Alphabetical Index to Bible Timeline – Page 38 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on February 3, 2016August 25, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Mound Builders in Illinois (1000 B.C.)

Mound Builders were ancient civilizations that inhabited North America and built earthen mounds for religious, burial, ceremonial, and residential purposes during a 5,000-year period. They are listed on the Bible Timeline Poster starting around 1000 BC. The mound builders are divided into three groups: the Adena culture, the Hopewell culture, and the Mississippian culture. The Adena and Hopewell cultures were prominent during the Woodland period, which lasted from 1000 BC to 700 AD.

The Hopewell culture originated from southern Illinois and spread into Ohio and across the Midwest region. Their influence, however, extended from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians. The Hopewell people were renowned for their geometric earthworks. They built large dome-shaped or conical burial mounds with elaborate earthen walls. Some mounds even reaching 65 ft. They also built mounds that were effigies of animals. The areas of their geometric enclosures ranged from 2.5 to 120 acres or 1 to 50 hectares. Their earthworks were generally of ritual architecture.

The Hopewell people were skilled in crafts and arts. They made ceramic pots, wove mats, and even carved figures from metals, bones, and woods. They were also skilled in making spear points and knives. They had animal skins for clothing and wore jewelry from copper and shells. From the Illinois Valley, the Hopewell culture had spread by way of trading using well-developed trade routes. Major Hopewell settlements can be found in Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, New York, and Ontario.

Mound Builders — “The popular “Great Serpent Mound” situated in southern Ohio was constructed by the Adena culture.”

“The popular “Great Serpent Mound” situated in southern Ohio was constructed by the Adena culture.”

Before the emergence of the Hopewell culture, there was the Adena culture. The Adena is sometimes thought of as a precursor to the traditions of the Hopewell culture. The first group of mound builders, the Adena built small burial mounds of about 20-300 feet in diameter in Ohio, West Virginia, and the nearby states. The popular “Great Serpent Mound” situated in southern Ohio was constructed by the Adena culture. Following Hopewell was the Mississippian culture. It is the third group of mound builders, extending from the Mississippi Valley to Alabama, Georgia, and then Florida. The culture built large flat-topped mounds on which temples and meeting houses/residences were built.

Not much is known on why the three mound building cultures ended. Experts believe that invading tribes and warfare greatly contributed to it. What remains of these cultures are the earthworks they have built, which are scattered in several areas of North America.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mound_Builders
http://science.jrank.org/pages/4476/Mounds-Earthen-Hopewell-culture-c-2300-B-C-c-D-400.html
http://teachers.cpcsc.k12.in.us/jstanley/websites/Moundbuilders.htm
Photo By Ephraim George Squier and Edwin Hamilton Davis – Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley at [1], Public Domain, $3

Posted on February 2, 2016March 29, 2016 by Kat Cendana — Leave a comment

Milcah

Milcah – means ‘counsel’ and related to the Hebrew word for ‘queen’ (מלכה – malka) Phonetic Pronunciation: MIHL-kah. She can be found on the Bible Timeline around 1829 BC.

Milcah is related to the Hebrew word for ‘queen’

There are two Milcahs in the Bible. One being the fourth daughter of Zelophehad (Numbers 26:33). The more distinguished is Milcah, the daughter of Haran (Abraham’s oldest brother), wife (and niece) of Nahor, and brother of Lot. As Abraham’s niece, she plays a crucial role in continuing the line of the patriarchs as she is also the grandmother of Rebekah, who will later marry Abraham’s son Isaac, great-grandmother to Jacob and Esau, and one of the matriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel. She bore eight children to Nahor including Betheul, Rebekah’s father.

Intermarriage between close family members was forbidden in Chaldea where Milcah’s family originated. However, there seems to be an exception between uncles and nieces during that time. The Mosaic Laws were established long after Milcah’s (other patriarchs’ death). These laws mentioned specific prohibitions on and punishments for sexual relations between a number of close relatives in Leviticus 20. Although, the laws do not specifically state and forbid the sexual relations or marriage between uncles and nieces. It has been implied later on that the prohibitions in Leviticus 20 cover this type of relationship as well.

There is little to no information regarding Milcah’s later life and death.

References:
http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Milcah.html#.Vq6pFdJ97Mw
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+11%3A29&version=NIV
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_law
http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0320.htm#19

Posted on August 1, 2015September 9, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Arcadius, 395 AD

During the reign of Arcadius, there were numerous developments that took place which helped elevate the political and economic situation in Eastern Rome. However, the events that took place in the life of Arcadius was associated with significant challenges. Initially, he had little power because Rufinus assumed supremacy over Arcadius. As a result, the early years of Arcadius involved many difficulties from the power struggle between him and Rufinus and eventually Eutropius. His reign is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History during 395 AD.

Background

Flavius Arcadius was the son of Aelia Flavia Flacilla and the great General Theodosius. His father was initially in charge of putting an end to the Visigoths‘ invasions which made the lives of the Balkans difficult. In fact, it was a grueling period for the Romans since the Visigoths and Ostrogoths gained considerable power as they defeated the Roman army. The death of Emperor Valens also added to the increasing problems of the empire. Theodosius’ first task appeared nearly insurmountable because of the challenges headed his way.

Theodosius was determined to give his son some legitimacy as a ruler in case he died while undertaking his campaigns. It was in 383 AD when the young Arcadius was given the title Augustus at a tender age of 5 or 6. Which was the year after, Honorius, the second son of Theodosius, was born. Honorius was only given the office of consul posterior, unlike Arcadius who had a higher political position.

“The emperor also sought the help of Constantinople’s religious and political leaders, which was one of his strategies in strengthening the power of the empire.”

Early Career

Arcadius received less independence during his early years in politics. During the late 380 AD, Theodosius assigned Tatian as the de facto emperor, and Arcadius had little power at this time. Titian soon became more powerful in the city of Constantinople, and this allowed him to gain more supremacy than the future emperors of Rome. In 392, Rufinus replaced Tatian and this new minister held greater authority. Meanwhile, Arcadius continued to be placed under the guardianship of high-ranked officials even until the death of Theodosius.

Arcadius 395 AD and Onwards

Before Arcadius formally began his rule in the eastern Roman Empire, he received an education from Themistius, who was a notable philosopher, speaker, and statesman. There were assumptions that this educator influenced Arcadius greatly in terms of the young ruler’s yearning to become an independent force. He also enacted laws that were anti-paganism and anti-heresy, thus granting him a reputation as a pious and devout Christian emperor. The emperor also sought the help of Constantinople’s religious and political leaders, which was one of his strategies in strengthening the power of the empire.

With Rufinus still possessing greater political power in the empire, Arcadius had less control of eastern Rome. In fact, Rufinus made Arcadius order the return of eastern armies; recognizing the pending dangers with regard to his power since he was a westerner currently ruling the east. There was also the tension existing between east and west as Stilicho, who was controlling Honorius’ reign in the west, took control of the eastern and western Roman armies. Stilicho also insisted in his guardianship and influence over Arcadius.

Arcadius’ early exposure in politics was a challenge, and it continued even when later in his career. Nevertheless, he exerted great efforts in banishing paganism and heresy during his rule, as well as creating stronger ties with the religious leaders and local government in Constantinople. This earned him a positive reputation.

References:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/arcadius.htm
http://www.roman-empire.net/constant/arcadius.html
http://biblehub.com/library/roberston/sketches_of_church_history_from_ad_33_to_the_reformation/chapter_xix_arcadius_and_honorius.htm

Posted on July 21, 2015September 3, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Rome, The Fall of Western

According to historians, the fall of Western Rome was linked to numerous causes including the frequent attacks from invaders. Inefficiency of the political administration and several other factors that eventually resulted in the decline in power of the Roman Empire. This event can be found on the Bible Timeline with World History around 500 AD. While there were some attempts to prevent the empire’s decline, the lack of power caused the division of its territory.

Causes of the Roman Empire’s Decline

One of the primary causes of the Roman Empire’s decline was the inability to enforce its rule. Whether it is via civil administration or by using armed forces. For instance, when Odoacer took charge after the removal of Emperor Romulus, there was an evident lack of efficient military and political power throughout the empire and its territory. Invaders were able to hold power over several parts of Western Rome. Their influence lasted for centuries, and it contributed to the empire’s difficulty in rising from their fall.

West_Rome — Rome was established in 753 BC by Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years before its decline.

Rome was established in 753 BC by Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years before its decline.

In 410 AD, Alaric led the Visigoths toward invading the empire’s capital. Which was a successful attempt on the part. They forcefully found their way in Rome, and once they were in the city, it was easy for them to loot, destroy, burn and sack the entire area. This grim event in the history of the Roman Empire went on for three days, and it was the very first time in about a thousand years that the city fell int the hands of invaders. While this was the initial successful attempt to seize the capital of the Roman Empire, there were more invasions that occurred which contributed to its decline.

Another factor that has led to the decline in Western Rome’s power was the spread of Christianity. This was the opposite of the polytheistic or the Romans’ traditional religion. In fact, the rise of Christianity resulted in the persecution of people who have converted to this new religion. Specifically the poor citizens of Rome. However, Constantine the Great, a Roman emperor, put an end to the sufferings of Christians by imposing tolerance for this religion. It did not take long before Christianity spread to different parts of the empire.

Traditionally, Romans looked up to their Emperor as their god. This was different from Christianity. Since in this religion, there is one God whom they should worship. This caused the people to believe that “God” is not the emperor, which caused the empire’s supreme ruler to lose credibility and authority over time.

Aside from the introduction of a new religion, Constantine decided to split the Roman Empire into two areas. It was in 330 AD when the empire was divided into west and east. And while the western part had Rome as its capital, the eastern section’s seat of power was in Constantinople – named after Emperor Constantine. There were major differences in these two empires such as the religion practiced and the language spoken. However, during the western empire’s decline, the East continued to thrive and remain in existence for centuries even during the establishment of the Byzantine Empire. On the other hand, Western Rome experienced a significant reduction in its production of agricultural products, massive trade deficit, inflation, and attacks from invaders such as the Vandals, Ostrogoths, Franks, Visigoths and Saxons. This put an end to the empire’s power.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_the_Western_Roman_Empire
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/western-roman-empire-falls
http://www.ushistory.org/civ/6f.asp

Posted on July 13, 2015November 2, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Saint Patrick in Ireland, The Life of

Saint Patrick was a renowned Christian missionary being one of Ireland’s greatest bishops and can be found on the Biblical Timeline with World History around 450 AD. He was noted as the country’s main patron saint, aside from Saints Columba and Brigit. In the 5th century, Patrick served as a missionary, and he was also Armagh’s first bishop. Based on historians, Patrick was originally from Great Britain but Irish pirates captured him from his home and took him as a slave when they reached Ireland. After six years, the young teenager managed to escape from slavery and returned to his family. Soon, he became a cleric and traveled to western and northern Ireland. He lived his life serving numerous people during his missionary works. During the 7th century, he was proclaimed as Ireland’s patron saint.

Early Life

A native of Roman Britain, Patrick was born of a pious family. His father was a former deacon while his grandfather was a priest. As a child, Patrick was not as religious as his father and grandfather. However, the twists and turns in his life, when he was only 16 caused a dramatic change in his religious beliefs. After the pirates captured Patrick and took him as a slave, he believed it was through the Lord’s mercy that he gained freedom again. As a slave, Patrick managed to strengthen his faith in God as he continued to pray and eventually converted to Christianity.

He claimed that after his 6th year of captivity, a voice told him there was a ship ready to take him back home. So, Patrick left and traveled 200 miles to reach the port where a ship was waiting. Although he experienced some difficulties convincing the captain to allow him inside the ship, his prayers were answered when he finally stepped foot in the vessel that was headed to Britain.

However, this was not the end of Patrick’s struggles. Along with all passengers of the ship, he walked for 28 days in the wilderness just to reach his home. During his journey, he encouraged his companions to believe in God and continue their faith of reaching their destination safely. He eventually found his way back to his family. Patrick was in his early 20s by then. His ardent faith in God motivated him to study Christianity and learn more about this religion.

st_patrick — “Writings attribute St. Patrick for explaining to the Irish about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity by using the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to demonstrate the Christian belief of three persons in one God.”

After his studies in Europe, he went to Marmoutier Abbey, which was in Tours. It was not too long after his visit to the Abbey that he was ordained by Saint Germanus of Auxerre. However, Patrick had a vision that led him back to Ireland to work as a missionary. Upon arrival to this country where he was once a slave, the locals forced him to leave. He then decided to go up north of Ireland where he found a place to rest on the islands situated at the Skerries coast.

Writings attribute St. Patrick for explaining to the Irish about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity by using the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to demonstrate the Christian belief of three persons in one God. This event was first recorded in 1726. However, it may be much older. Since then, the shamrock has since become a primary representative for St Patrick’s Day.

As a missionary, he baptized numerous individuals and ordained priests. His actions then started more Christian communities. Being a foreigner in the land, Patrick had no legal protection, and he experienced physical torture from his adversaries. He was also said to have been held captive for about 60 days until his death. His determination to spread messages of love and faith in God became his greatest legacy. This made him one of Ireland’s most celebrated saints throughout history.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89
http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/history-of-St-Patrick.html
Picture By Sicarr – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6073666

Posted on July 9, 2015September 9, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Theodosius the Great 379 AD

Theodosius served Rome as its emperor from the years 379 to 395 AD where he is listed on the Bible Timeline Poster with World History. He was the last ruler that governed the empire’s western and eastern halves. Theodosius the Great was focused on the control of invaders that threatened the empire, specifically the Goths. However, he failed to expel them. This led to their success in establishing a base in the southern part of Danube after the historic Gothic War. Nevertheless, Theodosius did the best he could on his campaigns during the two civil wars. In fact, he defeated Eugenius and Magnus Maximus, who were usurpers and threatened the Roman Empire.

Early Life and Career

Born in the land of Hispania, Theodosius was the son of a renowned military officer. It was because of his father’s experience in the military that he gained techniques in this field. This allowed him to participate in his father’s campaigns in 368. By 373, he was appointed as Upper Moesia’s governor. His initial successes included overseeing the hostilities that existed against the Alemanni and the Samaritans. Theodosius was Moesia’s military commander, but he decided to go back to Hispania after his father was executed. One of the possible reasons why this happened was the supposed dismissal of Theodosius from his command which was ordered by Emperor Valentinian I. This was due to the defeat of Theodosius’ army in 374 when they fought against the Samaritans.

Rise in Politics

During the years 364 to 375, Valentinian I and Valens ruled the Roman Empire. However, Gratian and Valentinian II replaced their father after his death. In the major battle that occurred in Adrianople, Valens died. Theodosius was then asked to head the Illyrian army, under the request of Gratian. Since there was no one to take Valens’ place after his death, Theodosius was appointed as the co-Augustus of eastern Rome.

“There was a significant problem among the Romans from recruiting barbarians.”

However, Gratian died in the rebellion during 383. This gave Theodosius the chance to appoint Arcadius, who was his elder son, to become the East’s co-ruler. Also, Honorius, the younger son of Theodosius, was proclaimed the West’s co-ruler. This occurred after the death of Valentinian.

Theodosius was focused on defeating the Gothic invasion, as well as their allies that were then situated in eastern Pannonia Inferior and Dacia. However, the crisis caused Gratian to leave for Trier. This allowed Theodosius to put his plans into action with greater effectiveness. There was a significant problem among the Romans from recruiting barbarians to go into battle against their fellow barbarians. He decided to look for healthy and able-bodied soldiers, yet there was a risk involved since the fighters were not loyal to him.

This great Roman ruler handled issuing a decree that the Roman Empire’s official state church was Nicene Christianity. He also did his part in preserving some important structures known throughout history including the Temple of Apollo, Serapeum in Alexandria and other famous Hellenistic temples constructed centuries ago. The Roman Empire soon reached its decline in power after his death when the west and east halves failed to reunite due to political reasons and menacing invaders.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosius_I
http://www.roman-empire.net/collapse/theodosius-I.html
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/theodosius/a/070111-Theodosius-I-A-D-379-395.htm/div>

Posted on July 6, 2015September 29, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Tea First Mentioned in 222 AD

Based on research, historical accounts on tea were first mentioned in 222 AD where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History. This gives us insights into how this famous beverage was first discovered and used in ancient times. There were stories in Chinese mythology relating to the discovery of tea as early as 2737 BC by the Emperor Shen Nong, who reigned during the San Huang Period. This man was a well-known scholar, and he invented the herbal medicine of the Chinese. According to myths, Shen Nong ordered his servants to boil water, which he established as a practice to ensure the purity of drinking water. While the water was still boiling, some dried leaves fell into it, which resulted to the brownish shade of the water as the leaves were infused into it. After the emperor had drunk this rather strange-colored liquid, he found it to be rather refreshing. The tree where the leaves came from was a wild tea tree. Hence, the origin of tea in China.

Tea as Mentioned in Chinese Texts

In 222 AD, tea was first mentioned in various Chinese writing. It was noted as an alternative to wine, and numerous Chinese began the practice of drinking tea. During the third century tea became more popular for its health benefits, although it was the nobilities of Tang Dynasty that considered tea as a “fashionable” drink. It was also during this time that there was an increasing demand for tea, which also boosted the cultivation of tea instead of harvesting the leaves from various wild trees in the country.

tea first introduced in China — “Throughout the years, people still enjoy drinking tea, and the popularity of this beverage spread from China to various parts of the world.”

“Throughout the years, people still enjoy drinking tea, and the popularity of this beverage spread from China to various parts of the world.”

The Popularity of Tea in China

During the Sung Dynasty beginning 960 AD, the powdered form of tea became popular among the people. Tea drinkers also made use of ceramic accessories such as cups and pots with black, brown and dark blue glazes. These designs were sharp contrasts to the well-loved green color of tea that they drank.

By 1101, Emperor Hui Tsung came up with a text that described some techniques on how to prepare whisked green tea. He was one of the notable patrons of tea. He also had some tournaments that involved court members who were required to identify the different tea types. It was during his reign that teahouses were built in various natural settings.

1206 marked the start of the Yuan Dynasty, and numerous territories in China were conquered by Kublai Khan and Genghis Khan. It was not too long after the invasion of China that a Mongolian dynasty was established. At this point in history, tea was no longer just for the nobilities, but it was also enjoyed by the average person as it became an ordinary beverage.

In the Ming Dynasty, people developed a new way of preparing tea, which was by steeping whole tea leaves in boiling water. This technique has led to the pale color of tea, and white ceramic cups and pots became more preferred by tea drinkers.

Throughout the years, people still enjoy drinking tea, and the popularity of this beverage spread from China to various parts of the world.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_tea
http://www.tea.co.uk/tea-a-brief-history
http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/Chinese_tea/2011-07/15/content_22999489.htm

Posted on June 30, 2015August 19, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

China, 16 Kingdoms of

Mentioned in some texts as the Sixteen States, the 16 Kingdoms of China began in 304 AD and lasted in 439 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline with World History. This was a period in history that involved the establishment of several sovereign states in northern China; although they were short-lived. The people who set up these states were ethnic minorities and they took part in the overthrowing of the Jin Dynasty in the West in about 400 AD.

Historical Background

In 265, northern China was inhabited by non-Han Chinese. This started during the late Han to the earlier parts of the Jin dynasty. Xianbei and Xiongnu were only a few of the migrants who settled in the northern areas of China. They were originally pastoralist nomads that had once been situated in the northern steppes. Other migrants who remained in northern China included the Qiang and Di. They were herders and farmers who once lived in the western regions. Since they were migrants, they suffered from discrimination among the locals. Yet, some of them assumed official positions in China’s military and the court system. A huge number of these migrants, however, became farm laborers and lived with Han Chinese.

China,_16_Kingdoms_of — “They were herders and farmers who once lived in the western regions. Since they were migrants, they suffered from discrimination among the locals. Yet, some of them assumed official positions in China’s military and the court system. A huge number of these migrants, however, became farm laborers and lived with Han Chinese.”

“They were herders and farmers who once lived in the western regions. Since they were migrants, they suffered from discrimination among the locals. Yet, some of them assumed official positions in China’s military and the court system. A huge number of these migrants, however, became farm laborers and lived with Han Chinese.”

During Emperor Hui’s reign, the imperial authority of China underwent problems. It was the period of the War of the Eight Princes, and this resulted to the division of northern China. Several people died while others were forced to flee their homes. There were also numerous rebellions that occurred due to heavy taxation. As for Sichuan, a new kingdom was formed under the leadership of Li Xiong. This Di chieftain established the Cheng Han Kingdom after a victorious rebellion in 304. It was also the start of the formation of several other independent kingdoms or states in the northern part of China. This signaled the decline in the power and supremacy of the Jin authority.

Insights on the 16 Kingdoms

Cui Hong, a Chinese historian during the 6th century, first used the term 16 kingdoms in his texts. The kingdoms included the 5 Liangs, 4 Yans, 3 Qins, 2 Zhaos, Xia and Cheng Han. However, he no longer counted other kingdoms in this list, although there were several others that were formed such as the Western Yan, Zhai Wei, and Ran Wei. Northern Wei and Dai were not included, as well, and one reason for such was the fact that the Northern Wei soon became northern China’s ruling dynasty.

Other historians considered this period in China’s history as the 16 Kingdoms of the 5 Barbarians as ethnic minorities formed these kingdoms including the Dingling, Di, Qiang, Jie, Xianbei, and Xiongnu. These groups only took dynastic names as they founded the kingdoms. Some states that were established by Han Chinese had relations with these ethnic minorities.

These kingdoms did not last long because of political instability and intense competition among the different states. Historians regarded the 16 Kingdoms as one of China’s most difficult periods, and the fall of Western Jin Dynasty also had some resemblance with the decline in Western Rome‘s power because both of these were caused by barbaric tribe invasions.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixteen_Kingdoms
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/three_kingdoms/shu-kingdom/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Kingdoms

Posted on June 29, 2015October 20, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Tuniit/Dorset Culture

The Tuniit/Dorset Culture is referred to as the culture of the Paleo-Eskimo. They lasted from 500 BC (where they are listed on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History) to 1500 BC. The culture got its name from Cape Dorset, which was located in Nunavut, Canada. It was in this place where there was initial evidence of the culture’s existence and origin. According to historians, there were four phases in this culture and the different stages were due to the variations in the technologies introduced by the people. There were also artifacts discovered to prove the existence of the Dorset culture such as soapstone lamps, burns, and triangular end-blades.

Details about the Culture

Studies made in 1925 established the fact that the Dorset were noted as an independent culture. Based on archeological research, the Dorset were extinct by the year 1500 BC because they were unable to adapt well to the Medieval Warm Period. The Dorset were displaced by the Thule, who were originally from Alaska. In Inuit legends, the Tuniit were driven away from their homes. They were believed to be very tall and strong individuals, yet they were beaten away easily.

Tuniit_Dorset_Culture — “With the decline in the amount of sea-ice during the Medieval Warm Period the Dorset’s way of life rapidly changed. They could not cope with the changes and decided to live in the High Arctic.”

“With the decline in the amount of sea-ice during the Medieval Warm Period the Dorset’s way of life rapidly changed. They could not cope with the changes and decided to live in the High Arctic.”

The four periods in the Dorset culture include the Early, Middle, Late and the Terminal. During the time that the Thule reached the Canadian Arctic, the terminal phase of the culture already began. The Thule once lived in Alaska and headed towards the east to Canada. The Terminal phase is also believed to be linked to the start of the Medieval Warm Period in 800 AD as the Arctic soon became warmer. Due to the harsh change in climate, the sea ice separated from the High Arctic.

Life of the Dorset

The Dorset lived in a bitterly cold environment, and they hunted sea mammals for food. With the decline of sea-ice during the Medieval Warm Period, the Dorset’s way of life rapidly changed. They could not cope with the changes and decided to live in the High Arctic instead. They adapted to their new environment and developed tools that helped them get by with their daily routines and activities.

An impressive fact about the Dorset was their immense understanding of the environment. Since they were not like the Thule Inuit, who obtained their food through whaling. The Dorset only hunted sea mammals from holes formed through the ice. They also did not use sophisticated bow and arrow, and this prevented them from hunting larger animals that lived on land. They only used harpoons that allowed them to hunt for seals. However, there were instances when they killed narwhals and walrus for food.

To keep themselves warm, they wore thick clothing. These people also made use of soapstone in making lamps that were filled with sufficient amount of seal oil to generate heat in their homes. As for engraving or carving purposes, they used burins that come with sharp edges that resembled a chisel. Their skills include creating masks and miniature carvings. They were also known for their shamanistic tradition.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorset_culture
http://anthropology.uwaterloo.ca/ArcticArchStuff/dorset.html
http://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/archeo/paleoesq/ped01eng.shtml

Posted on June 24, 2015September 8, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Hopewell Culture 500 AD

Also known as the Hopewell tradition and is listed on the Bible Timeline Poster around 500 AD but began as early as 200 BC. This depicts different features of the culture of Native Americans in the United States, specifically in the midwestern and northeastern parts. This tradition was practiced in several societies instead of being focused only in one area. Those that adopted this culture were connected by trade routes referred to as the Exchange System. These routes extend from the southeastern parts of the United States. They would go as far as the Crystal River Indian Mounds and right into the north on the Canadian shores.

Insights on the Hopewell Culture

Trading is performed in the Hopewell Exchange System. Several items were traded including exotic materials that these were used by the people involved in the manufacturing and trading industry. After receiving these materials, the items were turned into products to be exported. In fact, these goods were brought to various parts of the United States.

The Hopewell culture depicts different features of the culture of Native Americans in the United States, specifically in the midwestern and northeastern parts.

The culture began in the western parts of New York which eventually spread into Ohio. However, there were claims that the Hopewell culture began in western Illinois. Initially, it was Warren Moorehead who first used the term Hopewell after he conducted explorations in Ross County, in Ohio. He studied the mound group in this area, and the group got its name from the family that once owned earthworks there.

According to historians, the Hopewell population displayed a high sense of social stability. They also specialized in using their resources to meet the needs of the growing population. The people also performed certain practices such as the cremation of deceased individuals. Graves that had more amounts of status goods and elaborate designs were regarded as having a higher ranking, which is particular among the hunters.

As for the rulers of the Hopewellian people, these were not the typical powerful and commanding authorities who only lead soldiers and slaves. Instead, these are individuals who possessed a high level of leadership skills and mastered the art of persuasion, particularly around religion and trade.

Legacy

The intricate, yet interesting artwork of the Hopewell population was one of their greatest legacies. In fact, these are considered as some of the finest artwork discovered in America. Their craftwork also possessed some significance in terms of religion, and it was typical for the graves of deceased Hopewellian to be embellished with necklaces, fine ceremonial pottery, pendants and fascinating carvings from wood or bone. There were also woven mats and stones that lined the graves.

The people were creative and resourceful. They transformed regular materials such as seashells, copper, Grizzly bear teeth, and shark’s teeth into lovely crafts. The artisans were also excellent carvers, and their mortuary mounds usually include carved pipes and statues.

The Hopewell population was considered an expert in artwork and trading. They possessed brilliant qualities and skills that enabled them to flourish as a strong society for many years.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopewell_tradition
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Hopewell_Culture?rec=1283
http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-133282/Early-North-American-farmers-east-of-the-Mississippi-River-are