Sources from the Past: Readings in History - Assignment Example

The relative heights of these bodily locations correspond exactly to the relative levels of the four castes in the social hierarchy. There are many other castes in the Aryan social structure as well, but the aforementioned are the main four.

The ‘Mandate from Heaven’ and its significance

5. What is the meaning of the “Mandate from Heaven?” Why was it significant to the Zhou Dynasty? How did a ruler know he had lost the mandate from heaven?

The expression ‘mandate from heaven’ refers to the legitimacy of the Chinese emperor’s right to rule the throne. Thus, Chinese emperors acquired their office not merely through exercising force but through permission for divine origin. This mandate made the emperor a holder of absolute power, though limited by his responsibility towards heaven. A failure to fulfill this responsibility and in enforcing basic morals had the consequence of resulting in a loss of the divine mandate. This would be indicated for example, by the occurrence of abnormal weather conditions, natural catastrophes or celestial irregularities. The concept of a ‘mandate from heaven’, called ‘naming’, was first developed by the Zhou dynasty in order to justify their conquest of the previous Shang dynasty. Furthermore, the divine mandate was significant to them so that they could retain the right to rule and continue to receive blessings.

The Mayan bloodletting rituals

6. What was the purpose of the Mayan bloodletting rituals? How were captives involved in bloodletting?

Blood sacrifices were an important part of the Mayan belief system and lifestyle. Bloodletting rituals were held by kings to mark every stage of life and important events both religious and political. This included births, accessions, and anniversaries. By conducting these rites, they also believed they could traverse cosmic boundaries and contact spirit ancestors and deities through altered states of consciousness. Following success in a battle, blood was also collected from the captives to offer to the gods. Blood from the ear, tongue and penis foreskin was considered to be the most sacred. Thus, blood was also taken from kings and queens because it helped to keep the cosmos in order and divine blood specifically helped to communicate with gods.

Source: Lynn V. Foster. Handbook to life in the ancient Maya world. Infobase Publishing. 2002. Pp. 191-194.

The Ionian revolt against the Persians

7. Why did the Greeks of Ionia revolt against the Persians? How successful was Darius against the Greeks? Which Greek person finally led the invasion of Persia?

The Greeks of Ionia revolted against Persia around 500 BCE as the first phase of the confrontation between the two civilizations. Although it is known as the ‘Ionian revolt’, other Greeks from outside of Ionia also participated. It is not certain whether Persian rule was oppressive at the time following the peaceful reign of Cyrus the Great. The revolt turned out to be a failure, but it was, as Herodotus described the situation, “the beginning of troubles”. The second successor, Darius, blamed Athens and Eretria for assisting in the revolt and sought revenge, which led to the Marathon campaign. Darius was successful against the Greeks because the excuse helped to expand his empire. However, the tide turned during the later Battle of Marathon. The Greek command during this battle was vested in 10 generals, but it was a civil official named Callimachus who decided in favor of attacking. Miltiades then became the commander-in-chief, who finally led the invasion of Persia.