Ancient Greece

One of our homework assigment this week was a reading from Peter Stearns about the syncretism of Egypt and the Middle East's ideas into Greece. It just so happens, that the most ideas distinguishing Greece from the other societies was actually "borrowed" and modified from the ancient river-valley civilizations. First, the Greece alphabet seems to have modified the Egyptian civilization's. Crete blended Middle Eastern influences, such as it's language, writing materials, symbols, technology such as chariots and spears. Since Greece's geography lacked important natural resources, trade was necessary. But also, since Greece's geography was pretty much the same all around the country, it made trade and communication better so obtaining the raw materials weren't as hard. The sea was it's ultimate source for trade. But what distinguishes Greece from other societies is the types of arts, , statues and the city structures. (acropolis, monuments from the Age of Pericles, etc....)

The Syncretism of Buddhism

Through all of the obstacles, Buddhism has managed it's way into being accepted in China, then Korea, and lastly Japan. In China, the missionary Fotudeng, miraculously healed people and held programs for bringing people under the influence of Buddhism, where many worshiped the Buddha. However, some believed that the Buddha was a barbarian and that his teaching is against the taking of life. Without capital punishment, there would be no stability and order. However Fotudeng was cleverly able to respond to any question that sprung up about Buddhism. In Korea, Buddhism came through government and political officials. After the death of a secretary who was for Buddhism and when these geographic changes began to occur, the king and his officials took an oath to worship the Buddha and revere the clergy. However before, Korea didn't accept Buddhism because they thought it was the cause for the crops being scarce, and the people being restless. In Japan, Buddhism came through trade routes and from monks that traveled there. However, because of the disease spreading when Buddhism was accepted, they lost respect for the Buddha and abandoned his teachings. But since amazed at the site of another miraculous event where there was a shining camphor-wood floating on the surface of the sea where Buddhist chants were heard, they believed in the power of the Buddha.

All of these countries applied Buddhism to their lifestyles and were all influenced by the miraculous events that took place in Buddhism. However, the classes of people who taught Buddhism and the ways the philosophy was enforced were different. Overall, the spread of Buddhism in East Asia seemed to be voluntary conversion because the people, or kings I should say, chose to spread Buddhism or not and they weren't under much pressure. Buddhism just manages to spread first in China, then Korea, and lastly Japan and this particular order is because of it's geography.

Global Warming: Start of a New Revolution?

Way back during the Neolithic Revolution, we had development farming, and began living a sedentary way of life, that was a major change to our lifestyles. Now, we encounter Global Warming. Is this enough to change the coarse of our lives and start a new revolution? There's a good chance, however not at the moment. But in terms of the next century or centuries, you can count on it. With unpredictable weather, and population densities getting higher each day, our sendentary way of life can go back to a nomadic lifestyle. Because of weather, and very limited space, evacuations everywhere may need to be set and people may not be able to settle because of the harsh weather. :(

On the bright side, within the next century, many other things are possible. For example, scientists may develop a new type of spacecraft that can take us to another planet that can support life. After all, there are numerous planets out there that we don't know about and our science is getting advanced as time progresses. It was only 38 years ago that the first man stepped on the moon! Also, back on earth, we are taking steps to reduce global warming. For example, in Southern California, they're thinking of moving companies closer to where their workers live to reduce high traffic that can cause choking pollution, and control paint content and other solvents to reduce air pollution. :)

BeSt BoOk I'vE ReAd tHiS sUmMeR!!!

Does History Matter?

History is the explanation of basically everything that is happening now! Without studying history, we'll lose track of the important events that summed up the past and the most detailed pieces of facts that provided us evidence of how one event led to the next. Then we'll develop those questions we really hate, when we really want to know something but there's just not enough information to finish things through. We are very lucky to know and learn more about our history. You never really know what you've got till it's gone!

WeLcOmE tO mY SiTe!!!

Hi all! It's Nina and welcome to my AP World History Lab Site!!! I enjoy history because it is exciting to learn about the past which explains how we came to be. Every class, I get to learn something new. Feel free to explore the site! Enjoy! :)