and that drinking was part of their society. Maybe this is were the original Fraternity was established?
Anywho, the Crusades make what I feel is one of the most important pieces of world history. The infighting between religions has and will always be as source of contention. When the belief of fighting for for a higher cause than nationalistic ideals and death during the fight may bring one to their God there is no slowing the fight. Absolute willingness to die for your cause and gaining salvation through it is one heck of a motivator!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_FYM2Y4AR4
Gang-
Check out this video on YouTube. Cut and paste it into your browser. I saw this some time ago and was shocked. It demonstrates the ancient art of foot binding in China.
This is described in chapter 9 as a way the women were kept in the houses and could complete with the concubines of the men. The chapter briefly describes how the Confucian writers began to push the idea that women should support the men become secondary citizens.
I can't help but notice through the book how women's roles changed throughout history. Plow horse harnesses and Confucianism amongst other things seem to be major contributors.
Check out this video on YouTube. Cut and paste it into your browser. I saw this some time ago and was shocked. It demonstrates the ancient art of foot binding in China.
This is described in chapter 9 as a way the women were kept in the houses and could complete with the concubines of the men. The chapter briefly describes how the Confucian writers began to push the idea that women should support the men become secondary citizens.
I can't help but notice through the book how women's roles changed throughout history. Plow horse harnesses and Confucianism amongst other things seem to be major contributors.
Trade Routes
As I'm plowing through the reading, like the rest of everyone I thought I make a comment on chapter 8 and the trade routes. I mean what a bunch of crazy bastards!
Could you even imagine grabbing a bunch of camels with your buddies and deciding it a good idea to haul across the Sahara to trade? I mean a 70 day journey across one of the worst environments in the world just doesn't sound like much fun to me. I think the original trader must have been a billionaire. Think of the sales job with your buddies..."Hey guys I've got a really cool idea. Lets grab a bunch of those big animals and our worldly wealth and head off over the big sand dunes. Odds of us making it are basically nil, but won't it be fun!"
Anyway this chapter was quite interesting to me from a renegade and exploration standpoint. The different routes: silk, sea and sand were all quite dangerous. I think the exploration performed by the early traders was on a monumental scale for the time. Some of the sea traders even used long open paddle boats to brave the open seas. The book didn't describe anything about bandits, but I'd imagine the route was covered in bad guys with all of the wealth being moved.
It surprises me that some of the route stops such as Java, southern India etc were such powerhouses at one time, I guess their 2000 year mission and vision statements weren't that strong.
Anyway I thought several short snippets on the readings might be more interesting than two longer pieces. More to come..
Could you even imagine grabbing a bunch of camels with your buddies and deciding it a good idea to haul across the Sahara to trade? I mean a 70 day journey across one of the worst environments in the world just doesn't sound like much fun to me. I think the original trader must have been a billionaire. Think of the sales job with your buddies..."Hey guys I've got a really cool idea. Lets grab a bunch of those big animals and our worldly wealth and head off over the big sand dunes. Odds of us making it are basically nil, but won't it be fun!"
Anyway this chapter was quite interesting to me from a renegade and exploration standpoint. The different routes: silk, sea and sand were all quite dangerous. I think the exploration performed by the early traders was on a monumental scale for the time. Some of the sea traders even used long open paddle boats to brave the open seas. The book didn't describe anything about bandits, but I'd imagine the route was covered in bad guys with all of the wealth being moved.
It surprises me that some of the route stops such as Java, southern India etc were such powerhouses at one time, I guess their 2000 year mission and vision statements weren't that strong.
Anyway I thought several short snippets on the readings might be more interesting than two longer pieces. More to come..
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Interesting show coming on Discovery
Saw a new show coming on June 20th to Discovery channel on the Hisotry of the World. It appears to look at ancient civilizations and move through to modern times. Many of the shots for the preview were similar ot the slides, from the Prof. I think I'll check it out. Blogging isn't so much for me but TV is!!!
Picture of Ur, Iraq
Hey all-
Found a pretty cool picture of Ur, Iraq. Not a new site but neat anyway. Check it out here:
Pretty cool picture or Ur, Iraq
Found a pretty cool picture of Ur, Iraq. Not a new site but neat anyway. Check it out here:
Pretty cool picture or Ur, Iraq
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