Postclassical India map

Chinese influence diagram

Harun al-Rashid

I think this article is a good quality source because it seems to be evenly written. It mentions some good aspects of Harun al-Rashid such as his beautiful capital of Baghdad. It also discusses how the empire crumbled under his regime. Some questions I have about Harun is whether he was respected by his subjects and other aspects of his actual rule. The Wikipedia article answers some questions but others arose because of it. To refine a Google search I would add another keyword to my search such as "Harun al-Rashid" + "rule". I believe that Harun's fame comes from the A Thousand and One Nights book that fantasizes Harun al-Rashid. Those stories evolved into more and more fantastic tales that caught the eye of popular culture because of their interesting fantasy aspects. This Wikipedia article adds to it but also warns the reader to take the info cum grano salis because of the mythical features given to Harun al-Rashid.

Benjamin of Tudela's account of Baghdad

While describing Constantinople and Baghdad, I feel that Benjamin of Tudela is unbiased. He praises both cities very much, not seeming to have a preference for either one. He had praised Constantinople for its wealth, diversity, and entertainment. Similarly, Benjamin praises Baghdad for its splendid palaces, and righteous caliphs. Because Benjamin praises both cities fairly equally and doesn't seem to have a favored city, I believe that he is an unbiased source of information.

Islam map

Italicized question pg 350

The Quran's teachings on the relationship between Allah and human beings it similar to the views of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity. The Quran teaches that if humans do good deeds, such as giving to the poor, then Allah will reward them in a different life. Zoroastrianism also focuses on doing good deeds to please Ahura Mazda. Similarly, Judaism and Christianity emphasize pleasing their respective gods by partaking in good deeds. In addition, the Quran is similar to Judaism and Christianity in that it suggests praying to please their god, unlike the teachings of Zoroastrianism.

Foltz vs. Bentley

I believe that Foltz helps to support Bentley's point that conversion can either happen through voluntary association, assimilation/syncretism, or forces/pressures. Although Foltz cites slightly different reasons for peoples' conversion to Islam, they can all fall under the broader reasons that were put forth by Bentley. For example, Foltz claims that one reason for people to convert to Islam was for "the pursuit of patronage." Because Muslims seemed to have large amounts of power, people were more tempted to convert to take advantage of this increase in influence. Conversion for the purpose of pursuing patronage can most definitely fall under Bentley's reason of voluntary association, as converts are voluntarily associate with the religion. Foltz also cites Muslim dominance of commercial activity as a reason for conversion to Islam. A businessman would see potential benefit in converting to Islam as it would increase contact with other Muslim businessman. This reason can also fall under Bentley's reason of voluntary association, which seems to enforce that every religious conversion that occurs can fit into the three categories originally presented by Bentley.

Views of Constantinople

Ibn Battuta -
I think that Ibn's view of Constantinople is neutral because he talks about both positive and negative aspects of the city. Ibn mentions good parts of Constantinople such as its enormous size, its strong wall, and its great Hagia Sophia church. However, he also talks about negative aspects of the city. He says there is a river that is dirty and that the marketplaces and the churches are filthy. I think I can trust this source because it seems for the most part to be listing facts and it doesn't seem bias as he is emphasizing positive and negative aspects.

Benjamin of Tudela -
Benjamin's view is completely positive and only focuses on the good aspects of Constantinople. He mentions that it is a prosperous city, with lots of trade going on that occurs nowhere else in the world. Benjamin repeatedly emphasizes the wealth and beauty of the city. He states that the wealth of Constantinople is unmatched and the inhabitants are well-fed and well-read. I would have doubts about fully trusting this source because he seems to be overly positive about Constantinople. He mentions no negative things about the city.

Liudprand of Cremona -
Liudprand seems to abhor Constantinople. He states that he was rudely and disrespectfully greeted by the emperor's brother. Liudprand then goes on to say that the royalty figure he was taken to was hideous, making him love and venerate his own emperors even more. He also states that the citizens are scandalous and dishonest. This view cannot be trusted because he is writing to his own emperor who might be offended if he flaunts the positive aspects of the city.

Post-Classical Era

I expect that the post-classical era is going to be about the rebuilding of all the societies that have collapsed. Each region will find new ways to rise out of chaos and reform a civilization. Trade routes will open up again and new cultures and religions will form and be spread throughout the world. The cycle of building up a civilization and having it eventually collapse will restart. I believe that the cultures, traditions, and religions that are prevalent in the post-classical era will have had a major influence on the cultures and traditions of today.

Han emperor's view on Roman Empire

Having received this letter, the Han emperor would probably see Rome as neutral, both friendly and possibly a threat. Their neutrality is clear because they haven't made any significant move to make an alliance with China, but also have not instigated any conflicts with them. Rome could possibly be seen as friendly as some of the Roman citizens claim to be from China and want to visit it. They say that they have been trying to communicate with China, showing that maybe they are reaching out a hand of peace to China. The Han emperor could also interpret this letter as meaning Rome is a threat, as they seem to be very large and very successful. The system of government seems to be effective and the Roman empire has "more than four hundred smaller cities and towns."

Silk Road Map

Silk Road map

I'm having a terrible time trying to post my Silk Road map to my blog but I'll try to figure it out. Additionally, one challenge I had with this assignment was that it was difficult to find a map that corresponded with the written description we were given. Also, different maps showed a little bit different routes so it was hard to get an accurate depiction of the road. Lastly, my drawing skills leave much to be desire so I had trouble even with this simple drawing assignment.

Image of the Roman Empire

I have a positive image of the Roman Empire based on the reading about marriage and divorce in Rome. The treatment of women in marriage and divorce is surprisingly close to equal with that of men. Compared to other ancient civilizations, women have a much more equal say in both marriage and divorce. In Ancient Rome women and men could divorce simply by stating the desire to divorce. Women who divorced their husband without a good cause would have to give up their dowry. Equally, husbands who divorced their wives without a reason would have to return her dowry. In contrast to other societies in which the families are heavily patriarchal, marriages had to have the consent of both partners, giving women a greater say in their marriage, although families still mostly arranged weddings. Also, a Roman wife was not under total control of her husband. Most wives entering a marriage remained under the control of their father, giving husbands less authority over their wives. This somewhat equality between husband and wife leads me to have great faith in the Roman Empire.

Roman Republic to Empire

The Roman transition from republic to empire took place in a series of steps. First, the Twelve Tables were written and enforced, allowing the common people to be more controlled. Despite these laws, the patricians believed they were above them and used their wealth and power to inhibit decisions or people who would undermine their power, by any means possible. In addition, Rome continues to expand and turn into a large region, with roads connecting the distant parts of it. Because of this large expansion, more conflicts arise, especially between competing classes of power. These skirmishes lead to the death of Caesar and Augustus taking over as Emperor and establishing the Roman empire. This empire lasted for a long time, suggesting that a transition from republic to empire was the right move to make.

Alexander the Great as President

I do not think that Alexander the Great would be a popular US candidate. He is a little too crazy for the public's liking. They would probably tear apart the fact that his father had many wives and would definitely not appreciate the fact that he killed his friend. They would also not like that Alexander is very much subject to his own whims, especially when he drinks, and he drinks a lot. His recklessness in invading innocent nations would not appeal to the US citizens.

King Abdullah II

I think that King Abdullah's attempt to maintain a constitutional monarchy in his country of Jordan will be successful. Although the countries surrounding Jordan have all transitioned into democracies, due to the Arab Spring, I believe that the Arab Spring will affect Jordan differently, as it has with every country. King Abdullah said that he has already changed one-third of his constitution, most likely in an attempt to pacify the Arab Spring movement. Because of this, I believe that the Arab Spring will not cause Jordan to become a democracy. Also, the people of Jordan seem happy with a constitutional monarchy and with King Abdullah as their leader. If the citizens of Jordan are content with their government, it is very unlikely that an uprising will occur to change the leadership. Once problems start arising in the government, that is when rebellions will happen.

Democracy

I think that a democracy is better suited for a smaller society. In a democracy, all citizens have a say in the major decisions in the society. In a small society, citizens will for the most part agree on certain topics and minorities in the vote will be relatively small. In a larger society, however, there will most likely be more people unhappy with the decision that is made since there will be more disagreement amongst the citizens. If lots of people are discontent with the democratic system of government, someone could attempt to overthrow this type of government and seize control as a tyrant. Since all citizens have an equal say, there is no one that really has supreme power, making it difficult to put down large coups.

Page 223 "Sources from the Past" Answer

The story from the Ashokavadana would appeal to early Buddhists, firstly, because it shows the King Ashoka prostrating himself to the Buddha and respecting Buddhist monks. This probably increased the Buddhist religion's popularity as it showed that the king endorsed their religion. Another reason that the Buddhists would have liked this story is because King Ashoka is undermining the importance of the caste system. He is saying that everyone should be equal in class and that people should only be judged and treated based on their qualities, just as the Buddhists as preached. For these reasons, this story must have appealed to the Buddhist monks who probably took pride in the king's endorsement.

Chinese Dynasties map

Indian dynasties vs. Chinese dynasties

Chinese political systems were much more successful than the Indian ones. Chinese rulers such as Qin Shi Huang Di imposed strict, multi-leveled bureaucracies to help them manage a large empire, by dividing up tasks among officers who report to the emperor or to another superior. In this way, the emperor's orders could be carried out quickly and efficiently as they spread down the chain of command. Because of this structured bureaucracy, the Chinese were able to maintain control of a large empire and assimilate conquered people easily. On the other hand, the Indian rulers had trouble maintaining a centralized, imperial government. Although the Mauryan empire did have an organized bureaucracy, they could not maintain it because of financial difficulties, stemming from large salaries to soldiers and bureaucrats. In addition, the Gupta dynasty in India differed completely in political organization. Instead of having a centralized bureaucracy that ruled over the whole empire, the Guptas left most of government control in the hands of the allies in the regions of their empire. Because if this political structure, nomadic invaders were able to easily split the seams of their politically disconnected empire.

Mencius vs. Xun Zi

Mencius believes that humans are just naturally good and are born as good people. He believes that all men are born with and maintain benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and knowledge. He also thinks that all men want to do good to others and do not want to witness suffering. Mencius holds a very positive view of human nature.
Xun Zi, on the other hand, believes that human nature is bad. He believes that all men are born evil and only care about what they want and how they are going to get it. He says that since all men will be striving to get what they want, there will be inevitable chaos and disorder. Xun Zi claims that good is a human product and can only be reached through the teaching of teachers and conformity to the culture. Xun Zi obviously holds a very pessimistic and cynical view of humanity.
If forced to choose between the two philosophies, I would have to side with Mencius, although both are seriously flawed. I would line up with Mencius, because I believe that all men are born good and that the capacity to be benevolent and righteous is a part of human nature. Unfortunate circumstances or occurrences cause a person to start to turn evil and do bad things, not merely because they are human, as Xun Zi claims. I also side with Mencius when he states that it is essential for men to sympathize with other humans and to feel distress for them.

Confucianism

1) I believe that, although Confucianism was never meant to be a body of religious thought, it could be considered a religion. One definition of religion is worded, "a specific fundamental set of beliefs and 
practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects." Using this definition, Confucianism would definitely fit the standards as its beliefs and practices were followed by many.


2) I think that the reading supports that people are born neutral and must be taught properly so they will become good. One example is when it is said: "If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good." This quote shows that if the people are led the right way, they will learn morals and will become good. A second quote states, "If for three years he does not alter from the way of his father, he may be called filial." This shows how people are born neutral and one consideration that goes into whether they are good or bad is depending on how they treat their elders and parents. A last example that supports people being born neutral is, "Let him advance the good and teach the incompetent." This supports that people aren't born good or bad and stuck that way because it is stating that if the incompetent, bad people are taught good morals, they will seek virtues just as diligently as good people.

Persian Empires Map

Page 176 "Source from the Past" Answer

 What assumptions does Zarathustra make about human nature and the capacity of human beings to make morally good choices out of their own free will?

I think that Zarathustra assumes that human nature is composed of both good and evil and will always be. He believes that human beings have the choice of choosing the path of evil and lies or the path of good and truthfulness. He assumes that humans will choose the path of good and will make morally good choices instead of going the way of Angra Mainyu. Zarathustra assumes that human beings will want salvation as opposed to punishment.

History Head comments

Yo Shams! I like the symmetry you got going with the placement of your pictures. The internal pictures don't really seem to fit inside the head, so you may have wanted to make them a little smaller. A similarity between Mesoamerica and Mesopotamia is that revolt and war were prevalent in the society (but I'm sure this is the same for all societies.) A difference would be that the Mayans in Mesoamerica engaged in bloodletting rituals while societies in Mesopotamia did not partake in this sort of sacrifice. Also, since I can't really make out the details of the picture, I'm curious to know where you got a picture of the bloodletting rituals.
Wonderful job!
- Nick




How's it going, Jordan? Your project looks splendid. I love how the timeline shows the major dynasties of the ancient Chinese. One suggestion would be to make your key a teensy bit bigger so everyone could see and enjoy it. One similarity that Mesopotamia and China have in common is that they both developed metallurgy at some point. A difference is that dynasties mostly ruled in China, while in Mesopotamia this wasn't so common. Since I can't really read the key I am curious to what the combination lock and the boxing woman represent.
Magnificent job!
- Nick

History Head key

Internal

1.    Designing ancient irrigation system

2.    Learning early Sumerian cuneiform

3.    Following Hammurabi’s laws

4.    Growing one of the main crops of Mesopotamia (wheat)

5.    Managing slaves

External

1.    Tigris River determining settlement patterns

2.    Ten Commandments representing religion

3.    Threat of Assyrian attack

4.    Trade routes to other parts of Eurasia

5.    Kings and other social classes

History Head picture

Test and Essay Reflection

I do not think my test or essay went very well. I was only certain on a little more than half of the test questions. When I got the essay question, I realized I had focused too hard on studying some things, such as religion and metallurgy, and had not studied other aspects, such as social and political hierarchies. I believe I was somewhat ill-prepared for both of these assessments. Going into the next test or essay I would take care to study the assigned chapters more completely and efficiently. As I was trying to read the chapters to prepare, I found myself unfocused and I feel I wasn't able to absorb all the information I needed to. It's a bummer I'm off to a sub-par start, but I'm hoping to learn from it and only go uphill from here.