These artifacts have been arranged not in chronological order, rather I have grouped them according to how they support my definition of learning. Items with similar justifications are placed near each other in the order.
JUSTINIAN CODE
Title: Justinian Code
Date:
Nationality:
Creator: King Justinian
Over time, laws and systems of government have changed and developed as various rulers have learned from the past. The Justinian Code caused a monumental shift, and as an ancient collection of laws, has provided insight to Justinian himself, as well as to the governing of a nation. Basic human rights that are of utmost value to people around the world today, including us in America.
This artifact will help my civilization because it will teach them how to be governed, and how to be organized. Capable and functioning societies are successful primarily because they are led by a strong government. A developed and organized civilization will be more free to develop their own talents or interests, and more free to learn. It would be impossible for my civilization to learn if they did not have the time to do so. Thus, it is imperative that a functioning government or code of sorts be employed first.
UNIVERSITIES
Title: Oxford University
Date: 12th Century
Nationality: English, or European
Creator: unknown
By the twelfth century, learning had come a long way, civilizations were highly developed, and eventually the "general European desire for personal reform and improvement, coupled with the Dominicans’ emphasis on learning, had spurred the establishment of these universities." (pg 372) Oxford was one of the first universities, and one of impressive architecture, which is why I have included its photograph. Another fuel for universities was the middle or merchant class, who had the time and desire to spend learning in these institutions.
The concept of universities is very impressive to me. It is amazing that a culture would value the quest for knowledge enough to build incredible institutions to facilitate that quest. These will be valuable to my civilization because it will provide them with a means to learn, with a location that encourages learning in every form of my definition- the search, the acquisition, and the application. I believe it is important for a society to have the means to learn and grow, or else it may never happen.
GREEK ALPHABET
Title: Greek Alphabet
Date: about 800 BC
Nationality: Greek
Creator: unknown
The Greeks revolutionized written language by using phonics rather than symbols. It was the creation of this alphabet that essentially caused a cultural shift for the Greeks out of the Dark Ages. Changing the Greek civilization, the alphabet led to classic works such as Aesop's fables, Homer's Illiad, Hesiod's writings. These works led eventually to the definitions and roots of ethics, religion, and science. With this new alphabet, people were able to communicate not only ideas, which could be vague and difficult to relay, but sounds and phonetic details that made it possible to understand others more precisely.
This supports my definition of learning because the Greek alphabet was a gateway for searching and applying ideas, knowledge and skills. Writing became easier, more widespread over the society and more useful. New ideas were able to be recorded and shared, and people began to describe the world around them better than ever, which eventually played an integral role in the invention of science, among other subjects. Learning from others is possible only through communication, which is possible through the Greek alphabet. Learning from others is as essential as, if not more than, learning on our own; it will be practical and imperative for my civilization to be able to communicate, to teach, and to learn.
SOCRATES
Title: Socrates
Date: 470-399 BC
Nationality: Greek
Socrates was one of the first of the great Greek philosophers, or "lovers of wisdom," and devoted his life to the search of that which is good and beautiful and true. From him, we can learn the worth of knowledge and learning.
"The only useful knowledge is that which betters us." With this quote, Socrates sets a value on learning as that which will better us. We must be striving for improvement, and the correct learning will assist on that journey. Never take for granted the ability or opportunity to learn.
Socrates will be beneficial to my definition of learning because he believed that wisdom is more than extensive knowledge - it is acquired through careful self-examination. He taught that learning is searching for knowledge, it is thinking. He taught that learning (and wisdom) are acquired through your own experience and awareness of yourself.
ROMAN AQUEDUCTS
Title: Roman aqueducts
Date: Middle Ages
Nationality: Roman
The Romans were a genius people whose innovations stemmed mainly from Greek inventions. There are numerous Greek ideas that served as patterns for Roman way of thinking and foundations for innovative solutions. Major differences between the two societies were their outlook on the world. Romans held practicality in high regard, while Greeks valued magnitude and freedom.
This will support my definition of learning and help my civilization because it shows how new applications of ideas and concepts acquired from others is learning. Building upon the innovations and teaching of others is learning, and it is valid. An aqueduct shows the Roman values of practicality, and the arches involved are revolutionary ideas stemmed from Greek advances in architecture. Together, the merging of societal values and advances created amazing solutions to common but pressing issues, such as transporting water through a city.
HYMN TO THE NILE
Title: Hymn to the Nile
Date: c. 2100 BCE
Nationality: Egyptian
Creator: debated, maybe scribes Ennana or Khety
Egyptian success is attributed primarily to the benefits of the Nile river they utilized. The river made life easier for the Egyptians, and they did not need to spend as much time trying to make life livable as other civilizations around that time did. For example, Mesopotamians were forced to focus on farming and soil techniques, while the Nile made those issues negligible for the Egyptians. Ultimately, the river allowed the people to learn in other ways, and to spend their time discovering other interests and learning/developing those. Without the river, the pyramids would not have been possible.
This artifact is important because it shows that the Egyptians realized and recognized the role of the Nile in their lives and in their ability to thrive and learn. My society will learn gratitude from this hymn; that learning is not something to be taken for granted and that it is important to be aware of and grateful for the things that allow us to acquire more knowledge. It will also teach them to learn through art, and that art is a very good form of expressing oneself and teaching others.
GREAT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
Title: The Great Pyramids of Giza
Date: after 3000 BC
Nationality: Egyptian
Creator: Old Kingdom Egyptians
The Pyramids, built after 3000 BC during the Old Kingdom of Egypt and mainly during the rule of Khufu, were an incredible accomplishment.
The Egyptians built many structures that all had significant value to their society. With a strong belief in an afterlife, it was imperative to have a safe place to store the bodies of pharaohs; thus the pyramids were constructed. But this was no easy feat - it took many years and multiple attempts to build the pyramids, with their precise angles and complex construction.
Building this wonder of the world took time and trials, they did not become great on the first try. The pyramids support my definition of learning because they demonstrate that it is possible to learn from failures, and to gain knowledge from a false application of principles. This will teach my society that experience includes trial and error, and is an adequate way to learn: that a mindset of growth and awareness is essential to success and learning.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
Title: Christopher Columbus
Date: alive 1451-1506
Nationality: Italian
From Christopher Columbus, we can learn from failures. Columbus believed for all of his life that he would and did sail to India, and believed he was successful. We know that indeed he failed at his goal, and landed on the American continents instead. But because of his failure, more exploration began, and nations were founded. While there was much destruction and fatalities of the native people, Christopher Columbus is credited for globalizing trade and relationships. Without his failure, the Old and New Worlds may perhaps have never met.
Throughout history, there have been many instances where failures have led to great accomplishments or discoveries, and therefore success. These instances have been called "Chris concepts," and they are the true artifact I wish to give to my new civilization. To acquire knowledge, even failures, is learning. And on top of that, applying the knowledge of failures, or unexpected successes, is greater learning.
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