Humanities:World Cultures (Week 1) - Term Paper Example

The Law of Hammurabi The Law of Hammurabi are based on a society following a caste system which is not applicable to the present day. The caste system which gives people positions on the society by birth, and receiving rights awarded to that social position, have different punishments for similar offenses. Slaves, under the Law Code of Hammurabi, can never strike up against a man who is of a higher position, regardless of any provocation. In the present day, the society follows a more civil protocol in terms of resolving the rights of the people, which is the main reason why we have labor laws to ensure the welfare of even the working class.

There are some similar laws like the ones applying to marriages. In the law code of Hammurabi, if a man never bedded his wife, it is considered to be a null marriage. In the present day, non-consummation of a marriage is grounds for divorce. The law code of Hammurabi follows an eye for an, a tooth for a tooth concept, which, in today's standards, is considered neanderthal or uncivilized and punishable by the present laws. 2: Egyptology and Archaeology Given the chance, Hatshepsut is the ruler I would prefer to be.

She was the first woman who ruled Egypt which entails breaking free from traditions and customs while remodeling it in order to build a better mold. Her reign is highly regarded. She re-established the trading relationships that were lost in the previous rule and her warfare was also very good. But despite the competency of her warfare, she opted for a peaceful era and reigned longer than any other pharaoh. I would like to be regarded in history as very noble and brilliant ruler, who led his people with both intelligence and honor.

Instead of trying to acquire more power by means of war, she opted to make her people economically good through trade. 3: Tombs and Monuments The tomb of Emperor Shihuangdi is more elaborate than the pyramids used as tombs by the pharaohs in Egypt. It is also more elaborate and intricate. The Egyptians believed that the pyramids will go into heaven with their pharaohs, which is just one of the many beliefs. However, on the case of the tomb of Emperor Shihuangdi, is doubtful that his people believed their emperor will take his whole army with him, which characterizes the design of his tomb.

Instead, the design of his tomb is more about the display of his power and rulership. 4: Representing Hindu and Buddhist Belief The earlier followers of Buddha believed that the essence of Buddhism is in the teachings and the way of life led by Buddha. They did not want to treat Buddha as a God, but rather, an ordinary man whose life we must follow. The present followers of Buddhism now allows images of Buddha to be displayed, and like many other religions, present offerings to the image. However, the followers are not worshiping the image.

Rather, they use the image as a reminder what the image stands for and present their offerings in reverence to the memory of his life, as well as keeping his teachings in mind. 5: Cultural Representations in Africa and the Americas Pyramids in the Mesoamerica are usually characterized by steps, and temples at the top. On the otherhand, pyramids from Nigeria looks akin to a triangle, but a straight and smooth line rather than steps like those of Mesoamericans. Pyramids in Nigeria are topped with a stick, which they use to indicate God's residence.

The main similarity between the two culture's pyramids lies in the concept of God's residence.