Friday, April 29, 2011

Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals

            Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals greatly influenced and influenced by the world.  They were built and structured based on politics, religion, and enemies.  During the centuries they were built there were world events happening that took a great influence in the structure.  The religion was a great influence in the design and showed an insight in the faith.  Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals were influenced by politics, enemies, but theological virtues were also a big influence on these structures.
                        Romanesque cathedrals are huge.  They have this big structure because they used to act as fortresses for the town.  When people would attack the community everyone had a place to flee to for safety.  Many facades are evidence of this fortitude the cathedral provided (Figure 4 and 5).  In Figure 6 you can see a good image of the high windows and interior of these cathedrals.  Romanesque cathedrals followed this style to maintain fortitude and a safe haven for the town.  The walls were incredibly thick and high.  A lot of these cathedrals had towers at the very top so people were able to lookout and see the enemies.  During this time people were worried about Judgment day, another reason for these fortresses.  As you can see theological virtues are represented in these cathedrals.
            Major differences between these two types of cathedrals are their windows. Figure 7 is a Gothic Window and Figure 6 is a Romanesque.  The Romanesque windows are high with thick glass to help enemies from getting in.  The theology presented in this is the factor of judgment day.  The Gothic Cathedral’s windows are very beautiful and elaborate.  A lot of light showed through them almost as a way to feel the light of God.  Some of the windows were even made out of stained glass with religious art. 
            Later during the Romanesque period when Gothic cathedrals were made people weren’t as worried about enemies and judgment days.  These Cathedrals were incredibly elaborate and breathtaking.  Figure 1 is a great example of its beauty.  The Gothic Cathedrals were much more elaborate than Romanesque cathedrals.  They were heavily decorated and had many religious aspects in art.  They had beautiful stained glass windows and religious art.  These stain glass windows and other large windows were made to, “let God shine his light.” As you can see theology is greatly present in these cathedrals.  
    As you can see Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals have theology represented in them.  They also were affected by politics and events taking place.  Perhaps there most distinct feature was the windows.  There windows were beautiful and had a story behind them.  It is in these windows that we find the theology.  As you can see, theology greatly influenced the cathedrals.  

Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnBjanVW5ugulPE4xjI5kp2qlA43xYYDBrL_C54GDsevmvs7Atbrq72l2DkslTXFL_yCBK5f5GlVMPhb2W8goFITaW8cHBbrgUpUZ_slmKSrns4zLfMWdNmyu8i1UjhiizcRwfV0hRGCI/s320/20-unusual-churches-p1-dark-duomo.jpg
Milan, façade, 12th century,http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/gothic.htm, photograph taken in 2009
Figure 1


Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ENGOXfJY7XnW_svu8TB-Wh9dulnAIekhFSA5Buah9B3H9UZlxvfTqMrPlQk_Vuccx1X6fQ39efgYPqIKwl9Sa-GZjmjm676Iqx5COZ_qyxx22BlkOfQooiNKZ8ubtf70SdDwonfRbqUn/s320/GothicCathedralKoln1.jpg
Koln, Germany, façade, 14th century,http://jcolen.com/European%20Photos.htm, photograph taken in 2007
Figure 2

Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-stXeXwJI-0K05fFpW2pZceXpXWGuhr8cSlEISq9vIhc4wUj12dou6eNNG06474JHyMcgK_pEuGrvhWfMfu8PuXMeIaOaIBFZbdsyou_aJsUwYDsvJzpwMBxm9AaQEOn1WfukyxrNRP4m/s320/laonfacade.jpg
Notre Dame, façade, 10th century,http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/gothic.htm, photograph taken in 2007 

Figure 3

Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-VJiBHaTCeLhtEebo9yn-BqRYWmyrquN4jnmIMxqUKZwyaOBrAjFxYh-rm0McG5_yz9rgzvNbPE2r7eOhIIftTVaniA0KJLEZPoxNqmTOk17MtT8fOvIEgJ-feZSOGHCJk3q05PCX_8e/s320/romanesque-cathedral.jpg
Norwich, façade, 13th century, http://www.norwich-churches.org/Glossary/glossary.shtm  photograph taken in 2004
Figure 4

Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T_X_VwicH0RA3J-ojTrIhW1sn8x9fjEhgaR57spQsVL0CD0qiJkjY6F5Cylrl5RB2fl6u-xD7BTPqNWjLr-lBRR1OGdXFSAsgsgNMl2Ufk8ZfMpyCYjDseoPzEg2aWBUruT1oOb9w_p3/s320/vezelayfront.jpg
Vezelay, façade, 9th century,http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/romanesque.htm, photography taken in 2005 
Figure 5

Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AwgDnsAzFSSX4Iu-ajCzgxeKuCnrznDTKSpHggSaYEf6Sqr_X6uGjhMAx7mOAEBfqJMPFP0zNh8-wJI5dYfatPzy0X_whwr-_LG9xZw09q8xiK25Y33NXhE6zEIRu-3kyFnJpMdLhVfc/s1600/images.jpg
Notre Dame, interior, 13th century,http://www.becomingcloser.org/History/the_middle_ages.html, photograph taken in 2008
Figure 6

Description: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGurVNU4Q_ojcJ0ZeNOkb0A4_iflP2DuDzRKRDeY729NuaKV6CxYvMOaW9IeJcfVbejCvwLZS6DXgdXTsBZSSQu18K0clVbKL2J0387pNxWCHyAjZHPHMWPS_0dJQ7ClavPIFjf6gDzkXz/s320/rose-window.jpg
Notre Dame, interior, 11th century, http://www.visitingdc.com/paris/rose-window.aspphotograph taken in 2009
Figure 7


Thursday, April 28, 2011

Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals


            Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals greatly influenced and influenced by the world.  They were built and structured based on politics, religion, and enemies.  During the centuries they were built there were world events happening that took a great influence in the structure.  The religion was a great influence in the design and showed an insight in the faith.  Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals were influenced by politics, enemies, but theological virtues were also a big influence on these structures.
                        Romanesque cathedrals are huge.  They have this big structure because they used to act as fortresses for the town.  When people would attack the community everyone had a place to flee to for safety.  Many facades are evidence of this fortitude the cathedral provided (Figure 4 and 5).  In Figure 6 you can see a good image of the high windows and interior of these cathedrals.  Romanesque cathedrals followed this style to maintain fortitude and a safe haven for the town.  The walls were incredibly thick and high.  A lot of these cathedrals had towers at the very top so people were able to lookout and see the enemies.  During this time people were worried about Judgment day, another reason for these fortresses.  As you can see theological virtues are represented in these cathedrals.
Later during the Romanesque period when Gothic cathedrals were made people weren’t as worried about enemies and judgment days.  These Cathedrals were incredibly elaborate and breathtaking.  Figure 1 is a great example of its beauty.  The Gothic Cathedrals were much more elaborate than Romanesque cathedrals.  They were heavily decorated and had many religious aspects in art.  They had beautiful stained glass windows and religious art.  These stain glass windows and other large windows were made to, “let God shine his light.” As you can see theology is greatly present in these cathedrals.  
            Major differences between these two types of cathedrals are their windows.  Figure 7 is a Gothic Window and Figure 6 is a Romanesque.  The Romanesque windows are high with thick glass to help enemies from getting in.  The theology presented in this is the factor of judgment day.  The Gothic Cathedral’s windows are very beautiful and elaborate.  A lot of light showed through them almost as a way to feel the light of God.  Some of the windows were even made out of stained glass with religious art. 
            As you can see Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals have theology represented in them.  They also were affected by politics and events taking place.  Perhaps there most distinct feature was the windows.  There windows were beautiful and had a story behind them.  It is in these windows that we find the theology.  As you can see, theology greatly influenced the cathedrals.  

Milan, façade, 12th century, http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/gothic.htm, photograph taken in 2009
Figure 1


Koln, Germany, façade, 14th century, http://jcolen.com/European%20Photos.htm, photograph taken in 2007
Figure 2


Notre Dame, façade, 10th century, http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/gothic.htm, photograph taken in 2007 

Figure 3


Norwich, façade, 13th century, http://www.norwich-churches.org/Glossary/glossary.shtm  photograph taken in 2004
Figure 4

Vezelay, façade, 9th century, http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/romanesque.htm, photography taken in 2005 
Figure 5


Notre Dame, interior, 13th century, http://www.becomingcloser.org/History/the_middle_ages.html, photograph taken in 2008
Figure 6

Notre Dame, interior, 11th century, http://www.visitingdc.com/paris/rose-window.asp, photograph taken in 2009
Figure 7


Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Roman Empire's Fall

The Roman Empire was a benefactor of many great emperors who led the way to a prosperous era.  However, the emperors took a turn for the worse and failed in leading Rome as well as other people had.  Rome suffered a huge blow form these new, terrible emperors, this was when Rome began to fall.  Despite efforts of recovering from the damage done by the awful emperors, it was nearly impossible for Rome to recover and rise from this major blow; as a result, the Roman Empire declined greatly.  The Roman Empire suffered a great fall from which it could never fully recover.
There was much conflict within the empire that contributed to its fall.  These conflicts included many military issues, “An entirely different story played out in the west, where the empire was wracked by internal conflict as well as threats from abroad--particularly from the Germanic tribes now established within the empire's frontiers--and was steadily losing money due to constant warfare” (Ancient Rome — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts.)  Rome was being attacked constantly due to their weakened state.  Enemies would not give up and eventually Rome was at its weakest point.  There were many issues within Rome too.  The political leaders of Rome were making decisions that the people who lived in Rome did not agree with, so a rebellion began.
            During the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome’s emperors only lasted for a few months, weeks, and even days, During the next 100 years, Rome had 37 different emperors - 25 of whom were removed from office by assassination. This contributed to the overall weaknesses, decline and fall of the empire.” (Rome, info Fall of the Roman Empire, Decline of Ancient Rome) Originally back when Rome was at its peak the emperors were phenomenal and knew what they were doing.  During the fall these emperors were replaced with people who had little to know experience and would only rule for a little at a time before they were assassinated because of their poor leadership.  Rome began to realize what was happening around them and they became very nervous.  Immediately they began throwing the blame on one another and the poor leaders.  The empire began to crumble due to the chaotic government. 
       A major factor in the Roman Empire’s decline was the suffering they had due to loss of land.  Rome eventually collapsed under the weight of its own bloated empire, losing its provinces one by one: Britain around 410; Spain and northern Africa by 430” (Ancient Rome — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts.) Massive fights and mayhem broke out in the empire but Rome did not seem to see it.  Other places were completely aware of what was happening.  They either attacked or fled from the empire. Many countries left the falling empire and became their own independent empire.  Rome was not even able to again any of this land back due to their weakened state.
            The Roman Empire suffered a terrible collapse due to various reasons.  A major factor in the decline was the government.  There was no knowledgeable and skilled leaders who were helping Rome, instead they all brought Rome down.  The government was probably the root point of the fall.  Rome also lacked a skilled military to fend off enemies who conquered Rome’s land and took it away.  The decrease in size Rome suffered caused more tension within the Empire.  Other countries could see this and broke away from Rome.  Rome suffered so greatly that it was not able to recover from what happened; it was never the same again.

"Rome, info Fall of the Roman Empire, Decline of Ancient Rome." Rome.info Rome Tourist Information,             Ancient Rome Travel Guide. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. <http://www.rome.info/history/empire/fall/>.
B.c., Around 300. "Ancient Rome — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts."History.com —    History Made Every Day — American & World History. Web. 14 Apr. 2011.           <http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome>.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Rough Draft


  
            The Roman Empire was a benefactor of many great emperors who led the way to a prosperous era.  However, the emperors took a turn for the worse and failed in leading Rome as well as other people had.  Rome suffered a huge blow form these new, terrible emperors, this was when Rome began to fall.  Despite efforts, it was nearly impossible for Rome to recover and rise from this major blow; as a result, the Roman Empire declined greatly.  The Roman Empire suffered a great decline from which it could never fully recover.
There was much conflict within the empire that contributed to its fall.  These conflicts included many military issues.  “An entirely different story played out in the west, where the empire was wracked by internal conflict as well as threats from abroad--particularly from the Germanic tribes now established within the empire's frontiers--and was steadily losing money due to constant warfare” (The History Channel Website, 2011). Rome was being attacked constantly due to their weakened state.  Enemies wouldn’t give up and eventually Rome was at its weakest point.  There were many issues within Rome too.  The political leaders of Rome were making decisions that the people who lived in Rome didn't agree with, so a rebellion began.
            During the fall of the Roman Empire there were little to no emperors.  The Roman empire in western Europe - a centralised superstate which had been in existence for 500 years - had ceased to exist, its single emperor replaced by upwards of a dozen kings and princes” (Heather, 2011).  Originally back when Rome was at its peak the emperors were phenomenal and knew what they were doing.  During the fall these emperors were replaced with people who had little to know experience and would only rule for a little at a time before they were assassinated because of their poor leadership.  Rome began to realize what was happening around them and they became very nervous.  Immediately they began throwing the blame on one another and the poor leaders.  The empire began to crumble due to the chaotic government. 
       A major factor in the Roman Empire’s decline was the suffering they had due to loss of land.  Rome eventually collapsed under the weight of its own bloated empire, losing its provinces one by one: Britain around 410; Spain and northern Africa by 430” (The History Channel Website, 2011).  Massive fights and mayhem broke out in the empire but Rome didn’t seem to see it.  Other places were completely aware of what was happening and they either attacked or fled form he empire.  Many countries left the falling empire and became their own independent empire.  Rome wasn’t even able to again any of this land back due to their weakened state.
            The Roman Empire suffered a terrible collapse due to various reasons.  A major factor in the decline was the government.  There was no knowledgeable and skilled leaders who were helping Rome, instead they all brought Rome down.  The government was probably the root point of the fall.  Rome also lacked a skilled military to fend off enemies who conquered Rome’s land and took it away.  The decrease in size Rome suffered caused more tension within the Empire.  Other countries could see this and broke away from Rome.  Rome suffered so greatly that it wasn’t able to recover from what happened; it was never the same again.

           
Work Cited
 Ancient Rome. (2011). The History Channel website. Retrieved 8:26, April 12, 2011, from http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Yup.

News Flash: Starting tomorrow, April 7th, we will stop doing dailies. Instead, we will be concentrating on the weekly essays. This week's rough draft we are finishing in class. From then on, every Wednesday you will have a rough draft due for Peer review (you'll receive participation credit: P/F for having the draft ready). On your rough draft, please underline the thesis statement and in a different color prove it is an opinion by writing the opposite side; underline one quote properly cited with in-text citations for each body paragraph; make bold your four-sentence analysis of each quote; analysis should explain how the quote serves to support your thesis. After peer review, a final draft will be due on Fri by Midnight.

Eleven-Point Critique (for peer reviews and grading of final drafts)

1. 5 paragraphs -- 5 to 7 sentences per paragraph.

2 Clear, coherent thesis statement expressing an opinion to be argued in the paper.

3. One quote or piece of sourcable evidence properly cited in APA format per body paragraph / proper in-text citation format

(author, date). APA format bibliography at end of paper. Use top-notch sources (BBC, Met Museum, Nat Geo, Internet History

Sourcebook, school-library based databases, etc.)

4. Four sentences per body paragraph analysis. This is your own analysis demonstrating how the evidence supports your thesis.

5. Solid conclusion demonstrating the validity of the argument.

6. Emphasis: Put strongest evidence in the fourth paragraph.

7. No 1st or 2nd person personal pronouns (I, we, us, me, my, myself, you, etc.)

8. Academic Tone: No slang, no contractions, make it coherent and readable.

9. Avoid generalizations -- give specific information; I'm not looking for you to write an "encyclopedia" article. I'm looking for

your ability to construct an academic argument.

10. Avoid unnecessary information: "more" quotes doesn't mean a "better" paper.

11. Original and honest writing voice and a creative and remarkable take on the subject.