Islam Expansion...

... In the form of a show me presentation! Win.

Link: http://www.showme.com/sh/?i=92306

Constantine and Vladimir's Conversions

The only similarity between Constantine and Prince Vladimir's conversions to Christianity is that they both were royalty and in power at the time of their conversion.

Constantine, of the Byzantine empire, represents a milestone in Christian history because of the Edict Of Milan. In the Edict of Milan, he allows Christians to worship freely in him empire without fear of being persecuted. However, in his own Christian life, it is speculated that he only converted to appease his orthodox wife. Some can say that after his conversion, besides the Edict of Milan, he didn't do much to encourage Christianity, or a Christian lifestyle.

Prince Vladimir, on the other hand, was notorious for his party lifestyle, if you will. Prince Vladimir, is like Paul of Tarsus, in the way that he seemed like the last person who would spread Christianity. After converting, with no influence from any of his five wives, Vladimir seemed to do a complete 180 in lifestyle, divorcing (or at least getting rid of) his 5 wives, marrying a Christian Byzantine woman and taking an active part in spreading Christianity in Russia.

Byzantine Empire Architecture

The Byzantine Empire's architecture highlights arches, domes, and windows. A lot of the architecture must be left over from the Roman empire, and the Romans must have been very interested in showing off their beauty. Therefore I believe a lot of the architecture is designed to be decorative, with its arches and domes. I also believe it is functional. A lot the windows were stained glass or the walls featured paintings, usually depicting religion, Christianity. I assume those paintings were there so people who couldn't read religious texts would still be able to know the stories through the pictures. And the multitude of windows would allow lots of natural light.

Besides the stained glass windows in certain Catholic windows, I don't think American architecture is influenced in any way by Roman architecture. American architecture is much more modern. Still, decorative, but in a different way.

Constantinople Documents

1) This is written by Benjamin of Tudela, a traveling rabbi. This article admires Constantinople and it's people and buildings, while describing how Jews are treated in Constantinople. Even though the Jews seem to be treated badly there is an overaLl positive connotation. Addressing Jews.

2) Written by Robert of Clari. He describes the Greeks and how the captors of Constantinople were amazed with the city. He is writing to the general public.

3) Written by Nicetas Choniates. Describes the Latins destroying Constantinople art. They were unimpressed by the city. Written to the general public.

4) Not a very credible picture/map because it is not to scale. Depicts cathedrals, shows religion. Drawn to depict their defense because the city seems to be surrounded by fortresses and water.

5) Photo taken by unknown. Saint Sophia was built by Constantine,shows the new form of arcitechuture started by Constantine.

6) Written by George Acropolites. About this emperor Michael the 8th palaeologus and his visit to Constantinople, and the purpose of his visit. Depicting celebrations, and how he was humbled by it. He visited saint Sophia. He passed down the throne to the patriarch of constantinople. Document written for the general public.

7) Writter unknown, but from a citizens point of view. Admires the Venetians, battles that they won, only mentions Constantinople for it's trading port.

Document number one is the most credible. It is not biased because the traveling Jew is not from Constantinople. It also shows how positive it is because it describes the persecution of Jews but still admires the city. It describes specifically and with great detail the architecture and the events that take place in the city, it's people, and it's economy. This document best represents Constantinople.

Silk Road Map Project

I overall enjoyed the map portion of the silk road project.

1) 3 things that went well
---- Picking items to represent on the map.
---- Any class time spent ended up being very productive
---- The partner collaboration

2) 3 Things you weren't happy with
---- Our end product
---- Our scale
---- Overall weather whilst doing this project

3) What was hard/difficult about this project?
---- Doing the research for goods not represented in the book.
---- Figuring out a scale
---- The time crunch

4) Collaboration
---- Very good :)

5) What would you do differently if you had to do it again?
---- I would take less time trying to actually perfect the map, and more time trying to map out the trade routes accurately. I would also get my scale right the first time.