The Past and the Artefacts: A Journey Through Ancient Civilisations
Summary
The text is divided into two parts, the first part discusses the views of the past in different regions of the western world, while the second part features a collection of images with descriptions of various historical artefacts and locations from ancient civilisations, such as Greece, Rome, and Gaul. The text covers various aspects of ancient Roman society and history and includes illustrations and descriptions of ancient art, architecture, and coinage. It also provides a list of recommended readings, guidebooks, and online resources for visiting ancient sites.
Table of Contents:
- Rutilius and the Variations in Views of the Past
- Artifacts from Ancient Civilizations
- The Reconstruction of Ancient Rome
- A Guide to the Aegean World during the Bronze Age
- Recommended Readings and Guidebooks
Q&A:
Q: What is the first part of the text about?
A: The first part of the text discusses the variations in views of the past in different regions of the western world. It features the views of various individuals such as Rutilius, who reminisces about the decay of places he passes and recalls the antiquity of Pisa where he had previously served.
Q: What is the significance of the monastery founded by Count Guilhem?
A: Count Guilhem founded a monastery in Southern Gaul, which cultivated the past Roman glory even in a changing political climate. This shows how the past and legacy of the Roman empire continued to be valued and revered even after its decline.
Q: What is the second part of the text about?
A: The second part of the text features a collection of images with descriptions of various historical artefacts and locations from ancient civilisations, such as Greece, Rome, and Gaul. These artefacts include statues, frescos, drawings, and even a bronze ingot recovered from the wreck of a Bronze Age ship.
Q: What does the text say about the rebuilding of Rome in the first century AD?
A: The text discusses how Rome was rebuilt in the first century AD using the profits from the caravan trade. This shows how trade and commerce played a vital role in the expansion and development of ancient civilisations.
Q: What does the introduction section provide?
A: The introduction section provides a list of recommended readings, guidebooks, and online resources for individuals interested in the history and archaeology of the Mediterranean, the Levant, and middle Europe during various time periods.
Paragraphs:
Rutilius and the Variations in Views of the Past
The first part of the text discusses the variations in views of the past in different regions of the western world. For instance, Rutilius, who is featured in the text, reminisces about the decay of places he passes and recalls the antiquity of Pisa where he had previously served. Rutilius sees himself leaving Rome to return home to Gaul but remains connected to the world of Classical Europe. The text then describes the variation in views of the past in southern Gaul and Britain during the fifth century AD. In Southern Gaul, a monastery was founded by Count Guilhem, who had once fought against the Arabs in Gaul and received a fragment of the True Cross from Charlemagne. The monastery cultivated past Roman glory even in a changing political climate. On the other hand, Britain had limited Romanisation, and urbanisation was collapsing even before the end of Roman rule. The Old English poet reflects on the ruins he sees before him and imagines the lives that had once been lived there.
Artifacts from Ancient Civilizations
The second part of the text features a collection of images with descriptions of various historical artefacts and locations from ancient civilisations. These artefacts include a miniature fresco from Knossos, a restoration drawing of Grave Circle A at Mycenae, and a bronze ingot recovered from the wreck of a Bronze Age ship at Uluburun. Also included are statues and reconstruction drawings of different events, such as the life-size bronze statues of Harmodius and Aristogeiton and the victory of Pharaoh Ramesses III against the Sea Peoples. The final images are photographs of the Roman division of land and a Roman trading ship wrecked at Madrague de Giens carrying a cargo of 600 wine jars.
The Reconstruction of Ancient Rome
The text also covers various aspects of ancient Roman society and history, including the rebuilding of the city in the first century AD using the profits from the caravan trade. It also includes illustrations and descriptions of ancient art, architecture, and coinage, such as a procession of priests and imperial family members, a mosaic of Europa and the bull, and Alexander the Great with a ram’s horn on a coin. This shows the importance of commerce and trade in the development and growth of ancient civilisations.
A Guide to the Aegean World during the Bronze Age
The text provides a guide to the Aegean world during the Bronze Age, with information on the excavations of Heinrich Schliemann at Troy and Sir Arthur Evans at Knossos. This guide offers valuable insights into the history, art, and culture of ancient civilisations, enabling readers to gain a deeper understanding of the artefacts and locations featured in the second part of the text.
Recommended Readings and Guidebooks
The introduction section provides a list of recommended readings, including works on the use of the past in societies, social memory, and the classical past in modern times, as well as guidebooks and online resources for visiting ancient sites. Some of the recommended books include A Guide to Troia, Greece in the Making, Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia, and The Parthenon. This collection equips readers with the necessary resources to explore and appreciate the rich history and artefacts of ancient civilizations and their legacy in modern times.
Conclusion:
The text provides a compelling journey through the past and artefacts of ancient civilizations. It offers insights into the views of the past in different regions of the western world, covering aspects of Roman society and history, and providing a guide to the Aegean world during the Bronze Age. The collection of images and artefacts in the text provides a visual representation of ancient civilizations, enabling readers to appreciate and explore their rich history and heritage. The introduction section also provides valuable resources for readers interested in delving deeper into the history and archaeology of ancient civilizations, making this text an essential guide for history enthusiasts and travellers alike.
