Society change between 1000 and 1300

Between the period of 1000 and 1300 a big cultural and religious change had taken place. I feel that most noticeable change was within the Catholics and the catholic churches. The Catholics were on the rise and many cathedrals were being built by them. The technology had advanced as well allowing better farming. The rich and the poor were in a way combined together especially when it came to education. The population also climbed in high numbers as the years went on. I believe that there was more change than continuity. I believe all the social levels showed change. Even today there is still change.

paul's letters

The Christian movement in the time of Paul, was one of confusion and disorder. In Paul’s letters to the Galatians, we see that he had to deal with those who were spreading false word. Also, he was struggling to let the Christians know, not to follow the word of Judaism anymore. That one should not practice Circumcisions and follow the Jewish diet. When it came to the Corinthians, Paul’s letters show that they were confused about the ideas of marriage and sexual behavior, according to the word of Christ. Paul had to work with the Galatians, Corinthians and the Thessalonians to help them understand the true word of God and what it meant.

It was evident that the ideas of Christianity were spreading quickly, but almost too quickly during this time. Many Jews/Gentiles were having the word of God preached to them. But this movement happened so quickly that the word had gotten skewed and distorted from one person to another.

The social groups that were members of this Christian movement were everyone: The rich and the poor, the woman and the men. Paul believed that the word of god was meant for everyone and it was not discriminatory, no matter whom you were.

Paul

Paul dealt with two groups of people. The first were the Jew’s and the second were Gentiles. Paul was an extremely religious person. Paul was open to all races assuming they would listen to the word he was trying to spread. His main goal was to bring everyone together and create one church. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither a slave nor free, there is neither male nor female for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:29). He wanted the church to grow and it did. Paul had problems with the Jewish and their circumcision beliefs. Paul believed that circumcision had no link to Christianity or Jesus. Paul believed that the Jews had to conform to Christianity; accepting Jesus into their lives uniting as one. Paul had a hard time understand why the Jews could not believe that Christ was who he was said to be.

Tacitus

In Tacitus’ history of the Germans , it is evident that he looks down upon their culture.

Tacitus considers the Germans to be a barbarian tribe, with no lineage or history. He criticizes their love for war, appearance, and society. While there are a few aspects of German society that Tacitus admires, such as marriage and loyalty, he makes it obvious that this society is not acceptable.

Tacitus’ reason behind this German history is to show the Romans what they should be proud of. It is as if he is trying to boost the Romans patriotism towards their own society. He does this by belittling another one. One line he states is, “…such as choice steeds, heavy armour, trappings, and neck-chains. We have now taught them to accept money also.” This shows how he is trying to show his fellow Romans that they are greater than the Germans and that the Roman way of life is the “correct” way.

It is obvious that Tactius thinks greatly of Roman society, with his slight unfriendly remarks about German society that are supposed to be belittling them. He makes the Romans seem more civilized and cultured in all aspects of life with comparing them to a very unadvanced society.

Pericles and the Athenian democracy.

Pericles believed in Democracy. Because of democracy Athens was great. Pericles was a strong and well respected citizen of Athens. The constitution of Athens, in the eyes of Pericles, allowed for Athens to flourish as a city and the citizens as a community. Outlined in the Athenian democracy were the basic rules and laws that governed the people freely and fairly. In order to establish greatness, one must compare to like environments. Pericles strongly believed that Athens was so great because it trumped its neighbors in so many different aspects. In regards of trade and travel, Athens was always open to outsiders who had come to learn, or to appreciate the arts and works of the city. Aliens were welcomed with open arms, a policy that greatly differed in opposing city-states such as Sparta. Another reason that made Athens great to Pericles was the sense of glory that all Athenians were able to enjoy. Pericles had made references to the founders and to those who came before him in saying that they did not die in vain defending Athens and what they had strived for their entire lives was not for nothing. From this arose a sense of great nationalism. As Pericles said the citizens of Athens were proud to break the “garland of victory in this race of valor.” Citizens were proud to give their lives for Athens. Pericles also noted that because of Athenian democracy a strong economy would develop and sustain itself. Pericles had mentioned that he was proud to see deeds being met with other deeds, instead of mere words. He was a very proud citizen of Athens.

I completely agree with Pericles in his pride for Athens. A sense of nationalism is a good feeling and makes things special and unique for your society. Athens was indeed great because of its ability to allow for the flourishment of art and philosophy while protecting and serving its citizens.

What made Athens great?

It is hard to tell whether or not Pericles was being honest with himself in his Funeral Oration speech. Under the circumstances, he seemed very distraught over the fact that he was forced by law to make a speech. “It becomes my duty to obey the law and to try to satisfy your several wishes and opinions as best I may.” This one line makes me think that a lot of what he was saying could very well been exaggerated in order to “satisfy” those who were mourning, and to give a justifiable cause to their loves ones death. Even with this factor, Pericles paints a vivid description of a perfect democracy.

Democracy is the basis of Pericles’ speech. He states that all men are essentially equal, those of a lower class can participate in politics and fight for Athens, just the same as those of a higher class. “If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences.” According to the Athens society no man should be discriminated against in any aspect of society. Further more Pericles boast, “Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves.” For a nation to be “the leader” of all nations is a huge accomplishment, especially in a time where democracy was just in it’s beginnings.

The most essential point of Pericles’ speech is that Athens is great because of her people. “For the Athens that I have celebrated is only what the heroism of these and their like have made her” Pericles regards the fallen heroes of the battle as the real reason Athens is the greatest city. The Athenians have a great sense of honor and pride in their city and if it were not for the people having faith in Athens then it would surly crumble.

I agree with everything that Pericles had to say in his speech, even though he was forced by law to make it. The idea of democracy is very important to society, and the fact that Athens was the forerunner in democracy at the time was a huge accomplishment. The ideals of Athens were that of a perfect society, where everyman was equal no matter of their class and that everyman should receive the same amount of honor.

Laura Hummel

Question #2 WHat made Athens Great?

Pericles made Athens great just by the fact that he supported and pushed democracy. I feel that he brought all the classes of wealth into one or at least tried to. When I think about his name I think of "freedom" and "different". His views on freedom were defiantly good choices. Outsiders were welcome and the lifestyle did not seem to be building on a materialistic base. He felt that long as you put in some effort towards the city then they would be rewarded. I agree with Pericles but at the same time I do not. Freedom can be a good thing but then bad at the same time. Some may take advantage of that and hurt themselves along with others.