2011年5月24日 星期二

Problems & Solutions

Problems of Historical Relics

Destruction of Historical Relics
During the 5000 years of human history, human beings of different time have left a significant amount of histroical relics and ruins. Scholars study these ruins to complete the puzzle of human's history. However, most of the historical relics have suffered severe damages from both natural and human causes. The damages stop the historians dead in the track for further research. It is unfortunate to see the secret of our past and of our ancestor's life being bombed in war, or slowly eroding by the wash of rain.

One major cause for the destruction of historical relics are human. Human influence has been a major problem in many of the destruction of historical sites, both by society and individual. Society influence is one of the motive for humans to destroy these precious relics. For example, Mossulini and his Facist government has done some severe damages on the Colosseum of Rome during the World War 2. Damages done by the individual human beings is also a cause for the destruction of relics. For example, during the 18th century, farmers living in the countryside of England often takes the stones from the Hadrian Walls and various Roman fort in the surrounding to build or fix their own house.

Another major cause of destruction is the nature, the natural proccess of weathering has cause many historical relics to disappear or become unrecognizable and lost it's value. Plants growing on the ruins also cause some damages. Also, natural disasters, such as earthquake, can cause some serious damages and further destroy the relics. The washing of rain and the blowing of wind will slowly weather away the buildings and ruins and there is no stoping of the proccess.

Possible Solutions of Preservation
Despite all these damages already done by humans, people are starting to realize the importance of these historical relics and some have already taken actions in preserving these relics. For example, British lawyer, John Clatyon, has took actions in preserving the Hadrian Walls by purchasing lands surrounding the walls in order to prevent farmer from taking the stones during the 1830s.

Here is something you can try if you wish to preserve some historical relics that you feel important:
  • Contact local authorities or the UNESCO for them to survey the site and declare a preservation area for the site.
  • Get some friends with you, and patrol around the site for signs of people damaging the site.
  • Purchase the land like what John Clayton has done
  • Utilize various media and spread the message of preserving historical sites.
  • Persuade your friend into preserving historical sites, show them the importance of these relics.

2011年5月20日 星期五

Roman Influence

How do the Romans Influence Your World?
     The Roman Empire used to be one of the greatest empire in the ancient world, as well as in Western history. The Romans have achieve many things that others can't. The range of the empire stretch from Europe all the way to Asia and Africa. The Roman Empire was so prosperous and influencial. Even years after it's destruction, the influences of the Empire can still be seen in many part of the world until today.
    
      One of the main influence of the Roman Empire is religion. The Roman used to worship ancient Greek gods and goddess with Roman names. However, the idea of Christianity is also growing. The Romans used to oppress Christians under the command of the Emperor. When the Roman emperor Constantine I adopted Christianity and expand rights to worship Christianity, it became one of the most wide spread religion in the world. This spreading of Christianity later proved to be a great influence that can change the world's history. Now, Christianity is the most wide-spread religion in the world. Most US citizens nowaday are Christian, as well as in most European countries.
      
      Roman architecture is also a great influence on modern day buildings. Elements of modern city planning can be traced to Roman concepts. The Romans engaged in extensive city-building activities as they consolidated their empire. Roman military and colonial towns were laid out in a variation of highly planned grid. Developments in the architecture of fortification, relating to compact space and fast maneuverability, and the discovery of perspective, focusing the description on the eye of the viewer, led to radial focus in city plans and the development of ideal town plans. Many European cities, like London and Paris , sprang from these Roman origins. In Washington DC , building designs were derived from Roman styles. Roman theaters have also had some influences on the development of theaters in modern society.

      Another great influence by the Romans are the spreading of Latin language. Latin language is consider to be the basis of most Western languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and French. Various Latin roots form the foundation of many English words. 

     One important area of influence was Roman law. The first law code in Roman history was the Law of the Twelve Tables, the precursor to the development of Roman law. Roman law developed the division between public law, in which the state is directly involved, such as with issues of treason and taxation, and private law, concerned with disputes between people, such as over contracts. This system was the basis for Civil law. Roman law also influenced the development of private international law. Romans had indictments and jury trials that is similar to today's practices. Many defense techniques can also be traced back to Roman procedures. The idea of “innocent until proven guilty,” also came from ancient Roman ideas. Also, the purpose of written law as a way to protect individuals from one another and from the power of the state is an Roman idea.
 
     The Romans also has various influences in our daily lives. For example, many kitchen tools you use in your kithcen such as knives and spoons are, in fact, used by the Romans back in their time. Also, the idea of highways is another great idea adopted by the Romans.
 
      In conclusion, the Roman Empire lasted for a very long time. It's various achievments is something that can't not be ignore. The Roman Empire has built the basis of the Western world, and it's influences has help form the world today in different areas.