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Codex Mendoza Folio 2R
The Codex Mendoza is a manuscript painted on European paper, consisting of 71 folios bound in book style. It combines pictorial representations with commentary in Náhuatl and Spanish, providing a rich and multifaceted historical document. The codex is divided into three sections: When analyzing Folio 2r from the Codex Mendoza, consider the following question: Complete…
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On the Harmony of Religion and Philosophy
Like Christianity in the West, Islam grappled with the conflict between revealed truth (revelation) and reason (philosophy). Abu al-Walid Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Rushd (1126–1198 CE), known in the West as Averroes and referred to as ‘the Commentator’ for his extensive glosses on Aristotle’s works, addressed this challenge in his treatise On the Harmony of…
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The Annals
Cornelius Tacitus, born c. 56 CE in either Narbonese or Cisalpine Gaul, and active until his death around c. 120 CE, was one of Rome’s most significant historians. Among his key works are The Histories, Germania, and The Annals. The Annals focuses on the early history of imperial Rome, examining the autocratic rule that supplanted…
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Metaphysics
Aristotle (384–322 BCE) was one of the most influential and prolific Greek philosophers of his time. His extensive writings covered a wide range of topics, including logic, metaphysics, ethics, and political theory, leaving an enduring impact on thinkers from Late Antiquity through the Renaissance. In his Metaphysics, one of his principal works, Aristotle described its…
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Tanakh
The Tanakh represents the sacred canon of writings in Judaism, its name serving as an acronym for the tripartite division of this collection: the Torah (Law), the Nevi’im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). These texts, believed to have been written and compiled between 1100 and 100 BCE, form the foundation of Jewish faith and practice.The…
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The Analects
The Analects of Confucius, a timeless collection of wisdom, encapsulates the teachings of Confucius (551–479 BCE), one of China’s most influential philosophers. Compiled by his disciples after his death, this anthology addresses the social and political upheavals of his time. Confucius aimed to restore order by reviving the traditions of the Zhou dynasty, emphasizing court…
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Discourse of the Turning Wheel
The Buddha’s first public sermon, commonly known as the Discourse of the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, marks the beginning of his mission to share his teachings with the world. The title reflects the sermon’s pivotal role in inaugurating the Buddha’s public teaching journey. In this foundational discourse, the Buddha introduces key elements of…
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The Law Code of Hammurabi
Hammurabi (r. 1795–1750 BCE) was a ruler of Babylon’s Amorite Dynasty, renowned for creating a comprehensive law code that remains one of the most significant legal documents of the ancient world. This code, now housed at the Louvre Museum in France, provides historians with invaluable insights into the social attitudes, legal principles, and daily lives…
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The Cave of Altamira
Uncovering the details of human life during the Paleolithic Age poses significant challenges, as this period predates the development of writing. As a result, scholars depend on the archaeological record and studies of present-day hunting and foraging societies to draw conclusions about human lifeways during this era. In this activity, you will have the opportunity…
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Çatalhöyük Archive Report: Human Remains (1997)
The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, first discovered in the late 1950s, is one of the most significant archaeological sites of its period due to its size, population density, and the wealth of artifacts uncovered. Initial excavations were carried out by James Mellaart in the early 1960s, and since then, an international team of archaeologists, led…